AL Conductors & Use of anti-oxident

Status
Not open for further replies.
texassparky

texassparky

Member
Location
Dallas / Ft. Worth
Had an inspection on temp service today in an area I don't typically work in. Inspector said I failed due to the terminations of the AL conductors lacking an antioxidant compound ?

I of coarse ask what article I had violated ? His reply was 110.14.

My argument is the lugs are rated for AL, nowhere in 110.14 does it say I have to use an antioxidant. Nor does it say if I use an antioxidant it is ok to mix AL on non rated rated lugs. I don't see that its use is a requirement at all. I was always under the impression antioxidant was to prevent or reduce oxidation from the air, it has no effect on corrosion due to dissimilar metals.

Further my understanding is with the new AL conductors, they are alloy anyways and it is not required.

He didn't give me a red tag, but didn't give me a green one either - he said he would call me on Monday. So am I wrong on this ?
 
You are correct, there is not NEC requirement that you need to use an anti-oxidant compound on AL terminations, unless the installation instructions for the terminal require it.

110.14 does not require the use of an anti-oxidant, it just says where used inhibitors and compounds shall be suitable for the use and shall not be of the type that will adversely affect the conductors, installation, or equipment.

Chris
 
Al-al

Al-al

Aluminum corrodes in the presence of moisture. A mechanical AL-AL connection will corrode if unprotected. Antiox prevents corrosion. AL alloy has very little of anything other than AL. The alloys are for strength.
 
beanland said:
Aluminum corrodes in the presence of moisture. A mechanical AL-AL connection will corrode if unprotected. Antiox prevents corrosion. AL alloy has very little of anything other than AL. The alloys are for strength.
Click to expand...

If the lug is rated for aluminum conductors it shouldn't corrode with or without anti-ox. The inspector is shooting from the hip.
 
Look up the cable manufacturer's installation instruction online and print them out for the inspector if you're so inclined. I personally use deox everytime, it's cheap, no reason not too? I'd compare it to driving 2 ground rods right off the bat rather than fighting the inspector over only installing one, you gotta pick your battles.:cool:
 
Cow said:
Look up the cable manufacturer's installation instruction online and print them out for the inspector if you're so inclined. I personally use deox everytime, it's cheap, no reason not too? I'd compare it to driving 2 ground rods right off the bat rather than fighting the inspector over only installing one, you gotta pick your battles.:cool:
Click to expand...

I use it also, old habits die hard maybe?
 
Cow said:
Look up the cable manufacturer's installation instruction online and print them out for the inspector if you're so inclined. I personally use deox everytime, it's cheap, no reason not too? I'd compare it to driving 2 ground rods right off the bat rather than fighting the inspector over only installing one, you gotta pick your battles.:cool:
Click to expand...

Totally agreed except for the simple fact I didn't have any or I would have just shot a Little on.:smile:

Cable manufacturer - Southwire - says it is determined by the lug, their cable does not require use of antioxidant.
 
Take a look at some 30 year old Al connections on service feeders into panels, especially in humid areas. Then you'll see why the inspector wants it. Pretty cheap protection, and you'll keep the local AHJ happy :)

I've found that you need to check the torque on Al wire connections periodically and add more anti-ox as needed. The thermal expansion contraction compared to Cu can loosen the connection over time.
 
dreamsville said:
I've found that you need to check the torque on Al wire connections periodically and add more anti-ox as needed. The thermal expansion contraction compared to Cu can loosen the connection over time.
Click to expand...

So obviously you use it but you don't use it as directed by the instructions.

It's not frosting. :grin:
 
We treat temporary installations the same as perminent installations in an example like the one posted. I agree that Anti-OX is not required unless the manufacturer of the equipment call for it specifically in their labels. The NEC says IF you use it that it must be the proper type and so on but it does not mandate it's use. The manufacturer will do that for us.
 
brian john said:
And 30 year old no-ox will be dried and cracked.
Click to expand...

Exactly my point. That's why you have to check them. But it's still better than nothing :smile: I don't care what kind of UL rating there is...if you add dissimilar metals and enough moisture you will get galvanic corrosion. Simple physics.
 
"assumption"

"assumption"

dreamsville said:
The only thing obvious is that you're assuming how I do something :grin:
Click to expand...
"assumption..sumption...whats yo function"? Hey ,I just noticed the first 3 letters in that word! Never really thought about it! I think there is a reason for using anti-oxidant on aliminum conductors, just seems like over-kill on a temp install, and to demand that it be used is a little over the top!!:)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top