Pigtailing Aluminum Wiring – What You Should Know

In recent years, many homeowners started installing aluminum wiring in their home’s electrical system. Aluminum wiring has many benefits, but can sometimes lead to electrical hazards if not installed appropriately. In the 60s and 70s, the high costs of copper wiring led homeowners to install aluminum wiring for their homes. Moreover, people preferred aluminum because of its electrical conductivity and cheaper rates. Even today, many houses are still wired with aluminum in Canada.

There is always a high chance of fire or other hazards when aluminum wiring connects with copper. To cope with hazards, pigtailing aluminum wiring is introduced, paving the way to edge any fire risk.

In this blog, we will discuss pigtailing aluminum wiring in detail. Read on and understand everything that you should know about it.

 

What is Pigtailing Aluminum Wiring? 

Wiring pigtails is one of the most common wiring techniques that electricians prefer to eliminate any fire risk or other damage. This technique is a cost-effective and time-saving method and is quite handy in reducing electrical hazards.

Pigtailing aluminum wiring consists of a short-length copper wire with aluminum wire, which is then connected to an electrical device that approves the copper connection and has a 3-way switch.

The pigtail connectors are used to connect copper and aluminum. Aluminum oxidizes easily, which is why antioxidant compounds save aluminum from corrosion. Aluminum is always at the aluminum source of loose connection as it easily expands. These electrical pigtails have great potential to fix overheating problems and hot wire, usually due to weaker connections.

Why is Aluminum Wiring Unsafe?

It is the nature of aluminum that it is not efficient for small connections. Aluminum is highly corrosive, and one of the things that makes it a bit dangerous is aluminum’s higher expansion rates. When exposed to heat, aluminum becomes more expansive and expands 35% more than copper.

Heat exposure is normal; whenever electricity flows, it causes electrical arcs in plugs, and the hot wire tends to give loose connections and may damage the 3-way switch. You can use aluminum wiring securely until or unless the terminals and connections get made without damaging the hot wire.

A solution to Overcome the Problems of Aluminum Wiring

There are many solutions to resolve issues related to aluminum wiring.  

• Many homeowners replace their whole aluminum wiring with copper wiring, which is an expensive solution. 
• Some people prefer to go for a temporary solution, replacing the switches and wall receptacles with devices designed for Al-wiring. It is an unsafe solution, and the connections lose over time.
• The pigtailing aluminum wiring is the most advanced and cost-effective solution. But it requires a professional electrician Richmond who can install it better. 

The electrician needs to follow a proper electrical methodology with specific parameters to make it work safely. A mounted box extension ring is a great way to deal with short space in the electrical box. In this way, you can easily connect new connectors. The electrical safety authority declares the electrical pigtail of aluminum wiring as the most innovative solution in terms of safety.

It is better to call a professional electrician in Richmond rather than do all the chores by yourself. If the pigtail connectors don’t fit well, aluminum wiring pigtails can cause serious damage. Electrical pigtail wiring is safe if the Electrician has done his job well and is connected with proper terminals.

Why is Aluminum Pigtailing Necessary?

The aluminum wiring is highly dangerous because of several dangers, such as outbreaks. Safe and high-quality wiring is a must in every house. The wiring of a house can be a reason for the house value. It is also witnessed that homeowners face serious difficulties in getting their homes insured if the wiring electrical wiring of a house is made of aluminum. 

Many safety experts say that homes in the 70s with aluminum wiring had doubled the risk of fire outbreaks. This is why most people are now using pigtail connectors for the wiring pigtails of aluminum, as it is the only solution left to deal with these electrical hazards.

Many agents of insurance companies say that even in this modern age, some homes still have copper and aluminum wiring, which the homeowners may combine. These copper and aluminum wiring without proper pigtailing can cause extreme hazards.

What to Look for in Your Electrician? 

It requires some in-depth parameters and vast knowledge of electrical tailing work to appropriately connect pigtail connectors and all the other pigtailing stuff.

Make sure your electrician should:

• Check all the connections in the home.
• He should look for the approved electrical outlets such as range, light plugs, receptacles, and 3-way switch.
• An in-depth check of termination points at the panel.
• Make sure your electrician should install a de-oxidant to save aluminum from corrosion.

Get the Best Electrician to Get Pigtailing Done 

Yes, we know that you better understand pigtailing aluminum wiring, but never try to do it yourself; get in touch with a licensed electrician Richmond and leave the things to them. Simply call Kato Electrical and let us handle the rest for you.