SERVICES
Aluminum wire repairs
Due to the price of copper rising in the 1950s and 1960s, aluminum wiring was used to wire some homes in the United States from approximately 1965 to 1973. Aluminum wire seemed like a perfectly reasonable substitute for copper at the time as it possesses many similar properties to copper, most importantly a close match in conductivity (but still not as conductive as copper).
Unfortunately, it was soon discovered that over time aluminum wiring in homes could degrade more quickly than copper wire.
Issues with aluminum wiring:
Degradation in the branch wiring connections due to oxidation
Oxidation is a byproduct any metal’s contact with oxygen, which is usually caused by contact with air or water. Oxidation creates aluminum oxide which is far less conductive than aluminum. As a result, the conductivity of the branch circuit is reduced which results in excess heating of the wire. If the wire becomes too hot than it can burn through its sheathing and close combustibles may ignite and cause a house fire.
Loosening of the connections due to aluminum being more malleable and softer than copper
After a screw has been tightened too much on an aluminum wire it can continue to deform even after tightening has ceased. This can create a loose connections which creates electrical resistance. If there is too much resistence in a wire then there will be an increase in heat, eventually becoming a fire hazard.
Expansion and contraction of aluminum wiring due to temperature changes
This is a similar behavior in copper wires but this is even more pronounced in aluminum wiring. When these size changes occur they can compromise the connections between a branch wire and a receptacle.
Possible solutions
for aluminum wiring include:
Rewiring the entire home with new copper wire
This is by far the most expensive solution and is rarely done as it is so cost prohibitive.
Attaching a piece of copper wire to the ends of the aluminum branch wiring
These are known as COPALUM connectors or the COPALUM crimp method. The COPALUM crimp method works by connecting a short length of copper wire to both ends of an aluminum wire. Then, a special crimping tool that will cold-welds the connector will be used to secure the connector to the aluminum wiring. Then, a tube is that shrinks when heat is applied is put on the connector. Finally, heat is applied to the tube and the connection is completed.
Considering replacing the aluminum wiring in your home?
Give us a call if you have any questions about your aluminum wiring or would like a free estimate.
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