Expert Electrical Rewiring Services
Your trusted partner for safe aluminum wiring solutions.
JAMES E SIMMONS ELECTRIC CO. INC. 850-479-4417
Our Mission
We are a full-service electrical contractor and electrician in Pensacola, Florida specializing in both residential and commercial projects. One of JES ELECTRIC CO'S specialties is working on older homes and updating existing electrical systems. Including removing and replacing aluminum wiring. Owner James Simmons is a board member of the Escambia County Board of Electrical Examiners. Graduate of Pensacola Junior College and has spent 40 years learning the electrical business and takes pride in providing quality service at an affordable price.
850-479-4417
LIC. # EC13011071
ALUMINUM WIRING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS IT ABOUT ALUMINUM WIRING THAT CAN BE UNSAFE?
There are basically three reason why aluminum wiring may be of concern:
1. It has a tendency to oxidize which increases the wire's resistance resulting in the wire overheating at the receptacle.
2. It is more malleable (softer) than copper and therefore easily nicked.
3. Because of its high thermal expansion, it has a tendency to change shape at the terminal screws and thus becomes loose or creep off.
WHEN AS ALUMINUM WIRING USED?
Aluminum branch wiring (wiring feeding the switches, lights and plugs) was used in our area of Escambia County between 1966 and 1974. Some few homes of the time were wired with copper. The larger aluminum feeders, for major appliances, are still in use today.
IS ALL ALUMINUM WIRING A PROBLEM?
Aluminum wiring does fail at its points of connection at a higher rate than copper but it is important to point out that aluminum wiring is used extensively in power distribution and in most homes in the United States. Including new homes built today. The problem lies with the branch circuits wiring, those wires feeding power to the switches, lights and plugs throughout your home. The larger aluminum feeders appliances such as heating, A/C and the electric range are still in common use.
CAN I PURCHASE HOME OWNERS INSURANCE IF MY HOUSE IS WIRED WITH ALUMINUM?
Its is getting increasingly difficult to find a company to write an insurance policy if your home has aluminum branch circuits. Citizens Insurance offers two alternatives to rewiring. Both the copalum and alumiconn retro fits. However, it is my understanding that this is a Citizens only approved alternative and the properly would still be considered a higher risk with a potentially higher insurance premium. For these reasons we strongly recommend rewiring over other alternatives.
HOW MUCH DAMAGE WILL REWIRING MY HOME, CAUSE?
Minimal to none. Using the techniques that we have pioneered we are able to use the existing wiring as pull wires and this aids us in removing the aluminum branch circuits and replacing it with copper wire to current code. In most cases all the plugs , switches, wiring and wall boxes can be safely removed and replaced without any damage to existing drywall. If however, it is necessary to cause a blemish of the drywall, we do any repairs if needed.
DOES MY ENTIRE HOUSE NEED TO BE REWIRED?
In most cases no. If the electrical service on the exterior is in good working order and hasn't been weathered too severely, we can simply clean up the electrical connections, and ground it to current code. The large appliances circuits for the 240volt appliances are usually fine and reused if not weathered, even if made with aluminum, as the problem is with the branch circuits. Often the inside circuit breaker panel will need to be replaced because the older breaker panels will not accommodate the modern Arch Fault breakers that the code requires. So in summary, an aluminum rewire usually involves cleaning up the main service, a new sub panel and rewiring the switches, lights and receptacles.
WHAT CAN I EXPERT DURING THE REWIRING PROCESS?
The work usually averages about a room a day,so approximately 6-9 days on a typical home. We do a room at a time with all work complete in the area that we are working by the end of the day. Power is only affected in the room or area in which we are working, so any disturbance to your normal schedule or activities is minimal.
WHAT DOES IT COST TO REPLACE THE ALUMINUM WITH COPPER?
There are of course many factors that decide the cost of a rewire for insurance compliance, but a typical 1300 square foot ranch style home cost about $10.000. Just give us a call for a free estimate.
A NOTE ABOUT Citizens Property Insurance Co. It has approved two acceptable alternative methods for ensuring aluminum branch wiring is not a fire hazard and is insurable.
--AlumiConn: An aluminum to copper connector that is attached to existing aluminum wiring at each receptacle, switch and light providing a safer connection, according to King Innovation, manufacturer of the connector.
--Copalum: This connector is considered an acceptable repair method by
the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. Copalum permanently connects old technology aluminum wire to a short length of copper wire. The copper wire is then terminated to outlets, fixtures, ect.
Our Services
We offer a wide range of electric services, including residential, commercial, and industrial services.
Our Expertise
Our team of experts has extensive knowledge and experience in the electric industry, allowing us to provide innovative and efficient solutions to meet our customers' unique needs.
Customer Satisfaction
At JES ELECTRIC CO, we are committed to providing exceptional customer service and ensuring our customers are completely satisfied with our services.
About JES ELECTRIC CO.
Our History
We have been providing reliable and affordable electric services to our customers for over 50 years.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide safe, efficient, and sustainable electric solutions to our customers while reducing our impact on the environment.
Our Team
Our team is made up of highly skilled and experienced professionals who are dedicated to ensuring our customers receive the best possible electric services.
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