Aluminum Wiring in Texas Homes: Is It Dangerous and Should You Rewire?

If your Texas home was built between the mid-1960s and mid-1970s, there's a good chance it has aluminum branch circuit wiring. Aluminum expands and contracts more than copper, loosening connections over time and creating a well-documented fire risk at outlets and switches.

How to tell

Look at exposed cable in the attic or at the panel: aluminum cable is stamped “AL” or “ALUMINUM.” The wire itself is silver rather than copper-colored.

Your options

• AlumiConn / COPALUM pigtailing — approved connectors join a copper pigtail to each aluminum wire at every device. Fast and effective.
• CO/ALR devices — outlets and switches rated for aluminum. A partial fix.
• Full whole house rewiring — the permanent solution and the one insurers prefer.

Whole house rewiring cost in Texas

Typically $8,000–$20,000 for an average home, depending on size, attic access and whether the panel is upgraded at the same time. We minimize drywall cuts and patch what we open.

Knob and tube

Older pre-1950 homes may have knob and tube wiring. It has no ground and shouldn't be buried in insulation — most insurers require replacement.

Local rewiring pages: Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Fort Worth, El Paso.

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