Identifying Aluminum Wiring That Needs to be Replaced and Why Replace It
Aluminum wiring was commonly used in Canadian homes throughout the 1960s and 70s. It was viewed as a cost-effective alternative to copper wiring. While aluminum wiring can be safe if it's connected correctly, there may come a time when it's time to replace your outdated electrical equipment with something modern.
Don't wait until it's too late to look into aluminum wiring replacement. This blog will discuss the signs you might need to replace your home's wiring to keep your home running efficiently and safely.
Burnt Smells
The last thing you want to smell in your home is a burning scent that doesn't have anything to do with what you're cooking. A sign that you have bad wiring is that you begin to notice a burning plastic smell. You should be concerned if a smell without an obvious source starts to arise in your home.
As aluminum wiring ages, the wires start to deteriorate. This causes them to become more susceptible to overheating. Nearby components, such as plastic outlets, can start to melt or burn.
It's important to connect with an experienced electrician if you start to smell anything burning. These smells might be more noticeable around:
Breaker boxes
Switches
Outlets
Hot Outlets or Switchplates
As we mentioned earlier, old aluminum wiring can start to melt the components it comes in contact with. You might notice signs that your wiring is becoming a problem before it starts to melt or burn anything. Switch faceplates or outlets that become unusually warm or hot to the touch could indicate your wiring needs to be replaced.
Your outlets might spark when you plug something into them. This can occasionally happen and not be a cause for worry. If you know that your home has older aluminum wiring, you might want to look into wiring replacement services.
Your Lights Are Flickering
Flickering lights might indicate a wide range of electrical problems. Some of the things that might result in flickering lights include:
Loose bulbs
Faulty switches
Voltage fluctuations
Aluminum wiring
Old aluminum wiring systems are prone to loose connections. Loose connections can generate major safety concerns for your home.
You Know You Have Aluminum Wiring
Knowing your home's history is key to identifying whether you need to replace its wiring. If your home was built in the mid-1900s, it likely has aluminum wiring. Most newly built homes after that period used copper wiring instead of aluminum.
Older wiring is more likely to fail than new wires. Replacing your wiring allows you to avoid serious issues while upgrading your system to something more efficient.
Partner With an Experienced Electrician in the High River Area
It's important to connect with an electrical company if you start to notice any of the above signs that your home's aluminum wiring needs to be replaced. They'll assess your house's electrical wires and give you expert recommendations.
The electrical technicians at G.M. Mechanical are here to provide you with safe wiring services. Schedule a free consultation with one of our specialists to discuss the best types of wiring for your home.
