Some homes from the 1960s and 1970s were wired with aluminum branch circuits instead of copper. Aluminum expands and contracts more with heat, and over time connections at outlets, switches, and splices can loosen and get hot.
Often paired with Zinsco and Federal Pacific panel replacement, full home rewiring, and electrical inspections.
Our licensed electricians check how your home is wired, where the problem spots are, and what it would take to make it safe. You get a clear explanation and options before we touch anything.
Signs to watch for
Call if you notice any of these, especially in an older home:
- Outlets or switch plates that feel warm
- Flickering lights that are not caused by the bulb
- A burning plastic smell near outlets or switches
- Outlets that stop working and then come back
- Wire marked AL or ALUMINUM where you can see it, such as in the attic or garage
Repair the connections or rewire?
There are two main paths. One is repairing connections at each outlet, switch, and splice with methods and devices made for aluminum. The other is replacing the aluminum branch wiring with copper, either room by room or all at once.
The right choice depends on the condition of the wiring, your plans for the house, and what your insurer or buyer is asking for. We lay out both options in writing.
Rewiring an older home
When rewiring is the better path, we plan it to keep the mess and the downtime low. We start with the circuits that matter most, like kitchens, baths, and bedrooms, and we can phase the work around a remodel. Permits and inspection are part of the job.