Aluminum Outlets

[Bryan O.]

Hi all,

I recently had a unit tripping the breaker. The electrician fixed the issue but noted that the wiring is aluminum and that there are outlets specifically made for aluminum wiring and that these should be used throughout the property. I've Googled around a bit, but am not sure really what I am looking for. I am comfortable changing the outlets, but want to make sure I'm using the right thing.

Anyone know of/recommend an outlet rated for aluminum wiring?

[Bryan O.]

Thank you @Todd Plambeck. Those switches are CO/ALR (Google-fodder!). That means CO(pper)/AL(uminum), R(evised). So they can handle both type of wiring. Apparently, they are a good step, but not the end all, be all. Here is a great write-up regarding the main ways to "fully" fix aluminum. It seems like the complaint with CO/ALR outlets is that the rest of the wiring throughout may have pigtails or other methods of connecting that get overlooked, and those are also potential hazards.

It may make sense for me to go play in the attic this spring and see how many sets of wires I can just replace with copper.