Aluminum Wiring
Not all pigtail methods are created equal when remediating your aluminum wiring. Learn the pros and cons of CSA approved methods
Certified Experience
With over 90 years of combined service experience, our trained and certified electricians are ready to solve all your electrical needs.
Our Advantage
We seek to offer exceptional service and with the 24/7 Electric Advantage®, we are changing the way you feel about having a service professional in your home.
Is Aluminum Wiring Safe?
This is the big question and the answers can be varied and technical. So here is a non-technical look at why everyone is talking about it.
If your home was built between the 1960s and early 1970s, it is likely your home has aluminum wiring throughout its branch circuits. Homes built after the mid-1970s were built using copper wiring.
Over time aluminum wiring tends to oxidize which can result in overheating and eventually failure. Aluminum also has a higher rate of expansion and becomes flattened at termination points, causing arching, sparks, and possibly fire.
Due to the increase failure of aluminum wiring, most insurance companies require a thorough electrical safety inspection completed by a certified electrical contractor. These inspections are usually required before issuing a new policy or upon renewal. They can also be required when purchasing or selling the home. Electrical modifications are usually needed to ensure the home is safe on a permeant basis.
There are currently 5 ways to remediate or bridge aluminum/copper connections. Re-Wire, Marette and Anti-oxidant, Copalum© and Alumiconn©
- Yearly Maintenance: This method is time consuming and not accepted through out the home insurance industry as a method that is safe or is proven as a method to reduce the risk of fire hazards.
- Marette and Anti-oxidant: This method is the most cost effective and a common handyman method. With proper application this method is a good start in improving the safety of your home’s electrical system. However, in CPSC-sponsored laboratory testing and in-the-field tests, a substantial number of these connectors failed and overheated. Currently CSA approved, generally not recommended as a permeant solution.
- Copalum: This method requires a crimping tool that can only be operated by an electrician who is certified to use it. It can be limiting if there is not a certified technician in your area. This is one of the preferred methods as it is deemed to be a permeant solution.
- Alumiconn: This method also requires a trained electrician to install. This device keeps all wires separate from each other, but is still deemed a pigtail method. This method is considered to be a permeant solution and is readily available in all markets.
- Full Re-Wire: Well this is a method, it is costly an unnecessary if remediation is done correctly. This method is only recommended if a large renovation was being done and there was full access to the walls.
No matter what form of remediation you choose for your home, it is a good step towards ensuring safety of your home and protecting your electrical system from future failure.
Contact Us Today
About this Process
How to fix your aluminum wiring:
If remediation is done correctly, there is no reason to fully remove the aluminum wiring from your home. There are 5 industry approve ways to reduce risk and remediate aluminum wiring. Here are the methods listed from most to least effective:
- Alumiconn
- Copalum
- Marette and Anti-oxidant
- Full Re-Wire
- Yearly Maintenance and inspection
Call For a Quote:
(587) 315-1361
Latest Blogs
100 vs 200 amp panel upgrade
100A vs 200A Panels: When to Upgrade?Is 100 Amp Service Enough for Your Calgary Home? Latest BlogsF.A.Q. The average number of cloud-to-ground...
Recessed Lighting Installation Cost Calgary
How Much Does Recessed Lighting Installation Cost in Calgary?What Does Recessed Lighting Installation Cost? Latest BlogsF.A.Q. The average number...
Hardwired Smoke Detectors Calgary
Hardwired Smoke Detectors:Why Wired Beats Battery Every Time. Latest BlogsF.A.Q. The average number of cloud-to-ground lightning flashes per year...
Let Us Brighten Your Day®
The 24/7 Electric Team™ prides itself on educating our customers. In our education and how-to series, you can find all you need and more to keep the heart of your home running smoothly.
Common Questions Calgary Homeowners Ask
When is it time to upgrade my electrical panel?
Federal Pacific breakers, or can't support new loads like EV chargers, it's time. Same size upgrades start at $2,800 - $3,200. An underground service upgrade100amps-200amps start $5,000-$10,000
Can my panel handle an EV charger?
Use our Load Calculator to find out instantly. Many 100A panels can handle a charger with load management, no upgrade needed.
Do I need 100 amp or 200 amp service?
If you have gas heating and appliances, 100A may be enough. Adding EV chargers, AC, or electric heat? You'll likely need 200A or a load management system, like Blackbox. An underground service upgrade can range from $5,000-$10,000.
Do I need whole home surge protection?
Yes, especially in Calgary. Power bars only protect what's plugged in. Whole home protection covers your furnace, AC, and all hardwired appliances.
Why are my lights flickering?
Could be a loose connection, overloaded circuit, or failing panel. Occasional flickers during storms are normal, constant flickering needs attention.
Is aluminum wiring dangerous?
Not if properly remediated. We use approved methods to make aluminum wiring safe. No need to rewire your entire home.
Should I replace my Federal Pacific panel?
Yes, immediately. FPE breakers have a documented history of failing to trip, creating fire risks. Same size replacement costs $2,800-$3,200.
Are battery smoke detectors still allowed?
Battery only detectors no longer meet code for new installations. Hardwired, interconnected detectors are now required for proper protection.
Get In Touch
587 315 1361
I would highly recommend
Company is a true asset to the community
The team was professional, punctual, and completed the work to a high standard. They were honest, efficient, and left everything clean when the job was finished.
It's a huge relief to have a company I can trust when I can't be there in person. They truly made my life easier, and I highly recommend 24/7 Electric to anyone—especially fellow out-of-town property owners. I'll definitely be using them again!
We will use this company again for alllof our electrical needs.
Their team was professional, knowledgeable, and easy to work with throughout the entire process. A few unexpected scope changes came up that were outside of everyone’s control, but they adapted quickly, communicated clearly, and remained solution-focused from start to finish. What we appreciated most was that they still honored their original estimate despite the added complexity.
The quality of the installation and attention to detail were outstanding, and it was clear they take pride in doing the job properly. It’s refreshing to work with electricians who are reliable, fair, and committed to customer satisfaction. We would gladly use them again and highly recommend them to anyone needing electrical work or service upgrades.
Discovery your monthly payment options
Privacy Statement
Terms & Conditions - Sales
Terms & Conditions - Purchase
Locations:
Calgary, AB | 587-315-1361 |
243 Autumn Circle SE T3M0J9
Edmonton, AB | 780-299-8008 |
10180 101 St NW 34th Floor
Phoenix, AZ | 480-530-7755 |
1525 S. Higley Rd. #104-110 Gilbert, AZ 85296