If your Aiken home was built between 1965 and 1973, there's a significant likelihood it contains aluminum wiring—a fire hazard that requires professional attention. Unity Power & Light provides comprehensive aluminum wiring inspection, repair, and remediation services using industry-approved methods that eliminate fire risks and restore your peace of mind.
As one of the few electrical contractors in the Aiken area equipped with specialized COPALUM crimping tools and trained in all approved remediation techniques, we help homeowners protect their families and investments from the documented dangers of aging aluminum electrical systems.
The Aluminum Wiring Problem
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), homes with aluminum wiring are 55 times more likely to have fire hazard conditions at electrical connections than homes wired with copper. The problem isn't the aluminum wire itself when properly installed—it's what happens over time:
- Oxidation: Aluminum forms a resistive oxide layer that creates heat at connections
- Thermal expansion: Aluminum expands and contracts more than copper, loosening connections
- Creep: Aluminum deforms under pressure, reducing contact area over time
- Galvanic corrosion: Direct aluminum-to-copper contact accelerates deterioration
These factors combine to create progressively dangerous conditions in aging aluminum wiring systems. Professional remediation is essential—not optional—for homes with this type of wiring.
Our Aluminum Wiring Services
Comprehensive Electrical Inspection
Before recommending any repair strategy, we perform a thorough inspection of your entire electrical system, documenting:
- Wire type throughout the home (aluminum, copper, or mixed)
- Condition of all accessible connections
- Signs of overheating or degradation
- Proper vs. improper connection methods
- Circuit loading and capacity concerns
Our detailed inspection report provides the documentation you need for insurance purposes and informed decision-making about remediation options.
COPALUM Crimping (CPSC Recommended)
The COPALUM method is the gold standard for aluminum wiring repair, endorsed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission as the most reliable permanent repair. This process:
- Creates cold-welded connections between aluminum and copper pigtails
- Eliminates oxidation, thermal expansion, and creep issues
- Provides permanent, maintenance-free connections
- Requires specialized equipment and training we maintain
Cost: $50-85 per connection (outlet, switch, fixture), depending on accessibility and complexity.
AlumiConn Connector Installation
AlumiConn connectors provide an alternative approved method for aluminum-to-copper connections using specialized wire connectors designed specifically for this application:
- Contains anti-oxidant compound to prevent corrosion
- Engineered to resist loosening from thermal cycling
- Approved by many building codes and insurers
- More affordable than COPALUM crimping
Cost: $30-60 per connection, making this a budget-friendly option for many homeowners.
Complete Aluminum-to-Copper Rewiring
For the ultimate solution, we can replace all aluminum wiring with copper throughout your home. This comprehensive approach:
- Completely eliminates aluminum wiring fire hazards
- Increases home value and insurability
- Provides opportunity to upgrade electrical capacity
- Ensures decades of safe, reliable electrical service
Cost: $8,000-15,000 for typical Aiken homes (1,500-2,000 sq ft), depending on size, accessibility, and whether walls need to be opened.
Our Remediation Process
Initial Consultation & Inspection
We begin with a comprehensive electrical inspection to identify the extent of aluminum wiring, assess connection conditions, and identify any immediate hazards. You'll receive a detailed written report with photos documenting findings.
Remediation Plan & Quote
Based on inspection findings, we present your options: COPALUM crimping, AlumiConn installation, or complete rewiring. We provide transparent, detailed quotes for each approach, explaining the pros, cons, and long-term implications of each method.
Professional Remediation
Our licensed electricians perform the approved remediation work according to manufacturer specifications and National Electrical Code requirements. We work efficiently to minimize disruption while ensuring every connection meets safety standards.
Testing & Documentation
After completing remediation, we test all circuits and connections to verify proper operation. You receive comprehensive documentation of all work performed, including before-and-after photos and compliance certificates for insurance purposes.
Insurance Assistance
We provide the detailed documentation your insurance company needs to remove aluminum wiring surcharges or coverage restrictions. Many clients see immediate premium reductions after professional remediation.
Why Choose Unity Power & Light
Specialized Equipment & Training
We maintain the specialized COPALUM crimping tools and manufacturer training required for this approved repair method—equipment many electricians don't have access to.
Experience with Aiken Homes
We've worked extensively in Aiken's neighborhoods with homes from the aluminum wiring era, understanding the unique challenges of 1960s-70s construction.
Transparent Pricing
We provide detailed, itemized quotes before work begins. No surprises, no hidden fees—just honest pricing for professional electrical work.
Licensed & Insured
As a South Carolina licensed electrical contractor (#117080), we carry full liability insurance and workers' compensation to protect you throughout the remediation process.
Insurance Documentation
We understand insurance requirements and provide the comprehensive documentation needed to satisfy insurers and remove aluminum wiring restrictions.
Veteran Owned
As a veteran-owned business, we bring military-grade attention to detail and commitment to protecting Aiken families from electrical hazards.
Choosing the Right Remediation Method
The best aluminum wiring solution depends on several factors unique to your situation:
Choose COPALUM Crimping If:
- You want the CPSC-recommended repair method
- Your budget allows for premium remediation ($50-85/connection)
- You plan to stay in your home long-term
- You want permanent, maintenance-free connections
- Your insurance company specifically requires this method
Choose AlumiConn Connectors If:
- Budget is a primary concern ($30-60/connection)
- Your insurance accepts this approved method
- You want effective remediation at lower cost
- The home has fewer connections requiring repair
Choose Complete Rewiring If:
- You're planning major renovations anyway
- You want to increase electrical capacity significantly
- You want the absolute best long-term solution
- The home has other electrical system issues
- You're concerned about home resale value
- Insurance won't cover the home without complete rewiring
During your consultation, we'll assess your specific situation and provide honest recommendations based on your home's condition, your budget, and your long-term plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does aluminum wiring remediation take?
For COPALUM or AlumiConn remediation, most homes can be completed in 2-5 days, depending on the number of connections. Complete rewiring typically takes 1-2 weeks for an average-sized home.
Will you need to open walls?
For connection remediation (COPALUM or AlumiConn), we typically access connections through existing outlet and switch boxes—no wall opening required. Complete rewiring may require opening some walls, particularly for running new home runs from the panel.
Will my power be off during the work?
We work one circuit at a time, so most of your home maintains power during remediation. We schedule work to minimize disruption to your daily routine.
How do I know which method is right for my home?
After our comprehensive inspection, we'll provide a detailed recommendation based on your home's specific conditions, your insurance requirements, your budget, and your long-term plans. We'll never pressure you toward the most expensive option—our job is to help you make an informed decision.
Will this reduce my insurance premiums?
Most insurance companies reduce or eliminate aluminum wiring surcharges after professional remediation using approved methods. We provide the documentation your insurer needs to process the change. Contact your insurance agent for specific information about your policy.
Do you offer financing?
Yes, we work with financing partners to help make aluminum wiring remediation affordable. Ask about current financing options during your consultation.
Learn More About Aluminum Wiring Dangers
For detailed information about why aluminum wiring is dangerous, warning signs to watch for, and the science behind aluminum wiring failures, read our comprehensive blog article: Is Your Aiken Home's Aluminum Wiring Dangerous? What You Need to Know
Schedule Your Aluminum Wiring Inspection
Serving Aiken, SC and surrounding communities including North Augusta, Graniteville, New Ellenton, Jackson, and Clearwater. Get your flat-rate quote today.