Aluminum Wiring Replacement and Pigtailing in Whitby
Is aluminum wiring dangerous? The wire itself is not the main risk. The risk is at the connections, where aluminum can loosen, oxidize and overheat over time. Pigtailing those connections or replacing the wiring with copper makes your home safe and easier to insure.
Wilson Electric repairs and replaces aluminum wiring across Whitby and Durham Region. Every job is handled by a licensed residential electrician in Whitby, and many projects pair with an electrical panel upgrade so the whole system meets today’s code. Read our guide to aluminum wiring in Durham Region for what insurers and the ESA expect.
Many homes built from about 1965 to 1976 have aluminum wiring. Some insurers will not cover these homes until the wiring has been inspected and made safe. After we fix it, the ESA inspects the work and issues a certificate you can give your insurer.
How Do I Know If My Home Has Aluminum Wiring?
Look at the cable jacket in your basement or at the panel. Aluminum cable is often stamped “AL” or “ALUMINUM”, and the bare wire is silver, not copper-coloured. Homes built from about 1965 to 1976 are the most likely to have it.
A typical home has a connection at every outlet, switch and light. Each one needs to be done right, which is why a licensed electrician should check them.
Why Are Aluminum Connections a Risk?
When Should Aluminum Wiring Be Replaced?
Not every home needs a full rewire. If the wiring is in good shape, making the connections safe is often enough. Full replacement makes sense when the wiring is damaged, when you are renovating anyway or when your insurer asks for it. Here is how aluminum compares with copper:
Conductivity
Durability
Heat at Connections
Corrosion
How Much Does Aluminum Wiring Repair Cost?
Here are typical prices in Durham Region. They are plus HST, and your final price comes after we see your home:
- Pigtailing: about $50 to $80 per connection
- Pigtailing a whole home: about $2,000 to $4,500 for a typical three-bedroom home
- Full rewire with copper: from about $8,000, with most homes $12,000 to $20,000 or more
The number of outlets, switches and lights, and how easy the walls are to reach, drive the price. Contact Wilson Electric to repair or replace the aluminum wiring in your home.
Benefits of Replacing Aluminum Wiring with Copper Wiring
- Lower electrical resistance, which makes it the best electrical conductor
- Higher ductility and ability to withstand rough handling, bending, and twisting, without getting damaged
- Not susceptible to overheating, lower risks of fire hazards
- Less corrosive than aluminum wiring
- Lower thermal expansion and contraction, reducing the risks of degradation of connections between wire and devices
Pigtailing vs Full Aluminum Wiring Replacement
Pigtailing adds a short piece of copper wire at each connection. The copper then connects to your outlets, switches and lights. We use connectors made for this job, such as AlumiConn or COPALUM. Pigtailing is faster and costs less than a rewire, and the ESA inspects it and issues a certificate.
Full replacement removes the aluminum branch wiring and puts in new copper. It is the most complete fix. It makes the most sense when the wiring is damaged or when walls are already open for a renovation.
CO/ALR devices are outlets and switches rated for aluminum wire. They can help at some devices, but they do not cover every connection in the home, so they are a limited option on their own.
How Wilson Electric Can Help
Planning to repair or replace the aluminum wiring in your home? Wilson Electric is a licensed electrical contractor. We inspect your wiring, explain your options and give you a clear price. When the work is done, we arrange the ESA inspection so you get the certificate your insurer may ask for. Contact us today to book an inspection.
Aluminum Wiring FAQ
Is aluminum wiring dangerous?
The risk is at the connections, not the wire in the walls. Loose or corroded connections can overheat. Making them safe removes most of the risk.
How can I tell if I have aluminum wiring?
Look for “AL” or “ALUMINUM” printed on the cable in your basement or at the panel. The bare wire is silver, not copper-coloured.
Will pigtailing satisfy my insurance company?
Many insurers accept pigtailing once the ESA has inspected it and issued a certificate. Ask your insurer what they need before we start, and we will make sure you get it.
Does aluminum wiring affect resale?
It can. Buyers and their insurers often ask about it. An ESA certificate showing the wiring has been made safe makes the sale easier.
Do I need an ESA permit in Durham Region?
Yes. Aluminum wiring repair and replacement need an ESA notification and inspection. We file it and book the inspection for you.
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