How a Copper Shortage Put Aluminum Wiring in American Homes and Why Inspectors Still Fear It

#AluminumWiring #OldHouseHistory #ElectricalHistory How did a copper shortage put aluminum wiring inside millions of American homes — and why do home inspectors still worry about it today? This video explores the rise of aluminum wiring during the 1960s copper shortage and the hidden electrical problems that followed. As copper prices climbed in the mid-1960s, American builders increasingly turned to solid aluminum branch-circuit wiring as a cheaper alternative for residential construction. At the time, it seemed like a practical solution — but aging connections at outlets, switches, and junction boxes eventually raised serious concerns about overheating and electrical safety. We’ll look at why aluminum wiring became popular, how it differed from copper wiring, what went wrong at many electrical connections, and why inspectors still pay close attention to aluminum wiring in older American homes. This is the story of how a temporary material shortage created an electrical legacy that can still be found hidden behind the walls of houses across America. Subscribe for more stories about old-house infrastructure, forgotten building technology, electrical history, and the systems hidden inside America’s historic homes. #OldHouseWiring #VintageElectrical #HomeInspection #AmericanHomes #BuildingHistory