If your home was built between the mid-1960s and late 1970s, there’s a chance it contains aluminum electrical wiring. At the time, aluminum was widely used as a substitute for copper due to price fluctuations and material shortages. Initially seen as a cost-effective solution, aluminum wiring has since revealed some serious long-term dangers that homeowners should not ignore.

Today, aluminum wiring is no longer permitted for most residential branch circuits due to the safety concerns it poses. Even homes built later might have aluminum wiring in specific areas like subpanels or larger appliance circuits. Unfortunately, many homeowners in Washington, MO remain unaware of the aluminum wiring risks that could be hidden inside their walls—until something goes wrong.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the top five aluminum wiring risks, what they mean for your home’s safety, and what steps you should take to prevent fire hazards, code violations, and insurance complications. By understanding these risks and working with a qualified electrician, you can ensure your home remains safe, efficient, and fully up to code.

1. Overheating at Connections

One of the most well-documented aluminum wiring risks is overheating at connection points. Unlike copper, aluminum expands significantly when it heats up during normal electrical operation. Over time, this repeated expansion and contraction (a process known as cold creep) causes aluminum wires to loosen at terminal screws and connections.

As connections loosen, electrical resistance increases. This increased resistance causes the wires to overheat, which can lead to the insulation melting, arcing, or even starting a fire inside the wall cavity.

The most dangerous part? These signs often go unnoticed until serious damage occurs. You may not smell burning or see smoke until the problem is already critical. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has found that homes with aluminum wiring are up to 55 times more likely to have connection-related fire hazards than homes wired with copper.

If you notice warm wall plates, flickering lights, or the smell of hot plastic near outlets or switches, you may already be dealing with a hazardous aluminum connection.

2. Oxidation and Corrosion

Another serious concern with aluminum wiring is its tendency to oxidize. When aluminum is exposed to oxygen in the air, it forms a layer of aluminum oxide. While this oxide layer protects the wire from further corrosion, it is also a poor conductor of electricity.

Over time, this buildup of oxidation at connection points reduces conductivity and increases resistance. This in turn leads to more heat and a greater likelihood of failure or fire. Corrosion issues can be even more pronounced in humid environments or homes located near rivers or flood zones like parts of Washington, MO.

Aluminum is also more susceptible to galvanic corrosion when it comes into contact with dissimilar metals—especially copper. If copper and aluminum wires are joined without special connectors or anti-oxidation compounds, corrosion can accelerate and result in arcing, shorts, or circuit breaker trips.

As part of assessing aluminum wiring risks, a licensed electrician can inspect whether oxidation is present and recommend appropriate mitigation such as antioxidant gel or rewiring.

3. Incompatible Devices and Fixtures

Standard outlets, switches, and other electrical devices are typically rated for copper wiring, not aluminum. This means that connecting aluminum wire directly to these devices can lead to poor connections, excessive heat, and increased fire risk. Many older homes may still have outlets and switches that were never intended for use with aluminum wiring.

Only devices marked CO/ALR (Copper-Aluminum Revised) are designed to safely handle aluminum connections. However, many homeowners or DIY electricians may not have been aware of this requirement and unknowingly installed incompatible devices, increasing the risk of failure.

Even light fixtures and ceiling fans can be problematic if improperly installed with aluminum wire. Loose terminations and mismatched materials are a common source of arcing and overheating—especially in ceiling boxes where movement or vibration may further loosen the connection over time.

This is one of the aluminum wiring risks that is difficult to detect without removing wall plates or performing a full electrical inspection. If you’ve replaced fixtures or outlets in an older home without checking for aluminum wiring, it’s a good idea to have those areas evaluated professionally.

4. Insurance Challenges and Legal Liability

Beyond safety concerns, there are also financial and legal implications tied to aluminum wiring risks. Many insurance companies view homes with aluminum wiring as high risk and may charge higher premiums—or even refuse coverage altogether—if the issue is not addressed.

Some policies may require an electrical inspection or remediation before binding coverage. If a fire or electrical failure does occur due to outdated aluminum wiring, your insurer may refuse to pay out the full claim amount if proper precautions were not taken. This could leave you financially responsible for extensive damage or legal liability.

Even if you’re not planning to sell your home soon, it’s important to know that aluminum wiring can complicate real estate transactions. Home inspectors often flag it as a major concern, and some lenders will not finance properties with known electrical hazards. If you’re buying, selling, or refinancing a property in Washington, MO, aluminum wiring risks can affect everything from sale price to mortgage approval.

Being proactive with mitigation—whether it’s rewiring, applying COPALUM crimping, or installing AlumiConn connectors—can help avoid insurance red tape and reduce liability in the event of an incident.

5. Lack of Awareness and Improper Repairs

Perhaps the most dangerous risk of all is simple ignorance. Many homeowners don’t realize their homes contain aluminum wiring. It’s hidden behind walls and ceilings, and unless you have reason to check, it’s easy to miss. Even home inspectors may overlook it unless specifically asked to investigate.

To make matters worse, well-meaning but untrained individuals may attempt DIY repairs that exacerbate the problem. Splicing copper and aluminum wires together without the correct connectors, failing to use antioxidant compound, or over-torquing connections are all common mistakes that can significantly increase aluminum wiring risks.

The problem also compounds over time. What may have started as a secure connection 30 years ago may now be dangerously degraded. Homes built in the 60s or 70s are now 50+ years old, and if wiring hasn’t been upgraded or inspected since then, it’s well past due.

Educating homeowners about these risks—and encouraging timely inspection and repair—is one of the most effective ways to reduce fire hazards and keep families safe.

Why Choose Amplify Electrical Services to Address Aluminum Wiring Risks in Washington, MO

When it comes to aluminum wiring risks, experience and attention to detail matter. Amplify Electrical Services has been serving the Washington, MO area for years, providing trusted residential electrical solutions that prioritize both safety and compliance.

We understand the nuances of aluminum wiring, including how it was installed in mid-century homes, what to look for during inspection, and the best practices for repair or replacement. Whether your home needs full rewiring or targeted remediation, we offer professional solutions tailored to your budget and timeline.

Here’s why local homeowners choose Amplify Electrical Services:

• We provide comprehensive aluminum wiring inspections using advanced diagnostic tools.

• Our electricians are fully licensed, insured, and trained in the latest NEC standards and Missouri building codes.

• We offer remediation options such as COPALUM crimping, AlumiConn connectors, and complete rewiring when necessary.

• We coordinate with your insurance provider and local permitting offices to ensure smooth, stress-free upgrades.

• Our team shows up on time, treats your home with respect, and completes the job with transparency and integrity.

If you’re unsure whether your home contains aluminum wiring—or if you’ve experienced any signs like flickering lights, warm switches, or burning smells—it’s time to schedule a professional evaluation.

Protect your home, your family, and your peace of mind. Visit amplifyelectricalservices.com or call us today to book a safety inspection or aluminum wiring consultation in Washington, MO and surrounding areas.