Is Aluminum Wiring Dangerous? A Guide for Vancouver Homeowners

Aluminum Wiring in Vancouver Homes: What You Need to Know

If your Vancouver-area home was built between 1965 and 1976, there's a good chance it has aluminum wiring. During this period, copper prices were high, and aluminum became a popular alternative for residential electrical wiring. While aluminum is an excellent conductor of electricity, single-strand aluminum wiring used in homes during this era has some significant safety concerns that every homeowner should understand.

Why Was Aluminum Wiring Used?

The switch to aluminum wiring was primarily economic. Copper prices spiked in the mid-1960s, making aluminum an attractive alternative—it was cheaper and readily available. Approximately 2 million homes in Canada were wired with aluminum during this period, many of them in the Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and Richmond areas.

The Problem with Aluminum Wiring

Aluminum wiring itself isn't inherently dangerous—it's still used today for specific applications like service entrance cables. The problems arise at connection points (outlets, switches, fixtures) due to aluminum's physical properties:

1. Oxidation

Aluminum oxidizes (forms a coating) when exposed to air. This oxide layer increases electrical resistance, generating heat at connection points.

2. Thermal Expansion

Aluminum expands and contracts significantly with temperature changes. Over time, this cycling loosens connections, creating gaps where heat can build up.

3. Softness

Aluminum is softer than copper. Over-tightened connections can damage the wire, while under-tightened connections become loose over time.

4. Incompatible Devices

Standard outlets and switches of that era were designed for copper wire. When connected to aluminum, the different metals create galvanic corrosion and loose connections.

Is Aluminum Wiring a Fire Hazard?

Research by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission found that homes with aluminum wiring are 55 times more likely to have connections reach fire hazard conditions than homes with copper wiring. While this statistic sounds alarming, it's important to understand:

• Most aluminum-wired homes will never have a fire
• The risk is at connection points, not in the wire itself
• Proper remediation significantly reduces the risk
• Many homes have had safe aluminum wiring for 50+ years

Signs of Aluminum Wiring Problems

Watch for these warning signs:

• Warm or hot outlet covers
• Flickering lights
• Burning smell near outlets
• Sparking when plugging in devices
• Outlets that don't work intermittently
• Discoloration around outlets or switches

Your Options for Aluminum Wiring

Option 1: Complete Rewiring (Most Thorough)

Replacing all aluminum wiring with copper provides the most complete solution. However, this is the most expensive option and often requires opening walls.

Approximate cost: $15,000-$30,000+ depending on home size

Option 2: COPALUM Crimping (Gold Standard Repair)

COPALUM is a specific crimp connector that permanently connects copper pigtails to aluminum wires. This repair is approved by insurance companies and building codes.

Approximate cost: $50-$100 per connection point

Option 3: AlumiConn Connectors (Common Alternative)

AlumiConn are specially designed wire connectors approved for aluminum-to-copper connections. They're more accessible than COPALUM and widely accepted.

Approximate cost: $30-$50 per connection point

Option 4: CO/ALR Rated Devices

Outlets and switches rated "CO/ALR" are designed for direct aluminum wire connections. While better than standard devices, many experts recommend pigtailing as a more reliable solution.

Insurance Considerations

Many insurance companies in BC have specific policies regarding aluminum wiring:

• Some won't insure homes with aluminum wiring
• Others require an electrical inspection
• Many accept homes with properly remediated connections
• Some require re-inspection every few years

Before buying a home with aluminum wiring—or if you're concerned about your current coverage—check with your insurance provider about their requirements.

What Vancouver Home Inspectors Look For

When evaluating homes with aluminum wiring, inspectors and electricians check:

• Overall condition of connections
• Signs of overheating or past problems
• Type of devices installed (CO/ALR or standard)
• Whether any remediation has been performed
• Panel condition and capacity

Professional Aluminum Wiring Assessment

ERG Electric Ltd. provides comprehensive aluminum wiring assessments for Vancouver-area homes. Our evaluation includes:

1. Complete inspection of accessible connection points
2. Thermal imaging to detect hot spots
3. Documentation of current conditions
4. Detailed recommendations for remediation
5. Cost estimates for various repair options

Making Your Home Safe

If your home has aluminum wiring, don't panic—but do take it seriously. Proper remediation can make your home as safe as one with copper wiring, often at a fraction of the cost of complete rewiring.

Concerned about aluminum wiring in your home? Call ERG Electric Ltd. at 778-237-2470 for a professional assessment.