AL Conductors & Use of anti-oxident

Status
Not open for further replies.
texassparky said:
So in conclusion : We have a wire manufacturer that says it is not required, the Lug listing from the panelboard manufacturer says it is not required, but I have an inspector who "thinks" that it is required, and a very big portion of the electrical community that uses it regardless.

Why can't I come up with a product that is not needed but everyone still buys it !!!!
Click to expand...

Stick it up the inspectors rears and send his boss a copy of the mfgs instructions then send a certified letter to the township with a copy of all of these things or................................. Put 50 cents worth of compound on the lugs and call it a day. Get your check. ............... Spend it............
 
Inspectors are often 20 year men that have a lot of wrong info built into there heads. Most really don't even know they are wrong. If we all fight every wrong tag we force them into learning. Best i ever seen was an inspector that went to his truck for 15 minutes to add up my box fill on a deep 4 square that had #10's AND #12'S and said i was 1 #12 over so i would have to remove an unused HR. Laughed at him and said NO , gave him an extention ring. He walked away looking like the --- he was. Bet he rethinks tagging the next guy.
 
macmikeman said:
How about them new GEC box connectors that I can't remember the name right at the moment?
Click to expand...

Kenny clamps?

kennyclampinstalledcloseup.jpg
 
texassparky said:
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 ?
Click to expand...

Not in the code, but in my area of pennsylvania the POCO requires it. All Alum. conductor terminations at the service.
 
Cool conceptualization cow; is this why people often "jump to conclusions too?"





Can't believe the best information is coming from a cow off from the internet...

but it is, what it is...:D
 
elohr46 said:
Not in the code, but in my area of pennsylvania the POCO requires it. All Alum. conductor terminations at the service.
Click to expand...
I've watched the POCO guys here make up the line side in a meter base. They squeeze out a dollop about the size of a green pea in the back of the terminal, lay the conductor on top of it, install the top of the terminal, and crank it down.
 
Well i think each electrician will kinda do what they want when it comes to a process or products used .

We all have our special ways .

Heres why i use wheel bearing grease or vasoline if your in a pinch on a mechanical lug meaning just coat it over the conductor and lug after tightening . Guess what its still a good connection today after 20 years yes we still have a good clean no white oxidation .

Its just air & moisture between the gap or space keep air out and its stays clean.

Funny i use the Penatrox gray stuff for threading aluminum IMC conduit together its a habbit and its cheaper than the yellow paste that they sell for threading aluminum conduit .

For threading we use BLUE but penatroxs works on bonding bushings great !
 
LarryFine said:
I've watched the POCO guys here make up the line side in a meter base. They squeeze out a dollop about the size of a green pea in the back of the terminal, lay the conductor on top of it, install the top of the terminal, and crank it down.
Click to expand...

lol...and I have watched them not even do that. Just depends on which "POCO Engineer" is working on that given day.
 
I always coat the exposed strands, but I don't wire-brush it in. I also uncrew the lug screws and put a little no-ox on the threads, both in meter bases and main breakers and lugs.
 
LarryFine said:
I always coat the exposed strands, but I don't wire-brush it in. I also uncrew the lug screws and put a little no-ox on the threads, both in meter bases and main breakers and lugs.
Click to expand...

Me too, I hate some of these lugs that use aluminum set screws into a aluminum lug, they seem to be the worst to try to get back out after a few years, the steel screws seem to come back out with no problems. most of our meters cans have the steel set screws.
 
UL White book ZMVV Wire Connectors

UL White book ZMVV Wire Connectors

White book installation instructions:
Some wire connectors supply instructions for preliminary preparation of conductors, such as use of a conductor termination compound.
For nonprefilled connectors, conductor termination compound (antioxidant compound) may be used if recommended by the connector manufacturer.

Also, NEC 110.14 states that the terminal shall be identified for the material of the conductor and that CONDUCTORS of dissimilar metals shall not be intermixed in the lug where physical contact occures between the dissimilar conductors.

If the lug is marked approved for CU-AL or AL-CU, then it is good for either copper or aluminum, no compound required.
 
I put it on the wire and work in with emory cloth,,,,,,,but that's not really what concerns me,,,,,99% of the time the threaded lug seizes after a few years of heat,,,,,so I ALWAYS put it on the THREADS and screw the terminal lug back down tight. Can be removed years later with ease. (or retorqued)
 
Right on All points !

dreamsville said:
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.
Click to expand...

****************************************
Comment:
(1) When you are hot and sweaty,
you will make mistakes.
(2) The AHJ comes in fresh and with a flashlight,
and spots what you missed.
(3) Two sides of the same street!

:)
 
?He who tightens threaded aluminum without no-ox figures someone else will have to deal with it in the future.?
Confucius
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top