Feeder for 100 amp main

[Smooth Contrails]

These may be basic questions for some...others are still learning.

1.) Are there any circumstances where 2 AWG aluminum is acceptable for a 100 amp main on a residential panel? (NEC 310.15 B6) Meter is on the exterior wall directly behind the service panel.

2.) Inspectors in out area keep calling out the lack of anti-oxidant compound on aluminum feeder. I have consulted with some of the load center manufacturers and they say it is not needed.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

#2 aluminum is acceptable in your scenario for a residence and no antioxidants are needed, however I always use antioxidants because I can't learn new tricks. Better safe than sorry.

 

[raider1]

1.) Are there any circumstances where 2 AWG aluminum is acceptable for a 100 amp main on a residential panel? (NEC 310.15 B6) Meter is on the exterior wall directly behind the service panel.

Yes, #2 aluminum is OK on 100 amp main if installed in accordance with 310.15(B)(6).

2.) Inspectors in out area keep calling out the lack of anti-oxidant compound on aluminum feeder. I have consulted with some of the load center manufacturers and they say it is not needed.

The NEC does not require the use of an anti-oxidant compound when terminating aluminum conductors. The terminal manufacture or panel manufacture might require it in their installation instructions.

Chris

 

[stickboy1375]

however I always use antioxidants because I can't learn new tricks. Better safe than sorry.

Its not that bad, really. Just say no to Nolox.

 

[infinity]

The NEC does not require the use of an anti-oxidant compound when terminating aluminum conductors. The terminal manufacture or panel manufacturer might require it in their installation instructions.

Chris

OK, has anyone ever seen this requirement?

 

[stickboy1375]

OK, has anyone ever seen this requirement?

I would suspect that if they wanted it, they would already have the gunk in the lugs.

 

[SEO]

I haven't seen it required in installation instructions but many or the larger AL compression lugs (crimp type) have it installed inside the lug from the factory.

 

[raider1]

OK, has anyone ever seen this requirement?

I haven't, but posted "might" because there could be some manufacture somewhere that does require the use of an anti-oxidant.

Chris

 

[infinity]

I might be going out on a limb here but I would venture to say that no manufacturer requires someone to add the stuff to a termination in the field.

 

[SEO]

I might be going out on a limb here but I would venture to say that no manufacturer requires someone to add the stuff to a termination in the field.

How about the nolux manufacturer?:smile:

 

[infinity]

How about the nolux manufacturer?:smile:

That wouldn't really matter if the terminal manufacturer didn't require it.

 

[iwire]

OK, has anyone ever seen this requirement?

I saw it on the inside cover of a GE fused disconnect.

 

[SEO]

That wouldn't really matter if the terminal manufacturer didn't require it.

I agree but your post said NO manufacturer. Aren't the nolux company's manufacturers?:smile:

 

[stickboy1375]

I saw it on the inside cover of a GE fused disconnect.

Did you use it?

 

[iwire]

Did you use it?

It was an existing switch. :smile:

 

[infinity]

I agree but your post said NO manufacturer. Aren't the nolux company's manufacturers?:smile:

Are they manufacturing the lugs?

If the manufacturer of electrical tape says that you should use this product on wire nuts for extra protection are you required to use it on wire nuts? The answer is no unless the wire nut manufacturer requires it. Same applies to anti-ox.

 

[SEO]

Are they manufacturing the lugs?

If the manufacturer of electrical tape says that you should use this product on wire nuts for extra protection are you required to use it on wire nuts? The answer is no unless the wire nut manufacturer requires it. Same applies to anti-ox.

Your taking my jesting out of context I'm just having fun picking on you. I was referring to the nolux manufacturer having you add their product to the lug in the field not the lug manufacturer.:smile:

 

[infinity]

Your taking my jesting out of context I'm just having fun picking on you. I was referring to the nolux manufacturer having you add their product to the lug in the field not the lug manufacturer.:smile:

Hmmm, not enough coffee today I guess. You sound like my wife.