Dangers of Aluminum Wiring in Arizona Homes (And How It Affects Your Insurance)
- Charlotte Burr
- Mar 1
- 2 min read
During the 1960’s the price of copper skyrocketed and many new homes that were being remodeled had aluminum wiring installed. It was a known fact that aluminum wasn’t as effective of a conductor as copper but it was still seen as the cheaper alternative. Later, the Consumer Product Safety Commission deemed that this aluminum wiring was 55% more likely to result in a fire than copper wiring. Now older homes in the Phoenix and Tempe area can be at risk.
The primary reason for this is what happens to the aluminum wires as a result of oxidation. There isn’t a problem when copper oxide forms because it is a good conductor. On the other hand, aluminum oxide acts as an insulator that interferes with the flow of electricity and can cause overheating/fire. The longer the wires have been deteriorating the more likely a fire is to occur. Homes built from 1965-1972 are usually at the highest risk due to the type of aluminum that was used.
Some signs that your home is at risk include:
Flickering lights
Outlets/switches feeling warm to touch
Burning smell near outlets/switches
Sparks or other signs of overheating within the walls
If you’re experiencing any of the above signs or have other reason to believe your home has aluminum wiring, it’s very important to contact a professional to inspect your home. It’s important to note that not all aluminum wiring is hazardous, but to be sure it’s best to have an inspection done.
If you’re informed that your home has dangerous aluminum wiring, there are typically two solutions: rewiring your entire home or replace your connections with Copalum connectors. Copalum connectors are a piece of copper wire that causes aluminum connections to be “pig-tailed” to copper wire. Rewiring your home can be very expensive so Copalum connectors have two main benefits:
Cost-effective in comparison to rewiring
Considered a permanent and safe solution by the Consumer Product Safety Commission
If you have any reason to believe your home and family are in danger be sure to take appropriate action.
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