Fire Hazard in Homes Often Ignored

As Central Texans load-up their electrical outlets with faster and more advanced high-tech devises they may, unknowingly, be fanning the flames of an existing fire hazard in their homes. Despite efforts by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), local insurance agents and electrical trade service providers continue to see aluminum branch-circuit wiring in homes built in Austin, and across the country.

The danger of aluminum wiring translates into a real safety concern for homeowners. The CPSC’s research indicates homes wired with aluminum prior to 1972 pose a 55 times greater risk for starting a fire. Homes developed or renovated during the mid-1960s and early 1970s often were wired with aluminum due to soaring copper prices.  

Electrical fires were a real danger for Austinites in 2007. While aluminum wiring-specific incidents are not categorized separately, the Austin Fire Department recorded 82 structural fires as a result of electrical problems. Nationwide electrical fires are a leading cause of fire-related fatalities, along with arson, candles and smoking. Experts are particularly concerned about electrical fires because they can go undetected longer than other types of fires occurring in the open.

The hazard is not in the aluminum wire itself, but in the connections where the splices are made. The aluminum wire expands and contracts, in time decreasing the stability of its connection with the copper rated device or connection. When the connection becomes less secure overheating, carbon build-up, gradual melting of the connection and smoldering of the wire insulation may occur. The issues can remain undetected for a period of years before a fire actually ignites. Due to this, a detailed evaluation by a licensed electrical contractor is necessary to ensure that the entire electrical system is safe.

While the danger is well documented, many homeowners live with the risk. Hanna Ogle, personal lines manager with Watkins Insurance Group, estimates their firm  sees aluminum wiring in about 20 percent of Austin homes built during the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. Established neighborhoods, including Northwest Hills, Westlake, Quail Creek and many others, were built during this era. It’s also common to see the partial wiring of a home in aluminum due to renovations.  

Buyers need to beware. While rare, it’s possible that a partial or even complete wiring in aluminum could be overlooked at the time of purchase.

When aluminum wiring is found, the consequences are steep for homeowners; aluminum wiring can translate into a 25 to 50 percent increase in insurance premiums due to the risks. In fact, due to tighter restrictions in recent years, preferred carriers often do not cover homes with aluminum wiring, in part, because of the prevalence of electronic devices and increased demand on potentially unstable circuits.

 The CPSC recommends COPALUM for repairs. The product, manufactured by Tyco, attaches a copper wire to the aluminum wire leading to each junction box. The connection, made using extreme pressure, creates a safer electrical connection at outlets, switches, lights and circuit breakers.

However, the process can cost between $3,000 to $7,000, depending on the number of connections in a home. If repaired via the COPALUM method, there isn’t a need to have the connections inspected yearly to guarantee they are secure; unlike non-approved whole-house solutions that require annual inspections.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that your house is safe with repair solutions like COALR devices that only address switches and outlets. There are likely aluminum connections that need to be addressed behind each plug and switch. Appliances, fans, lights and built-ins also need to be treated with COPALUM. Be sure to use a reputable contractor that is certified by the manufacturer and doesn’t cut corners.  

A far more expensive alternative is the total elimination of aluminum wiring. Rewiring is a relatively smart solution if renovations are planned in a home. However, rewiring when no renovations are slated is costly because replacement requires removing drywall to get to the wiring.