Insurance Concerns with Aluminum Wiring

Owners and perspective buyers of older homes often face insurance concerns with aluminum wiring. New policy applications, or the renewal of existing policies, may require an electrical inspection to confirm the presence of aluminum wiring in the home. Insurance companies consider aluminum wiring in the home to be a greater risk than copper wiring. Aluminum wiring was used extensively in homes built between 1965 and 1980. Then as electrical concerns arose from the use of aluminum wiring, the industry made changes. Now, the wiring in branch circuits most commonly used is copper wiring.

Insurance Concerns with Aluminum Wiring In The Home

• Higher electrical resistance resulting in damaged wiring and devices due to overheating.
• Oxidation on aluminum wiring when exposed to oxygen, resulting in failure of connections.
• Higher risk of fire. In addition, sources claim homes with aluminum wiring are 55 times more likely to have a fire hazard condition.

BC homeowners have three ESA approved options for addressing the concerns of aluminum wiring in the home: CO/ALR or AL/CU Devices, Copper Pigtails, or a Complete Home Rewire using copper wiring. Learn more about whether or not aluminum wiring is safe.

Only a trained and certified electrical contractor should complete any of these methods and ensure that proper installation procedures are strictly followed. Therefore, depending on the circumstances, a Blue Crest Electric technician may recommend one or a combination of Code approved options.

Symptoms That May Indicate Aluminum Wiring Problems

• Flickering lights that cannot be traced to a failing bulb or other external cause.
• Plugs that do not work, even with the circuit energized.
• Unusual static on the radio, TV, or computer.
• Switch plates and receptacle covers that appear warped, discoloured or warm to the touch.
• Circuit breakers or fuses that trip for no apparent reason.
• Strange odor similar to that of burning plastic around switches and also receptacles.
• Smoke or sparking around electrical devices.

If you notice any of these problems, it is important to have a certified, electrical contractor check the electrical system as soon as possible. If your insurance provider has never requested an electrical inspection, it is very likely that this will happen sooner rather than later. Like you, your insurance provider wants the assurance that your home is safe.

Our Blue Crest Electric technicians would be happy to address all your aluminum wiring needs.

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