Regina’s Leaders in Aluminum Wiring Remediation & Insurance Compliance
Since 1965, aluminum branch wiring was installed in thousands of Regina homes. Today, many homeowners face panic from insurance companies or home inspectors. At Flow Electric, we don't believe in “scare tactics.” We believe in science, the Canadian Electrical Code, and proven remediation.
Aluminum wiring is not a death sentence for your home or your insurance policy. It is a manageable system that requires specialized expertise, proper maintenance, and professional documentation.
We specialize in the mid-century electrical systems found throughout Albert Park, Normanview, Argyle Park, and Glencairn. We know the exact wiring methods used in these Regina builds and how to make them safe for modern electronics.
Buying & Selling in Regina
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Solid aluminum branch wiring (typically 10 and 12 AWG installed between 1965-1978) is where most long-term connection issues occur.
We are not referring to large aluminum feeders here, only branch circuits.
If you're buying a home in Lakeview, Albert Park, Glencairn, Uplands, Rosemont or Whitmore Park, you likely have aluminum branch wiring.
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Large aluminum feeders are not typically an issue. Aluminum sized for 100 amps or more (#1 AL and larger), when installed correctly, poses no threat to your electrical system.
In fact:
Lots of new residential services use aluminum.
Most large commercial buildings are wired primarily with aluminum conductors.
SaskPower uses aluminum wiring throughout all their aerial and underground cabling.
The concern is small solid branch wiring, not large feeders.
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Original devices from the aluminum era were generally compatible with aluminum conductors (even if not clearly marked).
Modern devices often state “copper only.” If newer devices were installed directly onto aluminum conductors without proper rating or pigtailing, that can create long-term overheating risks.
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Improper splicing is one of the major risks.
When dissimilar metals (aluminum and copper) touch without proper connectors:
Corrosion can form
Resistance increases
Connections loosen
Arcing and sparking can occur
Aluminum to copper connections must be done with approved AL-CU rated marrettes or connectors, no shortcuts.
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Aluminum expands and contracts more than copper. Over time:
Connections can loosen
Resistance builds
Heat develops
Unchecked loose terminations are the real issue, not the aluminum itself.
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Common warning signs of loose aluminum terminations include:
Flickering lights
Warm outlets
Discoloration
Melting device backs
These are early warning signs, and usually correctable if addressed properly.
We don't just “pigtail” wires. We use AlumiConn connectors, the only UL-listed method for aluminum to copper connections that is universally accepted by insurance inspectors.
The maintenance standard
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Not just a home inspection, a proper electrical inspection where devices are opened and terminations are checked.
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Best Practice Recommendation:
Visual inspection: annually
Re-torque: every few years, or if signs of movement/heat appear
There is no mandated CEC timeline requiring re-torque intervals in residential settings. However:
Aluminum conductors are more susceptible to loosening due to thermal cycling.
Manufacturer torque specs must always be followed.
Preventative maintenance is considered industry best practice.
Annual inspection is proactive risk management.
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Antioxidant is not always required.
Many modern AL-rated lugs and devices are designed to penetrate oxide layers properly. However, antioxidant can provide added corrosion protection when applied correctly.
It helps, but proper torque matters more.
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If renovations introduced copper wiring, all transition points must use approved AL-CU connectors.
Improper mixed metal splices are one of the leading causes of failure.
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Insurance companies often prefer properly executed pigtailing using approved AL-CU marrettes (such as 63P-style rated connectors).
What is “pigtailing?”:
Removes aluminum from device screws
Stabilizes long-term terminations
Makes future device changes safer
When done properly, this is one of the most practical long-term solutions.
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Many homes from the aluminum era have 60A or 70A services.
Most insurers today prefer 100A or larger.
Even if aluminum branch wiring is maintained properly, undersized services may:
Limit modern upgrades
Trigger insurance upgrade requirements
Check out Panel upgrade page for information on a new service.
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Some older 30A dryer circuits were installed with #10 aluminum.
Modern standards typically require #8 aluminum for similar loads.
There have been cases where undersized #10 aluminum conductors under sustained 30A loads have overheated and damaged insulation.
If reusing older circuits for modern equipment:
Dryer upgrades
EV chargers
Hot tubs
A/C units
Proper conductor sizing must be verified under current code standards.
Buying a home in Whitmore Park or Lakeview? If your broker is asking for an Aluminum Wiring Electrical Report, we can help. We provide the specific documentation required by SGI, CAA, and Wawanesa to ensure your home insurance is approved without delay.
Is your insurance renewal due? Most Regina brokers now require a 2026 Compliance Report for homes built before 1978. Don't let your coverage lapse, get inspected today.
the insurance solution
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Although insurers often request remediation, aluminum branch wiring is completely manageable if:
Properly pigtailed
Properly torqued
Maintained
Checked yearly
Professionally documented
Documentation reduces perceived risk significantly.
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We provide full scale inspection reports insurers want to see.
This can include:
Panel condition
Termination inspection
Service size confirmation
Bonding verification
Documentation of pigtailing
Thermal imaging
We can complete insurer specific forms if required. This speeds up approvals and reduces underwriting friction.
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Approved AL-CU marrettes (such as 63P rated connectors) are considered one of the best practical solutions when installed correctly.
Installation quality is critical:
Proper strip length
Correct torque
No exposed dissimilar metals
Box fill compliance
Method matters, but execution matters more.
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If plumbing has been converted to PEX, the home may have lost its original grounding path through metallic water piping.
Improper bonding can:
Create shock risk
Reduce fault clearing efficiency
Increase liability exposure
Bonding must be verified.
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Older homes may:
Lack proper ground rods
Have undersized grounding conductors
Rely on outdated grounding methods
A proper grounding system stabilizes voltage and improves safety overall.
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Improper neutral to ground bonding in the service equipment can cause:
Stray voltage
Nuisance tripping
Elevated shock risk
This is often overlooked in older panels.
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Aluminum era homes were not designed for:
Large HVAC systems
Welders or large garage/shops
Induction ranges
High-demand kitchens or basement suites
A load calculation ensures:
Service capacity is adequate
Branch circuits aren’t overloaded
Aluminum conductors are operating within safe limits
Under the Saskatchewan Electrical Inspection Act, TSASK requires a professional load calculation whenever significant new equipment is added to your home. Whether you're planning an EV charger, a high-end induction range, or a backyard sauna, our team ensures your electrical service can handle the demand.
By verifying your capacity upfront, we help you avoid the “hidden costs” of emergency service upgrades mid project, giving you the green light to build the home of your dreams with total peace of mind.
The Flow Method
Pigtail Standard
Using approved AL-CU marrettes (63P style and AlumiConn) to stabilize terminations.
Torque Verification
Every connection is set to manufacturer specs, not "hand tight."
Antioxidant protection
Adding a layer of corrosion defense.
Full Documentation
A digital report sent via Jobber that you can email directly to your broker.
Whether you're dealing with a 60A service upgrade in an older bungalow, need the mainfloor pigtailed with new receptacles, or need a 2-page remediation report for your insurer, Flow Electric is Regina's first call.
STOP STRESSING OVER YOUR INSPECTION REPORT
Aluminum branch wiring isn’t automatically dangerous, uninsurable, or in need of full replacement. The real risk comes down to how it’s installed and maintained. Issues can arise when terminations are loose, mixed metals are improperly spliced, circuits aren’t sized for modern electrical demands, or bonding and grounding have been overlooked.
Our Position
Maintain it properly, document it professionally, and it performs reliably.