Answer: 30+ years Explanation: Aluminum electrical wiring can last 30 years or more when it’s properly installed, undamaged, and used with the correct devices and connectors. The wire itself doesn’t “expire,” but the connections are the weak point. Aluminum expands and contracts more than copper, which can loosen terminations over time and create heat or arcing risks if not maintained.
Why aluminum wiring can last 30+ years
The conductor itself is stable and doesn’t corrode internally under normal conditions.
Most issues occur at terminations, not in the wire runs.
Modern CO/ALR-rated devices and proper anti-oxidant compounds greatly improve longevity.
Regular inspection keeps connections tight and safe.
When problems show up
Older homes (1960s–1970s) with aluminum branch circuits often used non-rated devices, which can overheat.
Loose or improperly torqued connections can degrade faster.
High-load circuits (heaters, dryers) may stress aluminum more if not installed correctly.
Summary
The aluminum wiring itself can last decades, but the safety of the system depends on the condition of the connections. That’s why inspections, proper devices, and correct installation practices are essential. |
| EcoWise Electric LLC |
Answer: 30+ years Explanation: Typically aluminum wiring can last for over 40 years, but it depends on the usage and what it is being used for. Current code restricts using aluminum wires for branch circuitry. |
| G & H Electrical Services, LLC |
Answer: 30+ years Explanation: Aluminum wires can last up to 100 years if installed correctly. |
| CHI Construction |
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| ProMatcher |
Answer: 30+ years Explanation: Houses were wired with aluminum wire for years and I have encountered them still today. The biggest issue with aluminum wire is that it is more prone to the heat / cool cycle of electrical current. Because of that thermo-cycle, the wire connections loosen over a period of time, thus requiring more maintenance than copper wire. |
| Electrical Services Plus LLC |
Answer: Not sure Explanation: Aluminum wiring should never be used as branch circuits in a home. |
| RAC Electrical Services` |
Answer: Not sure Explanation: There is no actual number of years that you could apply to this question |
| LVC Electric inc |
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| ProMatcher |
Answer: Not sure Explanation: Depends on conditions and if it was installed correctly. I've seen wiring that is 30+ years old and still fine and I've seen newly installed wiring that needs to be redone. |
| Aegis Electric LLC |
Answer: 20-25 years Explanation: I'm not sure exactly how long because it comes down to two factors. 1. how well did the electrician perform the work. 2. the amount of load on any circuit (higher the amperage the faster the conductor will break down) |
| Electrical Services Inc. |
Answer: Not sure Explanation: Not sure |
| Construct Boss |
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| ProMatcher |
Answer: 30+ years Explanation: With proper install and maintenance your aluminum wiring will last for many years |
| Seabreeze Electric |
Answer: Not sure Explanation: Is this for services, aluminum branch wiring is not allowed |
| Kristoff Electric |
Answer: Not sure Explanation: Seen them Pretty old |
| Advanced Electrical and Energy |
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| ProMatcher |
Answer: 30+ years Explanation: This was the old type of cable used. In order to use new copper wiring with the old, a special connectors are needed so aluminum does not corrode when touched with copper. |
| Advanced automation inc |
Answer: 30+ years Explanation: You only see it for the electrical service mostly , today the home is all copper wiring. |
| DiBiagio Electrical Construction llc |
Answer: 5-10 years Explanation: depends on maintenance alum connections always come loose and loose connections always burn,I do not recommend alum wire at all |
| GREEN ELECTRIC |
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| ProMatcher |