"AL" on the cable
Look at exposed cable in the basement, attic or garage. Printing like AL or ALUMINUM on the jacket is a strong sign.
Wiring
Signs of Aluminum Wiring in Your Home, and When It Needs Same-Day Attention
Many New Jersey homes built in the late 1960s and early 1970s were wired with aluminum instead of copper. It's not a reason to panic, but it is a reason to check. This guide shows you how to spot it, explains what the CPSC says about the risk and lists the repairs that actually last.
A warm outlet or burning smell needs same-day attention. Stop using it and call.
- Written by licensed electricians
- New Jersey code
- Local to Monmouth County
The short answer
Check your home's build date first. Aluminum branch wiring was used mainly from 1965 to the mid-1970s. Then look for AL printed on exposed cable, silver-colored wire at devices, and warning signs like warm outlets or flickering lights. The CPSC recommends permanent repairs: copper replacement, COPALUM or AlumiConn connectors.
Who should check
Was Your Home Built During the Aluminum Wiring Years?
The build date is your first clue.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), aluminum wire was used in new homes mainly from about 1965 to the mid-1970s, when copper shortages pushed builders to switch. Homes built before 1965 are unlikely to have it.
That window overlaps with a big wave of building across Monmouth and Middlesex County. If your home dates from the late 1960s or early 1970s, it's worth checking, whether you're in Marlboro, Manalapan, Old Bridge or Holmdel.
How to tell
7 Signs Your Home May Have Aluminum Wiring
You can spot several of these without opening anything.
Silver-colored wire
At an outlet or switch that's been opened, aluminum wire looks dull silver, not copper-colored.
Build date of 1965 to mid-1970s
The CPSC identifies this as the main period of use.
Warm outlets or switch plates
Heat at a device is a warning sign with any wiring, and especially with aluminum.
Flickering lights
Loose connections can cause flicker on a single circuit.
Outlets that stop working
A connection that has loosened or oxidized may cut out with no clear reason.
An inspection report note
Inspectors often write "single-strand aluminum branch wiring."
The risk
Why the CPSC Takes Aluminum Wiring Seriously
It comes down to what happens where the wire connects.
The wire runs themselves aren't usually the problem. The trouble is at the connections. Aluminum expands and shrinks more than copper as it heats and cools, and it forms an oxide layer on its surface. Over years, connections can loosen and heat up.
The CPSC states that homes built before 1972 and wired with aluminum are 55 times more likely to have connections reach fire hazard conditions than homes wired with copper.
Note: the large wires that feed a range, dryer or panel are often aluminum in many homes and are designed for it. The concern is the smaller 15 and 20 amp branch circuits.
What to do
CPSC-Recommended Repairs vs Temporary Fixes
Not all fixes are equal. The CPSC is clear about which ones last.
| Method | CPSC view |
|---|---|
| Replace the aluminum branch wiring with copper | Permanent repair |
| COPALUM crimp connectors, installed by trained electricians | Permanent repair |
| AlumiConn connectors | Acceptable alternative permanent repair |
| Twist-on wire connectors | Temporary only |
| CO/ALR outlets and switches | Temporary only |
What a repair looks like
An electrician joins a short copper wire to each aluminum wire at every outlet, switch, fixture and splice, using a recommended connector. Then devices connect to the copper.
Next step
Our aluminum wiring repair page explains how we handle it, and whole house rewiring covers full copper replacement.
Buying or selling
Aluminum Wiring and Real Estate
Paperwork makes a big difference.
- Buyers: ask for an electrician's evaluation during your inspection window
- Sellers: a documented repair answers the question before it's asked
- Insurers: some ask about wiring type, so keep repair records
Pair the check with a full electrical safety inspection to see the panel, grounding and other items too. Selling soon? Also read NJ Smoke Detector Certificate: What Sellers Need to Know.
Keep reading
More Guides From Our Electricians
Plain-English answers to the questions homeowners ask us most.
Brands & service areas
Brands and Towns We Serve
Help Across Monmouth and Middlesex County
Our licensed electricians serve Marlboro and these nearby towns.
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Questions Readers Ask
How do I know if my house has aluminum wiring?
Look for AL or ALUMINUM printed on exposed cable, and check whether your home was built between about 1965 and the mid-1970s. An electrician can confirm it.
Is aluminum wiring dangerous?
The CPSC says pre-1972 homes with aluminum wiring are 55 times more likely to have connections reach fire hazard conditions than copper-wired homes. Proper repairs greatly reduce that risk.
Are CO/ALR outlets a permanent fix?
The CPSC considers CO/ALR devices a temporary repair, not a permanent one.
Do I have to rewire my whole house?
Not always. The CPSC also recognizes COPALUM and AlumiConn connector repairs at every connection.
Is the aluminum wire to my dryer a problem?
Large aluminum feeders for ranges, dryers and panels are common and designed for it. The concern is smaller branch circuits.
Think You Have Aluminum Wiring?
A licensed electrician can confirm it in a short visit and explain your repair options.
(732) 419-5195