Aluminum branch circuit wiring was commonly installed in homes built between 1965 and 1973 as a cost-saving alternative to copper. It has since been identified as a significant fire hazard. Aluminum expands and contracts more than copper with temperature changes, causing connections to loosen over time. Loose connections arc, and arcing inside walls causes fires. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has found that homes wired with aluminum branch circuits are 55 times more likely to have fire hazard conditions than homes wired with copper. At Wise Choice Remodeling (CSLB #1104186), we replace aluminum branch circuit wiring with copper throughout the home, permanently eliminating this serious safety risk.
Signs Your Home May Have Aluminum Wiring
Here are the most common indicators that your home may have aluminum branch circuit wiring:
- Home was built between 1965 and 1973
- Outlets or switches that are warm or hot to the touch
- Lights that flicker or dim without an obvious cause
- Burning smell near outlets or switches with no visible cause
- Outlet covers that are discolored or show scorch marks
- Previous home inspection flagged aluminum wiring as a concern
- Insurance company flagged aluminum wiring or increased your premium
Aluminum wiring is not always visible without opening outlets. We can confirm whether your home has aluminum branch circuit wiring during our assessment.
Aluminum Wiring Replacement Services We Provide
We offer several approaches to addressing aluminum wiring depending on the scope of the problem and your budget.
Complete Aluminum to Copper Rewire
The most comprehensive and permanent solution. We replace all aluminum branch circuit wiring throughout the home with new copper wiring. This eliminates the aluminum wiring hazard entirely and brings the electrical system to current code.
COPALUM Crimp Connector Repair
For homeowners who want to address the aluminum wiring hazard without a full rewire, COPALUM crimp connectors join copper pigtails to existing aluminum wiring at every connection point. This is the only repair method approved by the CPSC as a permanent solution short of full replacement.
Partial Aluminum Wiring Replacement
For homes where only specific circuits have aluminum wiring or where budget constraints make full replacement impractical immediately, we prioritize the highest-risk circuits for replacement while documenting the remaining work for future phases.
Aluminum Wiring Remediation Options Compared
Understanding the available approaches helps you choose the right solution for your home and budget.
| Approach | Permanence | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full copper rewire | Permanent — eliminates all aluminum | Highest | Homes wanting complete resolution |
| COPALUM crimp connectors | Permanent — CPSC approved repair | Moderate | Homes wanting repair without full rewire |
| Partial replacement | Partial — addresses priority circuits | Lower upfront | Phased approach or budget constraints |
| Wire nuts only | Not recommended — not a permanent fix | Lowest | Not recommended by CPSC |
Our Aluminum Wiring Replacement Process
Aluminum Wiring Assessment
We inspect your electrical system to confirm the presence of aluminum branch circuit wiring, assess its extent, and identify the highest-risk connection points.
Remediation Plan and Estimate
We provide a written plan specifying the recommended approach and a detailed estimate before any work begins. No vague line items, no surprise charges.
Permit Application
Rewiring and electrical repair work requires a permit in California. We handle the permit process and coordinate the required inspection.
Replacement or Repair
Our licensed electricians perform the selected remediation — full rewire, COPALUM crimp repair, or partial replacement — to the specifications in the permit drawings.
Inspection and Sign-Off
We coordinate the required electrical inspection and provide documentation of the completed work and inspection sign-off.
Get a Free Aluminum Wiring Assessment and Estimate
If your home was built between 1965 and 1973 or you have been told it has aluminum wiring, contact Wise Choice Remodeling to schedule your free assessment. We will confirm the presence and extent of aluminum wiring and give you a clear written plan for addressing it.
How Long Does Aluminum Wiring Replacement Take?
Timeline depends on the scope of the remediation. A full aluminum to copper rewire on a typical home takes three to seven days. COPALUM crimp connector repair is faster, typically one to three days depending on the number of circuits. We give you a clear timeline during the estimate phase.
Aluminum Wiring Replacement Cost — What to Expect
Costs vary significantly based on the remediation approach selected and the size of your home. A full rewire is the most expensive option but provides complete resolution. COPALUM crimp repair is less expensive but requires access to every connection point in the home.
We provide detailed written estimates at no charge based on your specific home and the extent of aluminum wiring present.
Will My Insurance Change After Aluminum Wiring Replacement?
Yes. Many insurance carriers charge higher premiums or require remediation as a condition of coverage for homes with aluminum branch circuit wiring. After remediation we provide inspection documentation that you can submit to your insurance carrier to request a premium reassessment.
Why Choose Wise Choice for Aluminum Wiring Replacement
Licensed and Insured
We carry full general liability and workers compensation coverage.
Honest Assessment
We confirm the extent of aluminum wiring before recommending a remediation approach. Not every home requires a full rewire and we tell you that honestly.
CPSC-Approved Methods
We use remediation methods approved by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. We do not use wire nuts as a substitute for proper aluminum wiring repair.
Permit Handling Included
We handle the full permit process and coordinate the required inspection.
Workmanship Guarantee
We stand behind every installation. If something is not right after we leave, we come back and fix it.
Aluminum Wiring Replacement Services Across Southern California
Wise Choice Remodeling provides professional aluminum wiring replacement services to homeowners across Southern California. We serve Los Angeles County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Orange County, San Diego County, and the Palm Desert area. Our licensed crew delivers the same level of care and quality on every job regardless of location.
Aluminum Wiring Replacement
Questions Answered
Homes built between 1965 and 1973 are most likely to have aluminum branch circuit wiring. You can sometimes see the word ALUMINUM or AL stamped on the wire jacket in your electrical panel. We confirm the presence and extent of aluminum wiring during our assessment.
Yes. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has found that homes with aluminum branch circuit wiring are 55 times more likely to have fire hazard conditions than copper-wired homes. The risk is real and should be addressed.
While some homes with aluminum wiring have not experienced problems, the risk increases over time as connections continue to loosen. Insurance carriers increasingly flag it as a concern. We recommend assessment and remediation.
Aluminum service entrance wiring — the large cables from the utility to your panel — is standard and safe when properly installed and maintained. The hazard is with aluminum branch circuit wiring — the smaller wires running to outlets and switches throughout the home.
For a full rewire, you can typically stay in your home though there will be periods without power to sections of the house. We coordinate power shutoffs to minimize disruption.
Yes. Wise Choice Remodeling holds CSLB License #1104186 and carries full general liability and workers compensation coverage.