What Switches and Outlets Are Safe for Aluminum Wires?

Residences built during the 1970s often have aluminum wiring. This may concern you, as a buyer or owner, due to fire hazards. Learn more below about the types of switches and outlets that are safe to use with aluminum wiring, and how to find out if your home has them.

Why Aluminum Wiring May Be a Fire Hazard

Aluminum wiring can experience "cold creep", as the wiring is altered by heating and cooling, and can corrode when it comes in contact with other metals. Both of these can lead to overheating of the wiring and possible fires.

Safest Switches and Outlets

Hire an electrical inspector to check your residence for fixtures, switches and outlets marked with Al/Cu (meaning aluminum to copper), or CO/ALR. These are certified safe for aluminum wiring. You can replace the switches and outlets if just a few are uncertified. The inspector should also check that electrical connections at switches and outlets are snug. Check for signs that wiring has overheated such as black connections or melted insulation. Replace push-in outlets and switches with screw-in units.

How to Make Switches and Outlets Safer

A certified electrician can connect aluminum-wired switches and outlets to copper wiring by using an extra strand of copper wire, called a pigtail.