If you live in an older home, it’s possible that the electrical wiring is made from aluminum. This type of wiring was popular during the 1960s, when copper prices skyrocketed, causing contractors to look for ways to save money on new construction.
Unfortunately, aluminum wiring poses a significant safety risk and is often associated with fires in homes. This is due to the fact that aluminum wire can move and crack over time, causing arcing and overheating.
The best way to avoid these problems is to have your electrical AOM Electrical Services wiring inspected by a licensed electrician. This will help you identify potential issues and take steps to resolve them quickly and effectively.
You can also call your insurance agent and have them check your coverage. Many insurers will deny coverage or charge a higher premium if the wiring is from aluminum, and may even require you to undergo rewiring before they can renew your policy.
Whether you want to do a full rewiring or just need to replace some of your aluminum connections, you’ll need to consult a licensed electrician for guidance. An expert in this area will be able to offer you a complete estimate of the project and provide you with recommendations regarding costs, duration, and how much work will be involved in the process.
Rewiring can be a costly and disruptive project, so you’ll want to ensure that it’s done by a qualified and experienced electrician. This is especially true if you have historic home features, such as old fireplaces or built-in cabinets that need rewiring to accommodate modern appliances and electronics.
If you’re thinking about rewiring your house, contact an experienced electrician for a free consultation and quote. They will be able to offer you advice and guidance on the best way to proceed with your remodeling project while ensuring your safety and the integrity of the home’s architecture.
In most cases, rewiring will involve replacing the aluminum wiring with copper. This can be a costly process but it’s the most effective method of eliminating safety concerns and fire risks related to aluminum wiring.
Another option is to create a pigtail connection by splicing a length of copper wire (pigtail) to your existing aluminum wire. Then, your electrician will attach the pigtail to the electrical device using special wire nuts or crimp connectors.
Alternatively, you could have your aluminum wiring converted to copper by a trained and certified electrician. This will address many of the problems that come with aluminum wiring, including fire risks and high resistance.
If you don’t have the budget for a full rewiring, an electrician can convert your switches and outlets to copper wiring instead of aluminum. This will reduce the electrical fire risk and improve your home’s energy efficiency.
The cost of this type of upgrade will depend on the size of your home and any other renovations that might need to be done during the course of the project. A moderately-sized home with 1,500 square feet of living space will typically cost around $3,500 to $8,000 for a complete rewiring job, although larger homes can run into the tens of thousands of dollars.