When Was Aluminum Wiring Banned? (And Is It Still Allowed Today?)

Homeowners often ask whether aluminum wiring is banned and if it is still safe to use. The truth is more nuanced: aluminum wiring was never fully banned in the United States or Canada, but certain types of older aluminum wire stopped being approved for residential branch circuits in the mid-1970s due to safety concerns.

Below is a detailed explanation.

The Short Answer

• Aluminum wiring was not officially “banned.”

• But the older alloy (AA-1350 aluminum) used in the 1960s–1970s developed safety problems.

• Around 1972–1975, building codes stopped approving the older alloy for branch circuits in homes.

• A newer, safer alloy (AA-8000 series) replaced it and is still allowed today.

Timeline: When Aluminum Wiring Was Restricted

1960–1972: Widespread Residential Use

During this period, aluminum wiring (AA-1350 alloy) became popular due to high copper prices. It was commonly used for:

• 15A and 20A circuits

• Outlets, lights, switches

• Small appliances

1972: First Warning Signs

Reports of:

• Overheating

• Loose connections

• Electrical fires

began to rise. The issue was not the wire itself, but how the older aluminum alloy behaved at terminations.

1972–1975: Code Changes

The National Electrical Code (NEC) and Canadian standards made significant changes:

• 1972 NEC introduced new requirements for aluminum wiring.

• 1975 NEC required the use of AA-8000 series aluminum, a new material that solved most of the thermal expansion and connection problems.

As a result, builders gradually stopped using aluminum for small branch circuits.

After 1975: Aluminum Wiring Still Allowed

Modern aluminum building wire (AA-8000) is still used today and is considered safe when installed properly.

It is commonly used for:

• Service entrance cable (SER/SEU)

• Feeder cables to subpanels

• Large appliances (ranges, HVAC, EV chargers)

Why Was Older Aluminum Wiring a Problem?

The old 1960s–1970s aluminum alloy caused:

• Expansion and contraction under heat

• Loosening at screw terminals

• Oxidation increasing resistance

• Overheating and potential fire hazards

These issues were most severe at outlets and switches, not inside the wire itself.

Is Aluminum Wiring Banned Today?

❌ No, it is NOT banned.

But:

• Old AA-1350 aluminum is no longer approved for 15A/20A branch circuits.

• Modern AA-8000 aluminum is fully legal and widely used.

Where aluminum wire is still permitted:

• Electrical service entrances

• Subpanel feeders

• Large appliances

• Utility distribution

• Overhead and underground power lines

Countries That Restricted Aluminum Wiring

Aluminum wiring for branch circuits is “restricted” (not banned) in several places:

• United States – older type restricted after 1972–1975

• Canada – restricted but still allowed if properly installed

• UK and EU – rarely used in homes but used in utilities

If Your House Has Aluminum Wiring

Homes built between 1965 and 1975 may contain the older, risky type. Solutions include:

• COPALUM crimp connectors

• AlumiConn connectors

• Rewiring circuits with copper

Summary