AL/CU Wirenuts

[dereckbc]

Another dumb Engineers question. How do you identify a AL/CU wire nut by looking at it? Say a # 2 AWG AL to a # 6AWG CU on a 30 amp HVAC circuit?

 

[iwire]

Another dumb Engineers question. How do you identify a AL/CU wire nut by looking at it? Say a # 4 AWG Al to a # 6AWG copper on a 30 amps HVAC circuit?

As far as I know they do not exist.

CU/CU or AL/AL no AL/CU that I know of.

 

[dereckbc]

OK that is what I was thinking.

So if you were to get a service call how would you fix this?

#4 AL from the breaker panel ran all the way outside by the HVAC unit to a J box, then a transition to a # 6 AWG CU from the J-box 6 feet to HVAC?

Term Strip?

Had an outage and small fire last night. One leg wire nut was melted, and burnt up the j-box. Fortunately it was on a brick wall.

 

[iwire]

http://www.idealindustries.com/products/wire_termination/lugs/lugs_mech_splicer_reducer.jsp

 

[dereckbc]

Bob,thank you. Just what I was looking for. One more question.

I assume the reducer is insulated? Naturally I will tape.

 

[LarryFine]

Say a # 2 AWG AL to a # 6AWG CU on a 30 amp HVAC circuit?

I don't think I'd try wirenuts for wire that large. A mixed-metal split-bolt (with the divider plate) would be better, or small 2-hole Polaris-type splices.

 

[iwire]

Bob,thank you. Just what I was looking for. One more question.

I assume the reducer is insulated? Naturally I will tape.

You can get them with a insulation boot but I just buy them bare and tape them. Often the premade boot is to big and bulky for the box.

 

[mxslick]

Bob's are good.

Here's another option: insulated dual rated from POLARIS and they are available in a large range of sizes and configurations. Prices aren't too bad either.

 

[dereckbc]

I don't think I'd try wirenuts for wire that large. A mixed-metal split-bolt (with the divider plate) would be better, or small 2-hole Polaris-type splices.

Well if there is no UL wire nut for AL/CU, your answer confuses me. What is a Polaris Splice?

 

[mxslick]

See my post above yours. :grin:

 

[dereckbc]

Bob's are good.

Here's another option: insulated dual rated from POLARIS and they are available in a large range of sizes and configurations. Prices aren't too bad either.

OK that answers my Polaris question. I have seen them and know what you are talking about now. OK 2 Polaris splices, and a larger J-Box than 4 inches.

 

[dereckbc]

See my post above yours. :grin:

Thx got it, responded while you were replying.

 

[mxslick]

I think the ones for the smaller wire size will still fit in a 4s box...of course you mentioned that the box got burned in your case..got any pics? :grin:

 

[dereckbc]

One last question. If it were your home; would you use a No-Ox grease?

 

[LarryFine]

OK 2 Polaris splices, and a larger J-Box than 4 inches.

That's the main disadvantage of Bob's in-line splices, which I have used. I'd like to see a "U-turn" version, sort of like a 2-hole mechanical lug without the stud tab.

Hey, I wonder if one could cut the tab off of a 2-hole lug and use it as a splice? Legally, I mean.

 

[LarryFine]

One last question. If it were your home; would you use a No-Ox grease?

On aluminum, yes, especially outdoors, even when not required.

Funny, I don't use bushings on MC, but I use no-ox on aluminum.

 

[dereckbc]

got any pics? :grin:

Yes. Not any Before, but here is the AFTER Pics when the HVAC contractor that installed it 4 years came to repair it. Needless to say he is going to hear from me.

 

[mxslick]

One last question. If it were your home; would you use a No-Ox grease?

Absolutely. I think (but I'm not sure) that the Polaris connectors have a no-ox compound in them from the factory.

That's the main disadvantage of Bob's in-line splices, which I have used. I'd like to see a "U-turn" version, sort of like a 2-hole mechanical lug without the stud tab.

Hey, I wonder if one could cut the tab off of a 2-hole lug and use it as a splice? Legally, I mean.

The Polaris are available inline or side by each, so fit is no problem.

I see no safety reason why not on the lug..I would do it for an emergency fix. I think it could be said cutting the tab voids the UL listing though.

Yes. Not any Before, but here is the AFTER Pics when the HVAC contractor that installed it 4 years came to repair it. Needless to say he is going to hear from me.

Good chance to educate him on the Polaris connectors.. or let him keep using big blues so you can get more repair work. :grin:

 

[LarryFine]

Where's the disco?

 

[dereckbc]

Where's the disco?

Just to right of the J-Box out of frame. At least all the splices were in plain site and accessible for inspection Huh?