Aluminum Wiring
Aluminum Wiring as typically used in house construction between 1967 and 1976. The use of aluminum wiring is still accepted under the Electrical Safety Code. However, some market stigma conditions exist with this type of wiring and many municipalities and insurance companies have specific requirements regarding it's use.

Facts

• Aluminum wiring has generally performed safely and adequately as long as all terminals and connectors are rated for use with aluminum wire, antioxidant paste is used at terminals and connections are tightened sufficiently.
  
• Aluminum wire does not conduct electrical energy as well as copper. Therefore, the wire sizes for branch circuit wiring must be increased. For example, a typical lighting circuit in a home would normally use 14 gauge copper wire with a 15 amp fuse. With aluminum wire, a 12 gauge wire is used with the same 15 amp fuse.
  
• Both copper and aluminum oxidize slightly with exposure to air or moisture. The oxidation forms a thin film of tarnish on the surface of the wire at the connection. Copper oxide is a good conductor so resistance is not increased, but aluminum oxide is a poor conductor. Resistance and heat in the wire is increased. This is why we strongly suggest antioxidant paste be applied at all connections.
  
• Many electricians will join aluminum wires to copper with plastic wire caps. This may not be a recommended method due to the differential in thermal expansion in the two materials.
  

• Have all connections in the panel and at outlets and switches checked every 2 to 3 years by a licensed electrician. Make sure all connections are secure.
  
• All wires terminating at plugs, switches and lights should be protected with anti-oxidation paste.
  
• Since 1971, devices such as switches and receptacles have been made which are rated as suitable for use with aluminum wire. These devices have been labeled CO/ALR. The CO/ALR designation applies only to devices which are rated at under 30 amps. For those devices (including panels) rated at 30 amps and above, the designated marking is AL/CU, which designates them as suitable for either copper or aluminum. It is also recommended that antioxidant paste be used with these devices.
  
• Unlabeled switch and receptacles are for use with copper only. These connecting devices should be replaced. 
  
• Watch for flickering lights, an overheated receptacle or switch, or other indications of a bad connection. This could be an early warning of badly oxidized wires. Concerns should be checked by a licensed professional.
  
• Many local Electrical Protection Agencies have specific requirements for retrofitting aluminum wire connectors.