Broadly speaking, households in most homes in Southern Anne Arundel County is made of copper wiring, with aluminum wiring used only for specified heavy duty connections. There is, however, a notable and important exception.
Between 1965 through 1973 – when development in Crofton, Gambrills and the surrounding areas was in full swing – the price of copper skyrocketed, causing builders use cheaper alternatives, like aluminum.
Unfortunately, aluminum wiring was grossly misused. Many electricians at the time used it as though it were essentially the same as copper wire when in fact the metals have profoundly different characteristics. A significantly heavier aluminum wire is required to carry the same volume of electricity as the copper wires for which the electrical codes were designed. The thin aluminum wire was overcharged, resulting it to heat profoundly and often cause fires.
In 1974, after several spectacular losses of life due to aluminum wiring, the building code was changed and copper wire was required for all new homes. But, again, thousands upon thousands of homes were built in Southern Anne Arundel County during this time and many of them use aluminum wiring to this day. Aluminum wiring, we should point out, that is now more than 40 years old.
We Can Determine Whether You Need a Copper Wiring Changeover
We at Haramis Electric are not alarmists. If you live in a home built between 1965 and 1973, there’s a very good chance that the aluminum wire in your house has already been replaced. But we do absolutely believe that you’re better safe than sorry and, if you’re not sure about your home, there’s no time like the present to ensure your future safety.
When Haramis Electric surveys your electrical system, we’ll open every and light switch in your home to determine whether it has aluminum wire and to see whether any copper wire has been added to the original aluminum. If the switch or outlet needs changing over, our expert electricians will either replace the outlet, copper wire to the wire, or properly install a bimetallic connector before re-installing the outlet or switch.
The Haramis Electric Difference
If you need to switch from aluminum to copper wiring in Southern Anne Arundel County, Haramis Electric should be the first electric contractor you meet with. Our expertise is unmatched, our professionalism is obvious and our commitment is palpable. Based in Crofton, MD we know the area and its needs better than anyone else. Our electricians convert copper to aluminum wiring projects in AA County and local towns like; Annapolis, Arnold, Bowie, Broadneck, Cape Saint Claire, Chartwell, Crofton, Crownsville, Davidsonville, Downs on the Severn, Edgewater, Ellicott City, Ferndale, Galesville, Gambrills, Hanover, Herald Harbor, Lake Shore, Linthicum, Millersville, Odenton, Parole, Pasadena, Riva, Riviera Beach, Saint Margarets, Selby Bay, Severn, Severna Park, Two Rivers, West River.
Replacing aluminum wiring, if necessary, could hardly be more time sensitive. We’ll conduct a throughout audit of your home, tell you whether and where changes are needed, and guarantee that the job is done right the first time.
FAQ Aluminum to Copper Wiring for Electricians
What’s the average price to change aluminum wiring to copper?
Is it alright to have both copper and aluminum wiring in a house? In a business?
How do you if you have copper wire or aluminum?
How can I tell if I have a mix of Copper and aluminum wiring?
Must all aluminum wiring be replaced?