Electrical Updates

[Jennifer M.]

Hey everyone---Is it feasible to update the electrical in a house while tenants are living there and I'm not doing any other interior work?  I have an offer on a property that is currently occupied, but the inspection report says it has outdated electrical (aluminum wiring). I want to make everything safe for the tenants, but not do any other renovations right now.  I am not familiar with what is involved in updating electrical, except what I have read that says it is messy and expensive and that it makes sense to do other renovating at the same time.  Any input would be appreciated.

[Kelly R.]

That depends on how you plan to repair the aluminum. The problem with aluminum is at the connection and not the conductor (wire) itself. What type of home? 2 story, 1 story, basement, cralwspace, or slab? where is the electrical panel located? 

You can use copalum crimps. The crimp connector repair consists of attaching a piece of copper wire to the existing aluminum wire branch circuit with a specially designed metal sleeve and powered crimping tool. This special connector can be properly installed only with the matching AMP tool. An insulating sleeve is placed around the crimp connector to complete the repair.

This would have to be done by an electrician familiar with aluminum repair. 

Your other option is a total replacement with copper.