DIY Home Upgrades in a 1960s House Raise Alarm Over Aluminum Wiring

"It does not have enough circuits for modern living."

A first-time homeowner's plans to swap outlets and add new dimmers in a 1960s house ran into a major obstacle: aluminum wiring throughout the home.

Electricians responding to the homeowner's questions said the proposed upgrades could create safety issues.

Here's what to know

The projects under consideration included adding outlets, replacing switches and upgrading light fixtures. In a Reddit post, the homeowner said their experience in the trades made them comfortable using tools, even though electrical work was still unfamiliar.

"Not looking to rewire the entire house," the original poster wrote. "Just trying to figure out the safest and most practical way to make upgrades myself. Any advice from electricians who've worked with aluminum wiring would be appreciated!"

The homeowner also asked about electrical-box space. They wanted to know whether approved aluminum-to-copper connectors such as AlumiConn could be used with short copper pigtails, or whether CO/ALR-rated devices would be the better choice for aluminum connections. They also questioned whether the extra connections would require larger boxes.

Several commenters recommended approved connectors or replacement wiring, although they disagreed on specific products and on how much box space would be needed.

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More background

One commenter with aluminum-wiring retrofit experience warned that a simple switch replacement could turn into a larger job if damaged or overheated wire was exposed. They also noted that older wire can become brittle and break when handled.

That commenter also argued that the homeowner's plans for modern appliances and electrical features supported at least a partial rewiring. "If your expectations are to have all sorts of modern bells and whistles, with dimmers and smart switches and timers so on and so forth, then then you need to do a full rewire," they said.

They added that the concerns apply to bedrooms with window air conditioners or space heaters, as well as kitchens, laundry rooms, bathrooms, garages and outdoor outlets.

"The biggest issue is that you bought an old house, which means that it does not have enough circuits for 21st century living, with the additional Factor that it has aluminum wire, so it's double whammy," they said.

What can be done?

Ideally, a qualified electrician should inspect the existing wiring and review the planned upgrades before any work begins.

Commenters mentioned several possible solutions, including AlumiConn-style connectors with copper pigtails, adding new circuits for extra outlets, and gradually rewiring the home circuit by circuit.

One commenter said hiring a licensed electrician and securing permits could also help reduce homeowners insurance costs, adding that they had completed several similar jobs.

A self-described journeyman electrician stressed that the quality of the connections matters most.

"I emphasize the tight connections, don't deform the wire though," they wrote, adding that "the AL will heat up and cool with use cycles and actually loosen up on the terminals of the device they are on."

Where can I learn more?

Even a simple outlet or fixture swap can reveal wiring hazards and raise questions about repair costs and insurance.

• After replacing a two-prong outlet with a GFCI, a homeowner experienced shocks from speakers.
• A new homeowner discovered a generator hookup missing a safety interlock after spotting an unusual breaker label.
• Electricians advised a new-home buyer questioning $360 outlet upgrades.