Aluminum Wiring Replacement
In recent years there has been an increase in the concern over the safety of aluminum wiring. In particular, purchasers or owners of homes built from the mid 1960’s to the late 1970’s with aluminum wiring are finding that many insurer’s will not provide or renew insurance coverage on such properties unless the wiring is inspected and repaired or replaced as necessary, and the work is inspected by a Master Electrician, and a copy of the certificate of inspection is provided to the insurer. In some cases the insurer may require replacement of the aluminum wiring with new copper wiring.
Problems with Aluminum Wiring
Reported problems with aluminum wiring have been related to the overheating and failure of aluminum wiring terminations. This is due to the tendency of aluminum wiring to oxidize, and aluminum’s incompatibility with devices designed for use with copper wiring only. Aluminum has a higher rate of expansion than copper wiring, which can lead to loose connections, arcing and melting, eventually fire. Warm cover plates or discolouration of switches or receptacles, flickering lights or the smell of hot plastic insulation may be evidence of poor or improperly made connections.
We offer a variety of electrical services for residential, commercial and industrial properties, including upgrades, repairs, replacements, and installations.
What Can You Do?
All homes are wired differently and must be assessed on an individual basis. The CMEQ recommends that the Montreal homeowner hire an authorized Montreal Master Electrician that is knowledgeable in the approved methods for working with, and repairing aluminum wiring. You do have a couple of options, and at Novatek Electric we will walk you through the whole process.
Rewiring
Aluminum Wiring Upgrading
Replacing all the receptacles and switches in the home, with ones that are rated for aluminum wiring, and treating all other connections at light fixtures and junction points with an antioxidant, and replacing wire connectors with ones that are rated for aluminum.
Rewiring
Rewiring would be the best long term solution for eliminating problems associated with aluminum wiring, but it also represents a substantial investment. This may be the best solution in some cases.
Pigtailing
Less costly, the addition of copper connecting “pigtail” wires between the aluminum wire and the wired device (receptacle, switch, or other device). *Mostly Recommended
We Specialize In
- A/C Circuits
- Add New Plugs
- Additions/Remodels
- Cable Wiring (RG59, RG6)
- CAT 5, CAT 5e, Cat 6 Network Cabling
- Dusk to Dawn Photo Eyes
- Electric Heat Circuits
- Install Ceiling Fans
- Light Fixtures Installations
- Meter Base Replacement
- Pot Lights Installations
- Proper Grounding
- Rewire Old Homes
- Run Electricity to Outdoor Shed
- Security Lighting
- Service Upgrades
- Storm Damage Repairs
- Telephone Jacks
- Wall-mounted Flat-screen TV’s
- ARC-Fault Breakers
- Breakers And Fuses
- Code Corrections
- GFCI Outlets
- Home Inspections
- Home Safety Check
- Lighting
- New Wiring For Appliances
- Outlets & GFCI’s
- Outlets And Switches
- Overhead & Underground Services
- Panels
- Phone Jacks & Cable Outlets
- Pools, Hot Tubs, Appliances
- Surge Protection
- Swimming Pool Wiring & Repair
- Electric Water Heaters
- Electronic Thermostats
- Exhaust Fans
- Generator Panel
- Generator With Transfer Switch
- In-Floor Heat
- Heated Floor
- Landscape Lighting
- Maintenance
- Pool Pumps, Timers & Lights
- Sauna
- Steam Shower
- Water Heaters
Electrical Lighting Upgrades
- Bathroom Lighting
- Kitchen Lighting
- Outdoor Security Lighting
- LED Lighting Upgrades
Our Electrical Technicians are:
- Fully screened, drug tested, and have had background checks performed for your peace of mind.
- Neat, clean and adhere to a dress code for safety and security.
- Friendly, helpful, and reliable. We don’t hire anyone we wouldn’t hire to work inside of our own homes.
- Knowledgeable, experienced and skilled.
- Rigorously trained in customer service.
- Top-notch troubleshooters who specialize in saving you time and money.
- Fully outfitted with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and a huge inventory of parts.
- Fully licensed, bonded and insured.
