Why it matters
Aluminum expands, contracts and oxidizes differently than copper, loosening connections over time and creating heat at terminations — a recognized fire risk when not properly mitigated.
Why it's common in Bloomington
Bloomington's median home age near 1968 places a large share of the housing stock squarely in the aluminum-wiring window, especially 1965–76 ramblers and split-levels.
Signs to watch for
- warm or discolored outlet/switch plates
- flickering lights
- the smell of hot plastic
- 'AL' or 'aluminum' stamped on the cable jacket
What we check during the inspection
We identify aluminum branch conductors at the panel and accessible devices and note whether approved connectors (e.g., COPALUM or AlumiConn) are present.
How it's typically corrected
Mitigation by a licensed electrician using approved connectors at every device, or a full rewire. Receptacle swaps alone are not a fix.
Concerned about aluminum branch wiring in a home you're buying or selling? Get a free instant quote and we'll evaluate it as part of a full inspection.