Wiring Upgrade from Aluminium to Copper

Our homes are our castles, and sometimes are castle keep needs updates or upgrades to become more functional or safer. If you own a home built before the 1970s, you could have an electrical problem.

Homes built before the 1970s were wired with aluminum wire, which is a potential hazard. Knob and tube and aluminum wiring are a fire hazard, and most insurance companies won’t write a home insurance policy for homes with the previously mentioned wire types.

When the time comes to upgrade to copper wiring for your home, as it inevitably will, call on us at Integrity Electricians to help secure your home and bring it up to the electrical code and provincial regulations.

The Hazards Of Knob And Tube Wiring

Pre-1950 homes saw this type of wiring system installed, which is flat-out dangerous. This wiring system – two wires only – has no ground wire, and the risk of a shock is very real. Also, overheating, arcing, and short-circuiting are problems encountered due to faulty installations or wire coating failure.

The Hazards Of Aluminum Wiring

After 1950 and previous to the early 1970s, we had aluminum wiring replace knob and tube systems, and it worked OK for what it was. Flaws in the wiring system developed; the eventual result was electrical fires and death before aluminum wiring was discontinued for copper wiring.

Copper Wire Upgrade

The best time to upgrade your wiring is during a home renovation project when you can get into the walls for the wire distribution. The project’s cost is predicated on several factors, like the number of circuits involved and the amount of wire to be used.

It’s possible to get home insurance with outdated wiring – the cost will be astronomical because the risk will be priced in – but a regular wiring inspection completed by a certified electrician will keep you out front on any hazards lurking in the shadows.

When you update your wiring as electricians recommend, you can have the peace of mind that safety provides. Insurance coverage is easy to obtain, and the final benefit of copper wiring is that it doesn’t expand or contract with temperature changes.

That fact is important because aluminum wiring does and causes a cascading problem. As the wire expands and contracts, it loosens the connection of the wire to the breaker, an appliance, an electrical outlet, a fixture or a switch.

The loose connection creates overheating problems that are the root of electrical fires that cause injuries and death. Not to mention losing all your possessions in a house fire caused by faulty wiring.

The Integrity Solution

At Integrity Electricians, we encourage all our customers to update their old wiring for no other reason than the safety it provides your family. If you are planning a significant renovation, this could be the perfect time to improve your electrical wiring.

If you don’t have a renovation planned, we can work around that detail to re-wire your home with the smallest of inconveniences. We can run the project from start to finish and include assistance with your Electrical Safety Authority inspection. The works must pass inspection before power is restored to your home.

Talk to us about your project, and let’s find a way to complete it that aligns with your home improvement budget. We have a free quote for all inquiries at Integrity Electricians, so let’s plan yours today.