Replacing Aluminum Electrical Wiring with Copper
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Should I rewire my house with 20 amp circuits and 12 gauge copper wire? Guide to Upgrading Aluminum Wiring to Copper Wiring, Electrical Circuits, Lighting Circuits, AFCI Circuit, Living Room Circuit.
© By: Dave Rongey
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Rewiring a Home with Copper Wire
Electrical Question: I am rewiring my house to change aluminum wire to copper wire.
- Does it make any sense to put in all 20 amp circuits 12 gauge or just the higher load circuits on 20 amp and the remainder as 15 amp 14 gauge wire.
- It may be that installing all 20 amp circuits is not the best use of my money for lighting circuits in bedrooms and living room. Any thoughts?
This electrical question came from: Mark, a Homeowner from Tonawanda, New York.
Additional Comments: Great website. Lots of help for the guy with limited electrical knowledge.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Mark.
Rewiring Aluminum Circuits with Copper Wire
Application: Upgrading Older Home Electrical Wiring.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced. This electrical wiring project is best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools for Rough-In Wiring, Electric Drill and Auger Bits, Extension Cords, and Ladders.
Construction Safety: All personal safety measures must be taken when performing remodel projects where you may come into contact with hazardous materials and environmental contaminants such as fiberglass insulation, vermiculite and asbestos, molds or mildew, as well as dust.
Estimated Time: Depends on the extent of the project, the type of wall coverings and structural construction and available access to the project area.
Precaution: Any existing wiring in the immediate area that may interfere with the installation should be identified and turned OFF and Tagged.
Notice: Installing additional electrical wiring or upgrading existing electrical circuits and wiring should always be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
Guide to Upgrading Aluminum Wiring to Copper Wiring
Considerations when rewiring a home and replacing aluminum wiring with copper wire.
- Electrical Circuits
- Keep track of the number of devices that will be on each circuit, such as outlets and light fixtures.
- Lighting Circuits
- With the lighting circuits attention should be given to the number of fixtures and the size light bulb that will be installed.
- AFCI Circuit
- Generally I install 14/2 for the bedroom AFCI circuit and I install 14/2 for my lighting circuits, again keeping track of the number of outlets or light fixtures that will be on the circuits.
- Living Room Circuit
- The same applies to the circuit wiring for the living room. Plan for any future loads such as large screen flat panel TV, home entertainment systems etc.
- Aluminum Wiring
- Replacing the #12 gauge aluminum wiring with copper wire is always a great thing to do, I highly recommend it.
- Large Electrical Circuits
- Larger amperage loads being served with aluminum wire is OK unless the equipment states that aluminum wire should not be used, such is the case with hot tubs and air conditioners and other equipment that requires copper wire only.
More about Home Wiring
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Electric Circuit Listing
The size of the home electrical service panel is designed by calculating the square footage of the home and factoring in the code requirements for the electrical circuits that are required.
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Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.
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For more information about Home Wiring
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This link is helpful as a Homeowner
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The following may also be helpful for you:
A Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring
Be sure to get your copy of my BIG Book:
Perfect for Homeowners, Students and Electricians
Includes:
Home Electrical Wiring - Room by Room
120 Volt Circuits
240 Volt Circuits
Multi-Wired Circuits
Wiring Methods for Installing Home Electrical Circuit Wiring
Electrical Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right
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The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!
The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!
The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets
Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency
Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included
Tests standard 3-wire outlets
UL Listed
Light indicates if wiring is incorrect
Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!
The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..
The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.
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Electrical Parts to Help You Wire it Right
Residential Electrical Parts and Accessories
Light Switches
120volt Outlets
Circuit Breakers
Electrician Tools
Voltage Testers
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