Aluminum Wiring Remediation
For Memphis-area homes built in the 1960s and 70s with aluminum branch wiring
Between roughly 1965 and 1973, copper prices pushed builders to run aluminum wire for ordinary 15- and 20-amp household circuits. A lot of those houses are still standing in Memphis, Germantown, and Bartlett, and the wiring is still in the walls. It isn't a reason to panic. It is a reason to have a licensed electrician look at every connection, because the connections are where aluminum wiring fails.
Schedule an aluminum wiring evaluation
Which homes have it
Single-family homes and apartments built or added onto between the mid-1960s and the mid-1970s. You can sometimes spot it at the panel: the cable jacket may be marked "AL" or "ALUMINUM," and the exposed conductor is silver rather than copper-colored. If your inspection report mentions it, or your insurance company has asked about it, you're in the right place.
Why it's a problem
Aluminum expands and contracts more than copper as it heats and cools, and it oxidizes at the surface. Over decades, that loosens connections at outlets, switches, and splices, and a loose connection under load gets hot. Most aluminum wiring problems show up at devices, not in the wire itself: warm cover plates, flickering, a faint burning smell, outlets that stop working. That's also why the fix focuses on connections.
Remediation options
- AlumiConn connectors. Every aluminum-to-copper connection at outlets, switches, fixtures, and junction boxes is remade with a rated connector and a short copper pigtail, so the device only ever touches copper. This is our standard method. When a box has more wires than one connector can take, we use purple wire nuts rated for aluminum.
- Breakers and panel connections. Most breakers and panel bus bars are already rated for aluminum and copper, and we check those connections. For outlets and switches, we generally steer away from aluminum-rated devices and pigtail to copper instead.
- Full rewire. Replacing the aluminum branch circuits with copper. It's the most complete fix, but the cost and the wall repair it takes usually outweigh the benefit. It makes the most sense when you're already planning a full rehab or opening up walls.
- Panel check. Aluminum-wired homes often have panels from the same era. We look at the panel on the same visit.
We'll tell you which one your house actually needs. Most don't need a rewire.
Inspections, insurance, and selling the house
Home inspectors in Shelby County call out aluminum branch wiring when they see it, and some insurers ask about it before writing or renewing a policy. A documented remediation by a licensed electrician, under permit, is usually what both parties want to see. We've done permitted aluminum wiring mitigation work in Memphis and can provide the paperwork.
Pricing
The evaluation visit is free as an estimate. If we're troubleshooting a specific problem, the $135 minimum applies and is credited to the job. Remediation is quoted per house after we've counted the connections, because that's what the price is made of. Every job carries a one-year parts and workmanship warranty.
Aluminum wiring questions
Do I have to rewire the whole house?
Usually not. Remediating the connections with rated connectors addresses the failure point for most homes. We'll tell you if yours is an exception.
How long does aluminum wiring remediation take?
A whole house is typically a few days, depending on the number of devices and access. One recent whole-house job was done in three days.
Is aluminum wiring illegal or against code?
No. It's still permitted in some applications. The issue is aging connections in 1960s and 70s branch circuits, and the code allows several ways to correct them.
Will my insurance company accept the work?
Most want documentation of remediation by a licensed electrician. We provide an itemized invoice and can reference the permit. Check with your carrier for their specific requirement.
What customers say
“Big shout-out to Matt at Square One Electric! He handled my whole house, including Alumicon connections, new receptacles, and pole switches. Fair pricing, fast work, and everything was done in only 3 days.”
Ready when you are
Call (901) 467‑7607 weekdays between 8:00 and 4:30, or send a request and we'll get back to you with a time. Estimates are free.
Schedule an aluminum wiring evaluation