Aluminum Wiring in Homes
- northwayhomeinspec
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
What You Need to Know
When buying or selling a home in Central Minnesota, one electrical concern that often comes up is aluminum wiring. While it might sound like just another building material, aluminum wiring has a history that homeowners should be aware of—especially in houses built between 1965 and the mid 1970s. At Northway Home Inspection, we check for this during our inspections to help keep families safe.
What is Aluminum Wiring & Why 1965–1972 Matters
Aluminum wiring is exactly what it sounds like—electrical wires made of aluminum instead of copper. During the mid-1960s, copper prices skyrocketed, and builders turned to aluminum as a cheaper alternative. Between 1965 and 1972, many homes across the country (including right here in Minnesota) were built with aluminum branch-circuit wiring. If your house was built in that window, there’s a good chance it may have it.
What’s the Problem?
While aluminum conducts electricity, it doesn’t behave the same way as copper. Over time, aluminum expands and contracts more with heat, loosens at connections, and forms oxidation that increases resistance. The result? Overheating, flickering lights, and in some cases, fire hazards. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), homes with aluminum wiring are up to 55 times more likely to reach “fire hazard conditions” at connections compared to homes with copper wiring.
Repair Methods That Work
The good news is that there are proven ways to reduce the risks:
Complete rewiring with copper: The most effective but also the most expensive option.
COPALUM crimp connectors: A permanent, CPSC-recommended repair that bonds aluminum to copper with a special tool.
AlumiConn connectors: A more accessible, CPSC-approved method when done by a qualified electrician.
DIY fixes or simple wire nuts are not safe solutions. Repairs should always be handled by a licensed professional who understands aluminum wiring.
What Homeowners Should Do
If you live in Central Minnesota and your home was built in the late 1960s or early 1970s, it’s smart to have your wiring evaluated. Warning signs include warm outlets, discolored switches, or a faint burning plastic smell. A qualified electrician can identify aluminum wiring and guide you toward the safest repair.
At Northway Home Inspection, we’re here to help Minnesota homeowners understand these risks. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just want peace of mind, an inspection can make all the difference.
Here is two good links to help you more: https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/516.pdf AND https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/1974/CPSC-Safety-Recommendations-For-Aluminum-Wiring-In-Homes