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AFN46062_0913
Accepted): This method joins cop-
per wire to the existing aluminum
wiring with special connectors
referred to as COPALUM, which
is a proprietary system. This meth-
od involves attaching COPALUM
connectors to all switches, outlets,
fixtures and wiring connections
throughout the home. A perma-
nent connection is accomplished
by using special connectors and
a specific tool set that exerts over
10,000 lbs. of compressive pres-
sure on the connection. This meth-
od is approved by the CPSC
and is considered a permanent
repair. Nearly all insurance car-
riers accept this method as a
permanent remediation. This meth-
ELECTRICAL...
from page 29.
od is less costly than complete
replacement, but more costly than
the other, non-approved methods.
The work will also need to be
done by a licensed electrician
who has been trained and certi-
fied for COPALUM remediation by
the equipment manufacturer. Be
aware, if an electrician provides a
quote for “pig-tailing” of aluminum
wiring, it is imperative that property
owners verify that the preferred
COPALUM method is to be used,
as opposed to some less effective
methods (shown below).
• AlumiConn Connectors (Not
Recommended): This type of connec-
tor uses another method of “pig-tail-
ing”, which connects the current alu-
minum wiring to copper wiring, but it
uses a setscrew type connector, rath-
er than the COPALUM Connector.
Because of this, it is not approved
by the CPSC as a permanent repair,
although they do recognize it as the
next best option. This method will
be the less costly than COPALUM,
but will not serve as effectively. Most
insurance carriers do not consider
this method as an acceptable reme-
diation.
• CO/ALR (Not Recommended):
There is another remediation meth-
od in which the electrical switches
and receptacles are replaced with
CO/ALR switches and recepta-
cles. However, the CPSC consid-
ers this replacement to be “at best,
an incomplete repair”. As with
AlumiConn, most insurance carriers
do not consider this method as an
acceptable remediation.
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