Aluminum Wiring in Homes: What You Need to Know

You might be wondering if your home has aluminum wiring, and if that is something you should be concerned about. If your house was built between the mid-1960s and late 1970s, there is a real chance it has aluminum wiring. Once used as a cheaper alternative to copper, aluminum wiring is now linked to serious electrical issues and a higher risk of house fires.

The real pain is the uncertainty. You cannot see what is behind your walls and may not know whether your home’s wiring is safe until it is too late. That creates anxiety around something you should feel confident in: your home.

At Integra Electrical, we have spent more than 20 years working on older homes like yours, and aluminum wiring is something we see often. The good news is that you are not alone. Once you understand the risks, there are clear steps you can take to make your home safer.

By the end of this article, you will learn 

• What is aluminum wiring?
• The 3 biggest issues with aluminum wiring 
• What you can do to protect your home. 

Whether you are dealing with a problem or just want peace of mind, you deserve to feel confident in your electrical system.

What Is Aluminum Wiring?

In the mid-1960s, copper prices increased, and builders started looking for more affordable options. This led to the use of aluminum wiring in many homes. Aluminum wiring is an electrical wiring made from aluminum instead of copper. It became common in homes built between 1965 and 1975. At the time, it was seen as a smart, cost-saving choice, but over the years, safety concerns began to appear.

Aluminum carries electricity well, but it behaves differently from copper. It expands and contracts more with heat, and it reacts faster to air. When exposed to oxygen, it forms a layer of corrosion that blocks the flow of electricity. This can cause overheating at outlets and switches and increase the risk of a fire.

Today, aluminum wiring is no longer used for the regular wiring inside new homes. The National Electrical Code still allows it in some cases, but only if specific materials and safety practices are used. Many insurance companies consider it a fire risk and may require updates or inspections.

The 3 Biggest Problems With Aluminum Wiring

Aluminum wiring changes with age. Even if everything seems fine, issues can build slowly behind your walls. These problems rarely show early signs, and the longer the wiring stays in place, the more likely it is to become unsafe.

Here are the three most common dangers we find in homes with aluminum wiring.

1. Loose or Unstable Connections

Aluminum wiring moves more than copper as it heats and cools. Over time, this movement loosens wires where they connect to outlets, switches, and breaker panels.

When wires come loose, electricity can arc, or jump, across gaps. Think of arcing like a tiny lightning bolt firing again and again. It creates heat, and that heat builds up behind the wall. Over time, it can melt plastic, damage insulation, or start a fire.

This kind of issue often hides in plain sight. Your outlet may still work. Your lights may turn on. But the danger could be building quietly behind the scenes without you knowing it.

2. Corrosion and Heat Buildup

Aluminum reacts with air and forms a layer of corrosion. This layer blocks electricity and creates resistance. More resistance means more heat.

It is like pushing water through a clogged pipe. Water still moves, but the pressure builds up. In your electrical system, that pressure becomes heat.

This is worse when aluminum and copper wires are connected without the right materials. The metals react badly together and break down faster. We have seen outlets that worked perfectly on the surface, but behind the wall, the wires were scorched from years of hidden heat.

3. Unsafe or Outdated Repairs

Many homes with aluminum wiring have been repaired over the years. Some fixes were done by electricians. Others were done by past homeowners who meant well but used the wrong parts. That is why it matters who does the work. If you are facing repairs, it helps to understand the difference between licensed electrical companies and independent electricians before deciding who to trust. 

Aluminum wiring needs special connectors and methods. Most parts made for copper are not built to handle the way aluminum behaves. Using the wrong parts can lead to loose connections, overheating, and system failure.

Some repairs that were considered safe in the past are now known to be unreliable. A fix from twenty years ago could be a hidden fire risk today. That is why it matters not just whether your home has aluminum wiring, but how it has been handled.

Next Steps if Your Home Has Aluminum Wiring

If you have aluminum wiring, or think you might, the first step is to get a licensed electrician to inspect it. They can check for risks and explain your options.

In some cases, repairs can make the system safer. In others, especially where damage or old work is found, partial or full rewiring may be the better choice. What matters is knowing the condition of your system so you can plan with confidence.

Taking action does not mean rushing into a big project. It means learning what is going on behind your walls so you can prevent bigger issues later.

We understand that rewiring can feel like a big step, especially when the cost is unclear. It helps to know what the cost of rewiring could look like for your home so you can make informed decisions with clarity and peace of mind.