NoAlOx on Aluminum Wire Terminations

[Spudland_Dave]

So I read that you must use an anti-oxidation paste on the terminations of AL wire.
Looking at the stuff sold for the job, reading the bottles they say Anti-Ox and Anti-Sieze...SO, that being said, sounds to me like its just anti-sieze in a small & expensive bottle?
Ive got tons of C5-A and the Nickel based Anti-Siezes at home (its my favorite stuff)
Is it indeed the same?

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Nope

 

[pattenp]

I can't say it isn't. But, I'd stick with what's made for the job. The electrical anti-ox I've used does not look the same out of the tube as the anti-sieze used on automotive stuff.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Nope! Anti-seize and anti-ox are 2 different chemicals. Do a google search on the chemical compounds!

 

[walrus]

So I read that you must use an anti-oxidation paste on the terminations of AL wire.

Where did you read that? The wire manufacturer?

 

[Speedy Petey]

No! The NEC- 110.14

110.14 does NOT require the use of noalox. It simply states IF you use it it "shall be suitable for the use", etc.

NoAlOx is NOT required in any section of the NEC.


I do agree though, noalox and anti-sieze are two VERY different things. Anti-sieze is NOT used in electrical terminations at all. You can use it on screws and threads, but it is not for use on conductors. THAT is implied in 110.14.

 

[Aceman]

It is recommended, not required.

That said, I do use it on my terminations. But, I have also found older terminations with NO de-ox still in perfect condition.

 

[brewchief]

You learn something new every day, I also thought that it was required by the NEC, is it simply something that falls under good practices? Or is it required by some local codes or by certain manufacturs of electrical equipment?

I've always used it but I have run across plenty of connections without it that looked perfect.

 

[Aceman]

Taken from page 24 of this document from Southwire:
http://www.simpullsolutions.com/documents/SIMpullTHHNInstallationandApplicationGuide8-15-07.pdf


The following is recommended but not required. Always follow the connector manufacturer’s
instructions
a. The surface of the conductor should be wire-brushed to break any aluminum oxide
barrier leaving a clean surface for the connection.
b. The use of anti-oxidant compound, joint compound, is not required unless the
connector’s manufacturer requires it. However, the use of a listed joint compound is
always a good practice.

 

[-JP]

No! The NEC- 110.14

Really??? Have you actually read that section???

Way too much misinformation given on this board for electrical work.

 

[pattenp]

Really??? Have you actually read that section???

Way too much misinformation given on this board for electrical work.

Why make a comment like this?

State what information is misinformation and give the correct information?


*

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Really??? Have you actually read that section???

Way too much misinformation given on this board for electrical work.

I made that comment because my 'Code Check electrical 2005' book said this and referenced that NEC art. I couldn't find my NEC book @ the time to read the section. I see that its mistaken. I will remove my comment.

Regardless, I will still use it! I have seen many AL connections fail without it- including the main disconnect on the place I rent, which caught on fire. The #2 AL was heavily oxidized. I even had the PoCo come out to document it because my (slum)lord wouldn't fix it! I ended up fixing it myself! I will attach pics later when I find 'em!

 

[walrus]

I made that comment because my 'Code Check electrical 2005' book said this and referenced that NEC art. I couldn't find my NEC book @ the time to read the section. I see that its mistaken. I will remove my comment.

Regardless, I will still use it! I have seen many AL connections fail without it- including the main disconnect on the place I rent, which caught on fire. The #2 AL was heavily oxidized. I even had the PoCo come out to document it because my (slum)lord wouldn't fix it! I ended up fixing it myself! I will attach pics later when I find 'em!

It depends on the age of the wire, old aluminum wire was made of a different compound and oxidized easily, newer stuff doesn't. I don't use aluminum wire much but last I knew you actually have to clean the wire before applying the No-alox, I'd be surprised if 1% of electricians actually did that

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Yeah, the place I rent was built in '70 so the #2 AL is old! I had to cut back and clean the wire cause it got burned and oxidized so bad!

 

[rodm1]

If you use approved connectors with Alum you don't need NoAlOx any longer. But my experience is if in a damp environment its a good idea even on copper connectors.