TYCO COPALUM CERTIFIED ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
720-299-4706
Denver COPALUM Certified Electrical Contractor using the patented COPALUM™ crimp method. Recommended by the U.S. Consumer Safety Product Commission (CPSC) is as effective in hazard mitigation as a complete, much more expensive, copper rewire.
COLORADO ELECTRICAL LIC # 0103100
COMPLETE HOME RE-WIRE
THE MOST EXPENSIVE METHOD
The definitive solution to aluminum wiring concerns is to remove the primary culprit: the aluminum wire itself. Depending on your home's architectural style and the number and locations of unfinished spaces, rewiring may be relatively straightforward. The cost and disruption of this task greatly depend on the house's construction. A well-designed crawl space, basement, and attic can significantly facilitate the process. If you're considering remodeling, whether complete or partial, it may be easier to replace aluminum wiring in the area. Additionally, one must generally update all of the electrical code to present. which would typically involve significant additional expense.
COPALUM CRIMP METHOD
THIS METHOD IS THE SAFEST, MOST COST EFFECTIVE, INSURABLE, PERMANENT MITIGATION SOLUTION TO THE ALUMINUM WIRING HAZARD.
Given the impracticality or expense of rewiring certain homes with aluminum wiring, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) emphasizes the necessity of a permanent repair solution for every connection or splice involving aluminum wire. This repair must be durable, allowing for regular maintenance without requiring specialized switches or outlets, and must be applicable in occupied, furnished homes. After thorough research and testing, only one method meets these stringent criteria: the COPALUM crimp connector repair. This technique involves affixing a copper wire to existing aluminum circuits using a specialized metal sleeve and crimping tool provided by AMP Incorporated, a division of TYCO. This unique connector ensures a secure, gas-tight (no further oxidation), lasting connection akin to a cold weld. You can see the cross-cut cold weld in the photo on the left. The aluminum wire and copper wire are cold welded together forming a solid wire. There is no expansion and contraction that can loosen a connection and it is gas-tight, meaning no oxidation will form. An insulating sleeve is applied for added safety and integrity.
AlumiConn Conductor
THESE BOXY CONNECTORS ARE RELATIVELY NEW AND TEND TO TAKE UP A LOT OF SPACE IN ELECTRICAL BOXES. Notice the difference in volume, between the COPALUM and AlumiConn connectors in the photographs below.
FROM THE CPSC PUBLICATION # 516
"CPSC staff recognizes that copper replace-
ment may be cost prohibitive and that the
COPALUM repair may be unavailable in
a locality. Based upon an evaluation that
was, in part, CPSC supported, consumers
are advised that, if the COPALUM repair
is not available, the AlumiConn connector
may be considered the next best alternative
for a permanent repair."
"Pigtailing" with Twist-on-Connectors
"Pigtailing with Twist-on-Connectors is not an approved CPSC repair
The method, known as "pigtailing," entails affixing a short length of copper wire to the aluminum wire using a twist-on connector, commonly referred to as a wire nut. The copper wire is then connected to the desired termination point such as a switch or wall outlet. While evaluated by the Commission staff, laboratory testing sponsored by the CPSC revealed significant shortcomings in the performance of certain twist-on connectors utilized in this method. Many of these connectors demonstrated poor performance and even overheating during testing. Reports from electricians and electrical inspectors further corroborate the inconsistent and often inadequate performance of these connectors when employed with older aluminum wiring technology. There's a concern that some pigtailing repairs made with twist-on connectors might exacerbate the issue, potentially rendering them more susceptible to failure than the original aluminum wire connections. We generally find more "over-heated" twist-on-connectors than unmitigated aluminum wired connections. Consequently, the Commission staff concludes that this repair method fails to effectively address the overheating problem associated with aluminum branch circuits.