The Basic Problem

Aluminum's unique properties can lead to the degradation of connections over time, posing potential fire hazards in residential settings. A key electrical safety principle underscores the danger of high temperatures, particularly concerning the overheating of connections under heavy electrical loads, such as those from appliances like hair dryers or portable heaters, especially prevalent in homes constructed during the mid- to late-1960s. Although the prevalence of aluminum wiring for branch circuits declined after 1973, many older homes still retain this wiring, now showing signs of aging. While not all homes with aluminum wiring are at immediate risk of fire, owners of properties built between 1965 and 1973 should ascertain whether their home contains aluminum wiring and if any associated hazards currently exist. Notably, larger sizes of aluminum wire used for feeders and service drops (stranded wire) generally do not present significant issues. 

PER THE CPSC-PUBLICATION #516-REPAIRING ALUMINUM WIRING

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) staff and other government
officials have investigated numerous hazardous incidents and fires throughout the na-
tion involving aluminum branch circuit wiring. A national survey conducted by Franklin
Research Institute for CPSC showed that homes built before 1972, and wired with
aluminum, are 55 times more likely to have one or more wire connections at outlets reach
“Fire Hazard Conditions” than homes wired with copper. That survey encompassed only
the wire connections at outlets. It did not address other types of aluminum wire connec-
tions and splices in homes that are also prone to fail. No information was developed for
aluminum-wired homes built after 1972