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
Do I Have Aluminum Wiring?
Most homes in the Denver Metro Area that were built between 1965-1974 were wired with aluminum wiring. There are many neighborhoods in Aurora, Centennial, Lakewood, Littleton, Cherry Hills Village, Greenwood Village, Arvada, Boulder, Thornton, Golden and Evergreen that have aluminum wired homes.
Homes constructed between 1965 and 1973 are most likely to have aluminum wiring, though houses built as late as 1977 may also contain it due to contractors using existing stock. However, aluminum wiring was rarely utilized for branch circuits before or after this period.
Identification of aluminum wiring can typically be found on the cable jacket, marked with "AL" or the word "aluminum." It's best to check accessible areas like the attic, basement, or garage for these markings.
While recognizing aluminum wiring's appearance may seem straightforward, it's advised to consult a professional electrician due to the risks associated with DIY electrical work, including property damage, injury, and even death. Aluminum wiring can change in color over time, from shiny silvery white to various shades of gray or almost black. Plating on the wire can also be misleading, as copper conductors may have been tin-plated and aluminum wire could be copper-plated. Inspecting the cut end of the wire is crucial for accurate identification.