Aluminum wiring was commonly used in houses between the mid-1960s and the late 1970s.
what years was aluminum wiring used in houses
Here is the general timeline:
✔ 1960–1965
Aluminum wiring begins appearing in residential construction due to a copper shortage and rising copper prices.
✔ 1965–1972 (Peak years)
This is when aluminum branch-circuit wiring (for outlets, lights, switches) was installed most heavily.
Homes built in this period are most likely to have problematic AA-1350 alloy aluminum wiring.
✔ 1972–1975
Safety concerns grew, and manufacturers introduced a slightly improved aluminum alloy (AA-8000 series), but adoption declined rapidly.
✔ After 1978
Aluminum wiring essentially stopped being used for standard household branch circuits.
However, aluminum is still used today for:
Service entrance cables
Main feed cables
Large appliances and subpanel feeders
These applications use modern AA-8000 alloy and are safe when properly installed.
Why Did Aluminum Wiring Fall Out of Favor?
Because early aluminum wiring:
Expanded and contracted more than copper
Loosened at connection points
Oxidized easily
Created a higher risk of overheating and fires
If You Have a Home Built Between 1965–1975
There’s a good chance it contains aluminum branch-circuit wiring. It’s recommended to have it inspected and consider:
COPALUM crimps
AlumiConn connectors
Or a full aluminum-to-copper rewiring
