What If I Have Aluminum Wiring in My Home?

Rick Kreis

April 21, 2025

If your home was built between the mid-1960s and mid-1970s, there’s a good chance it contains aluminum electrical wiring. While aluminum wiring isn’t inherently dangerous, its connection points and long-term reliability raise serious safety concerns. Left unchecked, faulty aluminum wire connections can lead to overheating, sparking, and even electrical fires.

So how do you know if it is safe — and when should you consider rewiring your aluminum wiring?

Why Aluminum Wiring Can Be Problematic

Aluminum is softer and more reactive than copper. The biggest issue isn’t the wire itself — it’s how it connects to outlets, switches, and other components. Over time, aluminum wiring tends to:

  • Oxidize (form a coating when exposed to air), reducing conductivity
  • Expand and contract with temperature changes, loosening connections
  • React chemically with copper when mixed without proper connectors

These conditions can create hot spots, increase resistance, and pose a fire hazard, especially at switches and receptacles.

Why Aluminum Wiring Is No Longer Used In Homes

Aluminum was popular due to its low cost and availability during copper shortages, but it fell out of favour because of:

  • High rates of connection failure
  • Frequent overheating due to oxidation
  • Softness that made it more prone to breakage during installation
  • Its exclusion from modern codes — the Canadian Electrical Code no longer permits aluminum wiring smaller than #6 gauge for residential use
electrician working on a plug

Is Aluminum Wiring Safe?

Aluminum wiring can be safe if properly maintained and handled with care. Issues typically arise during renovations or when replacing switches and outlets without the correct components.

To reduce risk, you must:

Signs You Have Problematic Aluminum Wiring

If you notice any of the following signs, it’s time to have your aluminum wiring checked:

  • Flickering lights, even after changing bulbs
  • Warm outlets, switches, or cover plates
  • Buzzing sounds or occasional sparking
  • Burning smells or discoloration near receptacles

These could be early warnings of loose or failing connections and should be addressed immediately by a professional electrician.

How to Maintain Aluminum Wiring Safely

Even if your wiring looks fine on the surface, connection fatigue from expansion and contraction continues over time. Here’s how to stay safe:

  • Have a licensed electrician perform regular inspections
  • Never attempt DIY fixes — aluminum wiring is more delicate and prone to failure than copper

Should I Replace Aluminum Wiring with Copper?

In many cases, yes — especially if:

While full rewiring can be a significant investment, it dramatically improves home safety and long-term reliability.

What Is Pig-Tailing — and Is It a Safe Less Expensive Alternative?

If your aluminum wiring is in good condition, you may be able to avoid a full replacement by using a method called “pig-tailing.”

Pig-tailing involves connecting short pieces of copper wire to your aluminum wiring using specialized connectors. This allows you to use standard modern outlets and switches safely. However, pig-tailing must be done by a licensed electrician, as aluminum is fragile and requires expert handling.

Aluminum Wiring FAQs

Is aluminum wiring legal in Alberta?

Yes, but only if installed correctly using approved methods. Most modern devices are not compatible, and updates must meet CEC standards.

Can I get home insurance with aluminum wiring in Alberta?

Possibly, but many insurers require a safety inspection or documented upgrades (like pig-tailing).

Does aluminum wiring affect resale value?

It can. Homes with documented copper upgrades or pig-tailing often have fewer roadblocks during inspection and sale.

Final Thoughts: Aluminum Wiring Isn’t a DIY Project

Whether seeing signs of trouble or simply planning a renovation, treating aluminum wiring carefully is essential. A professional inspection can help you understand your options — from safe maintenance to partial or complete rewiring. At Kreistrom, we specialize in aluminum wiring inspection, upgrades, and pig-tailing services to ensure your home stays safe and code-compliant. Contact us today for a free quote or to book an in-home evaluation.

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Rick Kries

Rick Kreis

Master Electrician

Rick has 30+ years experience in the Electrical Field, working on everything from residential new builds to Renovations. Rick has an extensive knowledge in motors and controls. He has been working on refrigeration electrical and controls for over 25 years as well as mechanical and electrical for overhead cranes, computer controls, boiler controls and home automation. Rick has been a business owner for the past 13+ years and has just recently started this new venture with his son Mitchell.

Rick loves soccer and can be found most weekends cheering on Manchester United. Rick spent the last 25 years raising his 3 sons with wife Lisa and coaching the boys in competitive soccer.

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