Where to buy copalum connectors

The COPALUM connector system attaches a copper wire to the old aluminum wires and is then crimped together with a power tool, achieving a "cold weld" between the conductors. The "cold weld" creates a permanent bond that eliminates electrical arcing or glowing connections and creates a safer electrical connection at outlets, switches, lights, circuit breakers, and panelboard terminals.

The COPALUM connector repair materials and power crimping tools are only available to electricians who receive training from the manufacturer, to ensure that repairs are properly made. CPSC believes that "twist-on" connectors, receptacles and switches and other devices that connect directly to aluminum wires, are an inadequate solution. If homeowners are not certain whether their home has aluminum branch circuit wiring, they can look at the markings on the surface of the electric cables which may be visible in unfinished basements, attics or garages.

Aluminum wiring will have "Al" or "Aluminum" marked every few feet along the cable. A home inspector or qualified electrician also can assist in identifying aluminum wiring. CPSC advises that consumers should not open the interior of the panelboard or circuit breaker compartment - this can expose live wires and pose an electrocution hazard.

To order a list of authorized electricians in their area, consumers can write to: Tyco Electronics Corp. Box , Harrisburg, PA If no authorized electrician is currently located nearby, consumers can have an electrician interested in repairing their home contact the nearest supplier of AMP- brand COPALUM connectors for training and other repair information. See Aluminum Wiring inspection, hazards, repairs - for a complete and detailed explanation of the hazards and remedies concerning aluminum electrical wiring.

If you are unable to obtain the COPALUM connectors and special crimping tool or for other reasons such as having only a few connections to repair this is an acceptable solution:.

Try the search box just below, or if you prefer, post a question or comment in the Comments box below and we will respond promptly.

Note: appearance of your Comment below may be delayed: if your comment contains an image, web link, or text that looks to the software as if it might be a web link, your posting will appear after it has been approved by a moderator. Apologies for the delay. Just ask us! Search the InspectApedia website. Comment Form is loading comments Steve Bliss 's Building Advisor at buildingadvisor. I can honestly say that I have yet to find a home with aluminum wiring that has had any signs of arcing or overheating.

The biggest problem we run up on is insurance companies, realtors and as you said the horror stories that have been circulating for years. Many insurance companies will not take on a customer if they find out the home has aluminum wiring. I have known of several realtors that will not list a home if they find out it has aluminum wiring. Unfortunately it is hard to put the toothpaste back into the tube once the public has come to believe something.

Equally difficult is when you have electricians who do not agree on the issues of AL wiring. Some will say the whole sytem should be pulled and replaced while there are others like yourself who use a more common sense approach and look at the evidence rather than the hype. Thanks for your input.

The CPSC provided the following information as early as Use this for your reports. I am talking to my friend the Realtor about the AL wire I have just noticed in the panel.

He is telling me it is not a big deal so on and so forth. I explain that it is not my place to tell the client AL wires are not a big deal that I always recommend the services of an electrician when I find single strand AL wires. I start to explain my findings to the buyer, as I tell her about the AL wires she explains that her sister died in a house fire caused by faulty wiring she did not say what type of wires and I did not ask and she did not think she wanted a house with AL wires.

Not my job to sell her, no upside. How about the connectors look like pigtail or blue twist on type that you can buy at home depot for AL repair. Why are they selling these if copalum should only be the fix? Are these meant to be temporary? James, there is a page on Alumium wiring on the new online electrical course, including a really pretty picture of one of those repair wire nuts.

Hey folks, Has anyone seen these connectors used on aluminum wired homes? Thanks, Steven. I defer these types of Inspections to an Electrician.