Short answerUsually not. Some houses built or expanded between 1965 and 1973 have aluminum branch wiring, and the fire risk is at the connections. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recognizes specific permanent repairs. Published pricing for connector repair across a whole house runs about $2,000 to $8,000. Most deals settle it with a repair or a credit.
What is the risk?
Aluminum expands, contracts, and oxidizes differently than copper. Over time, connections at outlets, switches, and splices can loosen and overheat. CPSC research found homes wired with older aluminum wire were far more likely to have a connection reach fire hazard conditions than copper wired homes. Warning signs include warm cover plates, flickering lights, and a burning plastic smell.
How do inspectors spot it?
By the printing on the cable jacket in the basement or attic, and the dull silver color of the wire at the panel. Inspectors usually recommend evaluation by a licensed electrician.
How is it fixed?
- COPALUM crimp connectors, installed by trained electricians at every connection.
- AlumiConn connectors, recognized by CPSC as an acceptable alternative repair.
- Rewiring with copper, the most complete and most expensive option.
Published pricing for connector repair across a whole house runs about $2,000 to $8,000, depending on the number of devices. I did not find an Indiana specific source, so get a local electrician's quote. Some insurers specify which repair they accept, so ask before choosing.
If you are selling
Get an electrician's evaluation and quote before you list. A documented repair turns a scary line in the report into a solved item. If you do not repair it, disclose it and expect a credit request.
If you are buying
Call your insurance agent during the inspection period. Then ask for the repair or a credit sized to a real quote. What to ask the seller to fix.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my house has aluminum wiring?
Check the cable jacket in an unfinished basement or attic for the word aluminum or AL, or have a licensed electrician look. Houses built or added onto from 1965 to 1973 are most likely to have it.
Can I fix aluminum wiring myself?
No. CPSC advises calling an experienced electrician and not attempting repairs yourself.
Will insurance cover a house with aluminum wiring?
It depends on the company. Some ask for remediation or a specific repair method. Call your agent early.
Keep reading
Want to know what a buyer's inspector may find before they do?
Book a free pre listing condition walk. I walk the house with you, point out what inspectors and FHA, VA, and USDA appraisers tend to flag, and give you planning ranges so you can decide what to fix, credit, price in, or disclose.
Book a condition walkOr call or text (812) 525-5489, or email [email protected].
The condition walk is a REALTOR® and contractor evaluation, not a home inspection, and it does not replace one. If you have already signed a listing agreement with another agent, please take these questions to your agent.
Looking at a house and not sure what you are getting into?
Ask for a free Before You Offer review. Send me the listing. I look over the photos, the seller's disclosure, and recent sales, then flag likely condition issues and planning cost ranges before you write an offer.
Request a Before You Offer reviewOr call or text (812) 525-5489, or email [email protected].
The Before You Offer review is a REALTOR® and contractor review of the listing, not a home inspection. It is for buyers who are not already working with an agent. If you have an agent, please bring these questions to your agent.
Sources
- CPSC, Repairing Aluminum Wiring (Publication 516)
- CPSC, Aluminum Wiring Fix Still Available (2003)
- AJ Long Electric, aluminum wiring remediation pricing, 2026
Written by John Long, REALTOR®, 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate. Working contractor who has priced hundreds of home inspection repair requests. Former labor relations negotiator for a major manufacturer and U.S. Coast Guard veteran.
John Long, REALTOR® · 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate · (812) 525-5489 · yourpropertynegotiator.com
This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional home inspection, and not legal, tax, insurance, or lending advice. Ask a real estate attorney about contracts and disclosure, a CPA about taxes, your lender about loan rules, and a licensed inspector or tradesperson about your house. Nothing here guarantees a sale price, net proceeds, repair cost, payment, timeline, appraisal, inspection result, or loan approval. Cost figures are planning estimates, not bids. I own Wardmark Property Operations LLC, a contracting company. You are always free to use any contractor you choose.