Aluminum Wiring Replacement
If your home was built in the 1960s or 70s and has warm outlets or flickering lights, aluminum wiring connections may be the cause. We can fix it.
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What Aluminum Branch Wiring Is
Aluminum branch wiring was commonly used in homes built between about 1965 and 1973, when copper prices spiked. Aluminum expands and contracts more than copper as it heats and cools, and it oxidizes differently, which means connections made with hardware not rated for aluminum can loosen and overheat over time.
The wiring itself isn’t the main issue, the connection points are, which is why the fix usually focuses there rather than requiring every foot of wire to be pulled out.
Signs Your Home May Have It
A few signs are worth paying attention to, especially in a home from the right era:
Your home was built between roughly 1965 and 1973
Outlet or switch covers feel warm, or show discoloration
Lights flicker in a way that isn't tied to the bulb itself
You notice a faint burning smell near outlets or switches
You can see silver-colored (aluminum) wiring in your panel
Your insurance company has asked about your home's wiring type
Pigtailing vs. Full Replacement
There are two accepted ways to address aluminum branch wiring, and the right one depends on your home’s condition and your plans for it:
We inspect the connections and the wiring’s overall condition before recommending one approach over the other, rather than defaulting to the more expensive option.
Approach
What It Involves
Best For
Pigtailing (COPALUM or AlumiConn)
Each aluminum connection point is fitted with a certified copper pigtail connector; the aluminum wire run itself stays in place.
Most homes; addresses the actual failure point without opening every wall.
Full Replacement
All aluminum branch wiring is replaced with copper throughout the home.
Homes already undergoing a larger renovation, or where wiring condition is poor beyond just the connections.
Is Aluminum Wiring Safe?
Aluminum wiring itself isn’t inherently dangerous. The real risk sits specifically at connection points where it was joined using hardware not designed for aluminum’s expansion and oxidation properties, not along the length of the wire run itself. That distinction is exactly why pigtailing, which fixes the connections, is a legitimate, code-recognized solution in many cases rather than always requiring a full rewire.
If your home has aluminum wiring but you’re not seeing any of the warning signs above, that’s not automatically a reason to panic, but it is worth having it inspected, especially if you’re dealing with an insurance renewal or planning a renovation that will open up walls anyway.
Our Aluminum Wiring Replacement Process
1
Inspection
We identify every aluminum connection point in the home and assess the wiring’s overall condition.
2
Permits
We pull the required permit before any work begins.
3
Pigtailing or Full Replacement
We complete the repair approach that matches what the inspection actually found, not a default choice.
4
Final Inspection & Testing
We coordinate the city inspection and test every corrected connection before calling the job done.
Permits & Code Compliance in California: A permit is required for aluminum wiring remediation in California, whether the scope is pigtailing or full replacement. We handle the application and inspection scheduling as part of the job.
What Affects Replacement Pricing
Pricing depends mainly on how many connection points need attention and whether pigtailing or full replacement is the right approach for your home.
Some insurers accept a certified pigtailing repair as a permanent fix; others require full replacement before they’ll issue or renew a policy. This varies by carrier, so it’s worth confirming directly with your insurance company. Either way, we can provide the documentation your insurer asks for once the work is complete.
Aluminum Wiring Replacement
From $2,000
Aluminum wiring replacement from $2,000.
Proven on a Real Aluminum Wiring Replacement
“Replaced the risky 1970s aluminum wiring in our place. Extremely knowledgeable tech who brought everything up to modern code.”
Gavin X.
“Replaced the risky 1970s aluminum wiring in our place. Extremely knowledgeable tech who brought everything up to modern code.”
Gavin X.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pigtailing or COPALUM?
It’s a certified repair method where each aluminum wire connection is fitted with a small copper pigtail using a specialized connector (COPALUM or AlumiConn), correcting the specific failure point without replacing the entire wire run.
How much does aluminum wiring replacement cost?
Pricing starts from $2,000 and depends on how many connections need attention and which approach, pigtailing or full replacement, fits your home.
How long does the work take?
Pigtailing a typical home usually takes 1 to 2 days; a full replacement takes longer, closer to what a whole-house rewire requires.
Is my home affected if it was built in the 1960s or 70s?
Not necessarily, but it’s worth an inspection if your home falls in that era, especially if you’re seeing any of the warning signs above or dealing with an insurance requirement.
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