In recent years there has been an increase in the concern over the safety of knob and tube 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 the ESA (Electrical Safety Authority), 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. Many  homes have a mixture of both aluminum and copper wiring. This is now especially true of homes with the old outdated knob & tube wiring present in many older Philadelphia homes . Insurance companies are refusing to renew homeowners insurance in homes with either of the above noted wiring hazards.

Aluminum wiring failure

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 discoloration of switches or receptacles, flickering lights or the smell of hot plastic insulation may be evidence of poor or improperly made connections.

What can you do?

All homes are wired differently and must be assessed on an individual basis. The Electrical Safety Authority recommends that the homeowner hire an authorized electrical contractor that is knowledgeable in the approved methods for working with, and repairing aluminum wiring and knob and tube wiring . You do have a couple of options. We hope you will call us and allow us to show you the safest and most cost effective way to make your home safe.

Aluminum Wiring Upgrades

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.

Knob & Tube wiring upgrades

Replacing all necessary wiring points with the proper size grounded wire is needed to correct the problems associated with the ungrounded and outdated knob & tube systems in many older homes We remove outlets , light switches and any necessary device and properly ground & size the circuit to comply with today's safety standards.

Rewiring

Rewiring would be the best long term solution for eliminating problems associated with aluminum wiring and knob and tube wiring , but it also represents a substantial investment. This may be the best solution in some cases. It is not a last resort , Call us at 215-3962804 and let one of our Expert technicians present all options to you . We will show you how to save money and avoid the damage to your home associated with rewiring.