Homes in Original Aurora built roughly between 1965 and 1973 sometimes used aluminum branch wiring instead of copper, a common practice at the time that we now know needs different connectors and more frequent inspection to stay safe long-term. Left unaddressed, aluminum connections can loosen at outlets and switches and become a genuine fire risk.

Our electricians identify the wiring type in your Aurora home, explain what we find honestly, and recommend the right fix, whether that’s targeted electrical repair at specific connections or a broader rewire, often paired with a look at your electrical panel if it’s original to the home.

• Warm outlet or switch covers: a sign of a loose or overheating connection behind the wall
• Flickering lights not tied to a single fixture: can point to a shared wiring issue
• Aluminum wiring in a home built 1965 to 1973: common in Aurora’s construction boom years
• Discoloration around outlets: a visible sign of heat buildup at a connection
• Burning smell with no obvious source: should be treated as urgent, not routine

Here’s what typically points to a wiring issue worth investigating.

Is Aluminum Wiring Actually Dangerous?

Aluminum wiring itself isn’t inherently dangerous, but the connections at outlets and switches can loosen over time in a way copper connections typically don’t, which raises real fire risk if left unaddressed. It needs different connectors, and it needs periodic inspection, which many original installations never received.

Repair Individual Connections or Rewire Completely?

If aluminum wiring is otherwise in good condition, pigtailing connections with approved connectors at each outlet and switch is often enough to make it safe. If we’re finding widespread damage or the wiring is deteriorated throughout, a full rewire becomes the more sensible long-term investment.

How Long Does Aluminum Wiring Typically Last?

Aluminum wiring itself doesn’t have a fixed expiration date, but the connections at outlets and switches are the weak point, and those benefit from inspection every several years, particularly in homes that haven’t had any electrical updates since original construction.