Aluminum wiring was widely used in the 1960s and 1970s due to its low cost. It has been found that, over time, the aluminum wires become dangerous. Aluminum expands and contracts with the passage of electric current, which loosens the connections and causes the ends of the wires to spark. It has been estimated that homes with aluminum branch wiring are 55 times more likely to catch fire than those homes wired with copper.
There are two basic options: (1) Rewire and (2) Crimp
(1) Rewire: The aluminum branch wires can be replaced with copper wiring. Depending on how many branches are aluminum, this might be a very costly process.
(2) Crimp: A process by which copper ends are affixed to the aluminum wires, making them safer. Two main products are used: Copalum Crimp and Alumiconn Connectors.
For insurance purposes, no Homeowners Insurance company wants to insure a home with aluminum branch wiring. Most companies require a rewire, but there are a few who will accept crimping as a fix.
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