The Hidden Danger Lurking in Thousands of Louisiana Homes
Between 1965 and 1973, a copper shortage drove home builders across the United States to use aluminum wiring as a cheaper alternative. Millions of homes were built with aluminum branch circuit wiring during this period, and a significant number of them are still standing—and still wired with aluminum—in neighborhoods throughout New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, Harahan, and communities across Southeast Louisiana.
At CR Electric LLC, our licensed master electricians have inspected and remediated aluminum wiring in hundreds of homes over our 25+ years of service. The reality is stark: the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has found that homes with aluminum wiring are 55 times more likely to have one or more connections reach fire hazard conditions compared to homes wired with copper. Understanding why aluminum wiring is dangerous and what you can do about it could save your home and your family.
Why Was Aluminum Wiring Used in the First Place?
During the late 1960s and early 1970s, copper prices skyrocketed due to global demand and supply disruptions. Aluminum was abundant, lightweight, and significantly cheaper. It conducted electricity adequately, and at the time, it seemed like a perfectly reasonable substitute. Builders used single-strand aluminum wiring for 15-amp and 20-amp branch circuits throughout homes—the circuits that power your outlets, lights, and small appliances.
It’s important to note that aluminum wiring is still used today for certain applications, such as service entrance cables and large feeder circuits. The problem is specifically with single-strand aluminum wiring used for branch circuits in residential homes, particularly when connected to devices and connectors designed for copper wire.
Why Is Aluminum Wiring Dangerous?
Aluminum wiring isn’t inherently dangerous in all applications, but several properties of aluminum make it problematic for residential branch circuits:
1. Higher Rate of Thermal Expansion
Aluminum expands and contracts significantly more than copper when it heats up and cools down during normal use. Over time, this repeated expansion and contraction loosens connections at outlets, switches, and junction boxes. Loose connections create resistance, which generates heat—and heat at an electrical connection is how fires start.
2. Oxidation
When aluminum is exposed to air, it forms aluminum oxide on its surface. Unlike copper oxide, which is still a reasonable conductor, aluminum oxide is a poor conductor of electricity. This creates additional resistance at connection points, further contributing to heat buildup. In Louisiana’s humid climate, this oxidation process is accelerated.
3. Galvanic Corrosion
When aluminum wire is connected to copper or brass terminals (which most standard outlets and switches use), a chemical reaction called galvanic corrosion occurs, especially in the presence of moisture. This corrosion degrades the connection over time, again increasing resistance and heat.
4. Softness and Creep
Aluminum is a softer metal than copper. When a screw terminal is tightened down on aluminum wire, the aluminum can slowly deform or “creep” out from under the connection over time. This leads to—you guessed it—loose connections, increased resistance, and heat.
How to Tell If Your Home Has Aluminum Wiring
If your home was built between 1965 and 1973, there is a reasonable chance it contains aluminum wiring. Here are several ways to check:
- Check your electrical panel. Look at the wiring entering the panel. Aluminum wire has a silver color, while copper is distinctly orange or brown. You may see markings on the cable sheathing that read “AL” or “Aluminum.”
- Look at exposed wiring. In your attic, garage, or unfinished basement, look for cable markings. The outer jacket of NM (Romex-type) cable should indicate the conductor material.
- Check your home inspection report. If you purchased your home and had an inspection, the report should note the wiring type.
- Contact your local building department. Permit records may indicate what type of wiring was installed.
- Have a licensed electrician inspect. This is the most reliable method. Our team at CR Electric can perform a thorough inspection and identify all aluminum wiring connections.
Warning Signs of Aluminum Wiring Problems
Even if you’re not sure whether your home has aluminum wiring, these warning signs indicate potential connection problems that need immediate attention:
- Warm or hot cover plates on outlets or switches
- Flickering lights that aren’t caused by utility issues
- A burning smell near outlets or switches with no visible source
- Circuits that intermittently stop working
- Scorch marks or discoloration around outlets
- Sparking when plugging in or unplugging devices
If you notice any of these signs, stop using the affected outlet or switch and call a licensed electrician immediately. These are potential precursors to an electrical fire.
What Are Your Options for Fixing Aluminum Wiring?
If your home has aluminum wiring, you have several options depending on your budget and the extent of the wiring:
Option 1: Complete Rewiring (Most Thorough)
Replacing all aluminum branch circuit wiring with copper is the most comprehensive solution. This eliminates the problem entirely but is also the most expensive and disruptive option, as it typically requires opening walls to remove and replace wiring. For larger homes, this can be a significant investment, but it completely resolves all aluminum wiring hazards and brings your home up to modern electrical standards.
Option 2: COPALUM Crimp Connectors (CPSC Recommended)
The CPSC considers the COPALUM crimp method a permanent repair for aluminum wiring. This process involves using a special crimping tool to attach a short piece of copper wire to each aluminum wire end at every connection point in the home. The COPALUM connector creates a cold weld that is both gas-tight and reliable. This method requires a contractor certified in the COPALUM system.
Option 3: AlumiConn Connectors (Acceptable Alternative)
AlumiConn connectors are set-screw type connectors specifically listed for connecting aluminum to copper wire. They use a separation barrier and anti-oxidant compound to prevent galvanic corrosion. While not considered quite as permanent as COPALUM by the CPSC, AlumiConn connectors are widely accepted by electricians and inspectors as an effective repair method. They’re also more readily available and less expensive to install.
Option 4: CO/ALR Rated Devices
Replacing all outlets and switches with devices specifically rated for aluminum wire (marked “CO/ALR”) is the minimum acceptable repair. These devices are designed with larger contact areas and compatible metals to reduce the risk of loose connections. However, this only addresses connections at devices—it doesn’t address connections at junction boxes, light fixtures, and other termination points.
Why This Is Especially Important in Louisiana
Louisiana’s climate makes aluminum wiring problems worse. Our high humidity accelerates both oxidation and galvanic corrosion. Temperature swings between hot summers and cooler winters increase the thermal cycling that loosens connections. And the age of many homes in the New Orleans metro area means that aluminum wiring has had decades to deteriorate.
Many homes in Metairie, Kenner, Harahan, River Ridge, and other Jefferson Parish communities were built during the peak aluminum wiring era. Similarly, subdivisions developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s on the Northshore in Covington, Mandeville, and Slidell may contain aluminum wiring. If your home falls within this age range, a professional inspection is strongly recommended.
What CR Electric Recommends
After 25 years of working with aluminum wiring in Louisiana homes, our recommendation depends on your specific situation. For homes where you plan to stay long-term, we often recommend a complete rewire or COPALUM remediation for maximum safety and peace of mind. For homes where budget is a primary concern, AlumiConn connectors at every connection point provide excellent protection at a lower cost.
Regardless of the method, the most important step is having your aluminum wiring professionally evaluated. Our licensed master electricians will inspect every accessible connection point, assess the condition of your wiring, and recommend the most appropriate solution for your home and budget. Learn more about our aluminum wiring remediation services.
Concerned about aluminum wiring in your home? Don’t wait for warning signs to appear. Call CR Electric at (504) 737-6024 (Southshore) or (985) 400-8141 (Northshore), or request a free inspection and estimate. Your family’s safety is worth the call.
