Copper and Aluminum buss touch

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BigJohnny

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United States
I have recently seen where 0n a 400 Amp 120/208V 3 ph meter main combo from Sylvainia when a lost leg during construction temp power use caused bolts that connected the CU & AL buss together burned. As a quick fix a EC re bolted and put Nolux on CU & AL buss. This is a short term solution long term problem. There is another 400 amp unit next t it and when opened it to has CU & AL buss but has plastic spacers between. I have never seen this and why would this be done at the factory or is this why Sylvainia is no longer making these units. I just don't like IMG_20141203_151709.jpg IMG_20141203_151942.jpg IMG_20141203_152235.jpg it and think the unit should be changed. What do you think?
 

petersonra

Senior Member
Location
Northern illinois
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engineer
I am not sure what you think the problem is.

Are you thinking they should not have repaired the damage in the way they did?
 
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norcal

Senior Member
"Or is this why Sylvania is no longer making these units." Sylvania is no longer around either under their previous name, Zinsco, or their successor Challenger.
 

iwire

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Location
Massachusetts
Aluminum bus and terminals are generally tin plated so it is not an issue.

All the 'no-ox' is doing is making a mess.
 

jim dungar

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PE (Retired) - Power Systems
As iwire said; the 'goop' is simply making a mess.

The biggest problem is the apparent lack of expansion compensation washers, like Bellville ones.
 

GoldDigger

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Placerville, CA, USA
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As iwire said; the 'goop' is simply making a mess.

The biggest problem is the apparent lack of expansion compensation washers, like Bellville ones.
:thumbsup:
There would also be concern about galvanic corrosion IF the joint were exposed to weather or high humidity, but the scale of the connection would make that a long term concern only.
 

jim dungar

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Location
Wisconsin
Occupation
PE (Retired) - Power Systems
:thumbsup:
There would also be concern about galvanic corrosion IF the joint were exposed to weather or high humidity, but the scale of the connection would make that a long term concern only.
This is even less of an issue if the aluminum bus bar is tin-plated.

But left as shown in the picture, I would expect another failure, someday.
 
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