![]() ![]() Since copper is sturdier and far less likely to overheat and breakdown, this prevents overheating. With this process, copper cable, instead of aluminum, connects to electrical devices. “Repairing” aluminum wiring means an electrician simply attaches a short section of copper cable to the end of the aluminum wire at every connection point in your home. “Replacing” aluminum wiring requires completely removing aluminum wiring throughout the house and replacing it with copper cable (the aluminum wiring is usually just left abandoned inside the walls).īecause almost all electrical wiring runs between walls, this method is time-consuming and requires cutting holes in the walls, leading to costly repairs. Let’s take a closer look at what it means to replace aluminum wire vs just repair it. So, while completely replacing aluminum wires obviously prevents fire hazards (aluminum wires can’t overheat if they’re not there, right?), “repairing” just the electrical connections (the actual problem spots) is an equally safe, permanent and cost-effective alternative to replacement. You see, aluminum wiring has only been found to overheat at electrical “connections”, i.e., outlets, dimmers, switches, fixtures, appliances, junction boxes, etc. The good news? Certain repair methods are much cheaper and are considered to be just as safe and permanent as a complete replacement.The bad news? Replacing aluminum wiring is an extremely expensive project, which prevents most homeowners from choosing this option.Should I repair or replace my aluminum wiring?Īccording to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), replacing aluminum wire completely is the most permanent solution because it removes the primary cause of the fire hazard: the aluminum wire itself. Two approved “repair” methods: COPALUM & AlumiConn.The differences between repairing and replacing aluminum wiring.The cost to replace aluminum wiring: $300 to $500+ per outlet.The cost to repair aluminum wiring: $85 to $200 per outlet.Why? Well, aluminum wiring easily and frequently overheats, which is a huge risk for electrical fires.īut how much does it cost to “fix” aluminum wiring? Well, it depends on whether you decide to repair or replace it: A lug system whose lugs are, amusingly, made of aluminum.If your home has aluminum wiring, you should definitely consider repairing or replacing it. Certainly the most likely place for installs to deviate from spec (especially homeowner installs) is torque.ĬPSC is correct that not every connection type is available in CO-ALR. But all they say on the matter is "in real world conditions", which sounds to me like admission that they do work in spec conditions. Certainly it would be more persuasive if they could point to some rate of house fires from CO-ALR failures. Regardless, NEC permits CO-ALR, so clearly the NFPA agrees (that's National Fire Prevention Association).Īll we have against them is CPSC's opinion, since they have not provided any provenance to whatever testing they have done if any. NEC 2017 requires use of a torque screwdriver, so to complete the compliance, set torques correctly. ![]() UL's testing presumes the end user will follow the instructions. They listed these items as safe for use in that modality, as captured in the product's labeling and instructions, which are part of the listing. That's not my opinion, it's Underwriter's Laboratories. If your goal is compliance with a gold standard so you are lawsuit-proof, then CO-ALR receptacles will suffice. The main failure mode of aluminum wire is arcing as a result of corrosion, and that's what AFCI breakers detect. If your goal is safety, install AFCI breakers. ![]()
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