Answer: In most cases Explanation: Rewiring a home that has aluminum branch-circuit wiring is recommended in most cases, especially if the wiring is from the 1960s–1970s era. Aluminum wiring from that period is known to have higher failure rates, loose connections, and overheating risks, which can lead to arc faults and electrical fires. Copper is the modern standard because it’s safer, more stable, and more durable.
Why the answer is “in most cases”:
Aluminum wiring is prone to loose connections: It expands and contracts more than copper, which can cause overheating.
Higher fire risk: Poor terminations and oxidation increase the chance of arc faults.
Insurance concerns: Some insurers charge higher premiums or require corrective work.
Copper is the industry standard: It’s safer, more reliable, and passes inspections more easily.
Improves home value and buyer confidence: Copper wiring is a selling point in older homes.
When full rewiring may not be necessary:
CO/ALR-rated devices can be used, but they are a partial mitigation.
AlumiConn or COPALUM repairs can reduce risk without full rewiring.
Circuits in good condition with no signs of overheating may not require immediate replacement.
Summary
Rewiring with copper is recommended in most cases, especially for safety, reliability, and long-term value. However, there are approved repair methods that can reduce risk if a full rewire isn’t feasible. |
| EcoWise Electric LLC |
Answer: In most cases Explanation: Because of the age of the wire, we recommend replacing all aluminum to copper to ensure proper connections and longer protection of your home. |
| G & H Electrical Services, LLC |
Answer: Always Explanation: If you're home, it's widely luminous and wire, you want to get that out as soon as you can as it overheats and melts like an aluminum Pan. I want to get hot and stay hot and stays hot for a long period time to heat takes a long time to dissipate |
| Alltypes electric llc |
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| ProMatcher |
Answer: In some cases Explanation: If the homeowner gets a licensed inspector or electrician to do a complete safety inspection and it is determined that the existing wiring is a hazard, then yes, I would recommend re-wiring the home in copper. Copper is more efficient than aluminum in what "loads" it can handle, plus it requires less maintenance. |
| Electrical Services Plus LLC |
Answer: In some cases Explanation: There are other methods of remediating the problem instead of rewiring the entire house |
| LVC Electric inc |
Answer: In some cases Explanation: This is a topic of much debate. Depending on what type of aluminum is used, there is nothing inherently unsafe about it. But every connection and wire nut needs to be inspected and potentially redone with considerably more expensive materials. Sometimes the price difference is relatively small to rewire. |
| Aegis Electric LLC |
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| ProMatcher |
Answer: Always Explanation: There are many opinions on this but I never liked that type of wiring and would never have it inside my own home |
| D B Electric |
Answer: In some cases Explanation: Dependent upon expense but at least replace switches and receptacles due to the contraction and expansion of the wire due to heating and cooling which can loosen connections over time and cause arcing faults |
| My Electrician |
Answer: Always Explanation: electricity causes wiring to expand and contract this happens more with aluminum and can cause fires |
| Advanced Electrical and Energy |
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| ProMatcher |
Answer: Never Explanation: I would recommend making your home safer using Alumiconn connectors. No failures have been reported using these and is a cost effective method and 1 of only 2 methods besides rewiring recommended by the Consumer Product Safety Commission |
| Jove Electric |
Answer: In most cases Explanation: If the house is wired with aluminum and you never had any problems with the wiring. it is "probably" better to leave it, and add other electrical safety devices for better protection. Otherwise it is recommended to rewire the home with copper wiring. |
| LED Electrical Services |