Aluminum wire

[ppsh]

Im not really sure where the whole "AA-8000 series conductors don't oxidize like like 1350 series" statements originated from. None of the Olin, southwire, or alcan patents mentioned anything about corrosion or oxidation in the patents covering their new 8000 series conductors. They cover thermal stability and creep resistance.

The corrosion resistance for any aluminum comes from the fact that it formes a thin non conductive oxide layer when exposed to oxygen.

I imagine in the days of 1350 alloy building wire, de-ox helped maintain a stable connection during thermal expansion and contraction in the joint. The grease keeping air out of the joint, and the zinc flakes helping bridge any area of poor connection during the thermal expansion and contraction.

Modern AA-8000 with mechanical lugs, it's likely a non issue due to there never being enough creep thermal expansion and contraction for the screw to loose any significant contact pressure to allow air to enter and form oxidation.

 

[electrofelon]

Im not really sure where the whole "AA-8000 series conductors don't oxidize like like 1350 series" statements originated from. None of the Olin, southwire, or alcan patents mentioned anything about corrosion or oxidation in the patents covering their new 8000 series conductors. They cover thermal stability and creep resistance.

The corrosion resistance for any aluminum comes from the fact that it formes a thin non conductive oxide layer when exposed to oxygen.

I imagine in the days of 1350 alloy building wire, de-ox helped maintain a stable connection during thermal expansion and contraction in the joint. The grease keeping air out of the joint, and the zinc flakes helping bridge any area of poor connection during the thermal expansion and contraction.

Modern AA-8000 with mechanical lugs, it's likely a non issue due to there never being enough creep thermal expansion and contraction for the screw to loose any significant contact pressure to allow air to enter and form oxidation.

That is my understanding as well, that the new AL alloys simply had less creep. I don't think I have ever heard that deox was more important on the older alloy for some reason.

 

[letgomywago]

It actually does work for crimps as the aluminum oxide is very brittle and shatters when you make the crimp. The connection points in a crimp connector are considered gas tight so the oxide will not reform.

So then thats doing the same thing a mechanical connector does. So deox on a mechanical connector would be on bare aluminum without the wirebrushing as well in at the points of contact from the crushing motion it makes as you tourqe it down.

 

[garbo]

What ever this means?

people on here are so insanely in love with themselves. even the guy who create this forum knows it is actually against code to use this. Just because you think you should for no reason dosen't make it right. Noalox is for aluminum oxidation. Its no aluminum. So why would you use it. Whatever. All the typing you just did made me dumber. I almost want to stop even buying stuff form Mikeholt.com anymore. Wonder if he overlooks the ego freaks on here.

I'm a retired electrician that started using Noalox or another brand over 50 years ago. Its made to provide corrosion protection as well as to improve connection.It provides a barrier at the connection point that excludes moisture. I cannot ever remembering a aluminum connection to a circuit breaker or screw lug failing that had two very important things : Noalox & properly torqued screws or bolts.A bottle of anti oxide compound cost less then $20 and it will do at least 35 100 or 200 amp services. ( Aluminum conductors in meter can & main breaker ). I always had two bottles of Noalox in my van and a dedicated brush for it. I was fortunate to attend two of Mike Holts classes at my local IAEI great 8 yearly meetings. Found him to be a dedicated hard working individual and have some of his books. Enjoy Mike Holts articles in EC & M magazine and his high quality graphic of the day along with code question of the day.

 

[ppsh]

I'm tempted to do a test setup with a milliohm meter.

Trying a mechanical lug on aluminum unbrushed with no de-ox, unbrushed with de-ox and brushed with de-ox, and a compression lug brushed and de-ox.

 

[LarryFine]

I'm tempted to do a test setup with a milliohm meter.

Trying a mechanical lug on aluminum unbrushed with no de-ox, unbrushed with de-ox and brushed with de-ox, and a compression lug brushed and de-ox.

Put them all in series and test at the same time, so the only differences must be the connections themselves.

 

[ppsh]

Put them all in series and test at the same time, so the only differences must be the connections themselves.

Thats what I have in mind. Same mechanical connectors on each end of the wire. Same length wire, same temperature at time of test.