Aluminum Wiring Safety & Copper Pigtailing

Protecting your 1960s and 70s-era home from hidden fire hazards

If your home was built between the mid-1960s and late 1970s, it likely contains aluminum wiring. While common for that era, aluminum is prone to "cold flow"—expanding and contracting more than copper—which leads to loose connections and overheating at outlets and switches. Alderock Electric provides a specialized, non-invasive solution to make your home safe.

Why Address Aluminum Wiring?

• Fire Prevention: Most aluminum-related fires start at the connection points. Our remediation eliminates the risk of arcing and overheating.
• Insurance Requirements: Many providers in the Kitchener-Waterloo area require an ESA-certified safety retrofit before they will issue or renew a homeowner's policy.
• Certified Peace of Mind: We provide the official documentation needed to prove your home meets modern safety standards.

Our Remediation Process: "Copper Pigtailing"

We use the Pigtailing method, which is the most cost-effective and ESA-approved way to secure aluminum wiring without a full rewire:

1. System Inspection: We inspect every outlet, switch, and junction box in the home to identify failing connections.
2. Specialized Connectors: We join a small length of copper wire to the existing aluminum using industry-standard, AL/CU-rated connectors.
3. Anti-Oxidant Compound: We apply a specialized compound to the wire ends to prevent the oxidation that causes high-resistance heat.
4. Device Replacement: We install new, high-quality switches and outlets (Style and colour decided by you the customer) that are properly rated for the upgraded connections.
5. Final Verification: We perform a final test of the entire system to ensure a safe, continuous path for your home’s power.
6. ESA Inspection: Upon completion, we provide the ESA Certificate of Acceptance, which is the official document required by insurance companies to prove the aluminum wire is in a safe condition.

Ready to ensure your aluminum wire is safe and insurance compliant?

Our team serves Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph and surrounding areas, we will confirm the aluminum wire presents and plan for the device replacement/ pigtailing. Typically the work is completed in a day for an average sized home. Call and book an appointment today!