anti oxidant cream

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hunter rick

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I recently failed a inspection because the inspector could not see any anti oxidant cream on my AL wire. But in fact I did but some on the wires and wiped off the extra as was suggested by the product label. The lugs were AL and wire was AL I could not find anything in the code book on this ,please somone point me in the right direction thanks.
 
There is no specific code requirement for the use of antioxidant compounds on AL terminations. This would be a manufactures requirement (110.3(B)).

Most of the terminals that I have used have not required the use of an antioxidant compund or if they do the terminal comes with the compund already in the terminal.

Chris
 
raider1 said:
Correct, but 110.14 does not specifically require the use of inhibitors and antioxidants.

Chris
Click to expand...

Yes this is correct and one could go on to say it almost forbids it's use unless it is called for my the manufacturer
 
I had 2 inspections recently (different city's)where the inspectors both wanted anti oxide "gunk" on the AL wire. The first one said, "I know it says something about it in the code book". Strike One. The second guy couldn't site a code section either. Strike Two.
 
The worst case I've heard about using an antioxident was on a job where the electrician had a little excess and it got on the inside of the panel. The inspector sited him for contaminating the panel. Section 110.12 (C). I heard it was more like a smudge.
 
This is one of our "electrical myths"
UL testing on the connector is done with out corrosion inhibitor. The test is very rigorous, involving heating and cooling for many cycles with current. If the connector passes, then no inhibitor is required. If it fails, the the test is repeated with inhibitor.
Please have him refer to his UL White Book, here are some appropriate sections:
Category ZMVV
Conductor Termination Compound — Some connectors are shipped pre-filled with conductor termination compound (antioxidant compound). For non-prefilled connectors, conductor termination compound may be used if recommended by the connector manufacturer as preliminary preparation of the conductor. Wire brushing of the conductor may also be performed if recommended. Also see Conductor Termination Compounds (DVYW ).
 
Anti oxidant

Anti oxidant

I recently had an inspector violate an install because I didn't use penetrox an a main lug panel with copper conductors. He insisted the termination involved 2 different metals even thought the lug was AL/CU listed. I asked him what is the difference when you connect a copper wire to a breaker and he said you should use penetrox as well. Bad thing was this was the only violation and the job was 2 hours from here.
 
I recently had a service call at a day camp facility that typically runs hot. The original installer never used an anti-oxident on the panel lugs or in the meter enclosure. There was such an extreme annealing process going on at the lugs in the meter pan that it turned the lugs blue. So, I guess a lot depends on whether a facility or residence runs hot but I play safe and use the anti-oxident whether the mfr. requires it or not.

BTW, I let the meter enclosure cool down for a few hours, cut the bugs at the service head and then tried to remove the lugs with a socket wrench. Snapped off the lug right at the phenolic and had to replace the guts. You have to pay for your education.:D
 
yep they make compounds for both aluminum and copper..

110.14 Materials such as solder, fluxes, inhibitors, and compounds, where employed, shall be suitable for the use and shall be of a type that will not adversely affect the conductors, installation, or equipment.

yep it is only required by the manufacturer..but it is for the customers benefit to use inhibitors..it helps save the connections..we have one we are dealing with now that is going to cost about 5 grand to improve because everything is corroded and wrecked...it feeds 3 buildings and the original installer never used any inhibitors..good for us bad for customer..
 
cschmid said:
yep they make compounds for both aluminum and copper..

110.14 Materials such as solder, fluxes, inhibitors, and compounds, where employed, shall be suitable for the use and shall be of a type that will not adversely affect the conductors, installation, or equipment.

yep it is only required by the manufacturer..but it is for the customers benefit to use inhibitors..it helps save the connections..we have one we are dealing with now that is going to cost about 5 grand to improve because everything is corroded and wrecked...it feeds 3 buildings and the original installer never used any inhibitors..good for us bad for customer..
Click to expand...

sounds like you are voting not to use the anit oxidation compounds. :smile:
 
OK I will admit I always use inhibitor even on copper conductors. I very seldom run aluminum.
But my desire is for the inspectors to enforce the NEC correctly, and the users to know it as well. The NEC does not require inhibitor. but the manufacturer may.
 
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