Usually, receptacles approved for aluminum wiring will get stamped CO/ALR, CU-AL, or AL-CU, indicating they may get used for both copper and aluminum. More modern “decora” switches and outlets are not aluminum wire rated. Do not use outlets marked with AL and a line through it.

Is it code to connect aluminum wire to an outlet?

Is Aluminum wiring pigtail legal to Code? Yes, that is what is required. The BC Safety Authority recommends hiring a licensed electrical contractor to complete the copper tailing work as it is very important that all connections are properly terminated or may cause further problems down the road.

Can you connect aluminum wire to a copper outlet?





Copper and aluminum should never be connected together except using special anti-oxidant paste and crimped with approved clamp connectors. If you use twist-on connectors (wire-nuts or marrets), make sure they are approved for use with aluminum wiring.

Can aluminum wire and copper wire be connected together?

When connecting aluminum and copper wire together, you can use IDEAL Twister’s AL/CU connector. This twist-on wire connector is designed to both prevent corrosion between these different wires and ensure a secure connection.

Are outlets rated for aluminum wire?

However, typical household wiring devices (GFCI, receptacle outlets, light switches, etc.) are not rated for aluminum wire. As a result, an aluminum wired house is more at risk to reach hazardous fire conditions at the outlet wiring connections rather than homes that are wired with copper wires.

Are co ALR receptacles safe?

Watch out: CO/ALR dual receptacles that you are recommending are *NOT* recommended by the US CPSC for aluminum wiring repairs. That’s because they are not safe.

Is it safe to pigtail aluminum wiring?





Pigtailing aluminum wiring is safe as long as proper terminals and connections are made – without damaging the wire – and with materials approved by the Canadian Electrical Code. Aluminum wiring pigtails approved by the Electrical Safety Authority are the most common solution for making aluminum wiring safe.

Can you mix aluminum and copper?

Copper and aluminum can be combined to form a copper-aluminum alloy. An alloy is a mixture, and therefore does not have a chemical formula. However, under very high temperature, copper and aluminum can form a solid solution.

Can push connectors be used with aluminum wire?

Push-in connectors aren’t ok for aluminum. They’re not even all that great for copper.

How do you pigtail copper wire to aluminum?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: And then you put them side by side you put your mariot 63 right there. And you twist clockwise. And it's going to twist all of that all together until it's nice and tight.

Can I use aluminum wire instead of copper?



So, if extensive wiring is required, copper wiring can be too expensive for you. Aluminum is also a common material used in the construction of electrical wires. Unfortunately, aluminum wiring is not as strong as copper wiring, and it has a higher thermal expansion coefficient.

Do you need a special light switch for aluminum wiring?

Aluminum wiring is safe if properly installed.



Use only CO/ALR wall switches and outlets. If your home has aluminum wiring and you need to replace a switch or outlet, the replacement should be a type that is specifically approved for use with aluminum wiring. Approved devices are marking “CO/ALR”.

Can you install a dimmer switch with aluminum wiring?

Hi Ryan – You will not find a dimmer switch rated for CU/AL Wire because most all dimmer switches come pre-wired with copper wire leads.  You may connect the aluminum wire to the copper leads of the dimmer switch as long as you use a wire connector that is rated for CU/AL type wire connections.

What is a co ALR duplex receptacle?



These receptacles are specifically designed to work with aluminum conductors and are identified by CO/ALR stamped on the device. 15 Amp, 125 Volt, Co/Alr Duplex Receptacle, Straight Blade, Residential Grade, Grounding. For direct connection to No. 12 or No.

What is a co ALR switch used for?

CO/ALR. If a switch is rated for aluminum wire, it will have the label “CO/ALR.” This indicates the switch is approved for use with either copper or aluminum wiring. If your house happens to be wired with aluminum wire (not common), this is the type of switch you will need to use.

When was aluminum wiring banned?

In 1972, the formula for aluminum wiring changed, making it a much safer product. Aluminum wiring was used in single family homes for a few years after that, but was completely phased out by the mid-’70s.

What does co ALR stand for?

copper-aluminum, revised



Electrical device ratings



Unfortunately, CU/AL switches and receptacles failed to work well enough with aluminum wire, and a new specification called CO/ALR (meaning copper-aluminum, revised) was created.

How many house fires are caused by aluminum wiring?

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 50% of home fires happen in homes with aluminum wiring.

Is aluminum wiring illegal?

Aluminum wiring is not illegal, but it is no longer up to code and new homes are now built with copper wiring. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home with aluminum wiring, you will be ok as long as you follow the instructions on how to deal with it. How much does it cost to rewire a house?