I used to think aluminum wiring was just a cheap fix until a job in Phoenix last month.

We had to redo a whole kitchen remodel because the old aluminum connections were overheating behind the walls. The homeowner said 'it's been fine for 40 years' right before we showed them the melted wire nuts. What's your go-to method for making safe pigtails on aluminum these days?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_nina2d ago

Classic homeowner logic right there. "It's been fine" is what you say right before the fire department shows up. My go-to is the purple wire nuts with the antioxidant paste, no question. Seen too many of those old twist-on jobs turn into little charcoal briquettes in the wall.

blakeallen2d ago

Ever wonder why the antioxidant paste makes such a difference on aluminum wire? I've heard it stops that oxidation cold, but I've only ever worked with copper. Are those old aluminum connections really that bad just from air getting to them over time?