Get matched with top electricians in Keauhou, HI

Aluminum wiring can pose a fire risk as it can overheat, expand, and contract, leading to failing splices and loose connections. If your home has aluminum wiring, it requires careful maintenance and potential safety upgrades. The first step is to hire a licensed electrician to conduct a thorough inspection.

A complete replacement with copper wire is the safest option but can be very expensive and is not always necessary. Other safety measures and upgrades include:

• Copper Pigtailing: A more budget-friendly option where a short section of copper wire is added to each end of the aluminum wire. This is only appropriate for certain homes.

• Aluminum-Compatible Outlets: Installing outlets specifically designed for use with aluminum wiring.

• Anti-Oxidant Paste: Applying this paste to connections to prevent oxidation.

Consulting with a qualified electrician is essential to assess the condition of your wiring and determine the most appropriate updates to meet current safety standards.

Local electricians with experience in your area understand the local building codes, which is very important when doing new electrical work. They also have experience with the kind of electrical problems homes in your location may have, and even the components that were used in the original construction, which leads them to make faster and better decisions.

People who have experienced blown fuse have occasionally tried to fix the problem by placing copper pennies in the fuse box. While they are good conductors of electricity and can seemingly “fix” the issue,  they don’t protect against short circuits or fires. Putting pennies in a fuse box is dangerous—the best solution is to call a professional electrician to fix the problem.

Homeowners insurance policies will typically cover your cost to replace an electrical panel if damage occurs due to a covered circumstance such as fire, lightning, or certain types of accidents. Regular wear and tear or damage due to neglect might not be covered, so it's essential to review the policy details and consult with your insurance provider on the specifics of your coverage.