Question about splicing wire with Polaris connectors??

[boosted-delslow]

I have a quick question for your guys about a splice I need to make for my new garages sub panel. I ran 2 awg aluminum direct burial wire out to my garage in a trench and I ran 2 awg aluminum SER cable in my basement. I am going to splice the wires in a junction box. My question is what connector do I use. I have access to two different size polaris connectors. The one connector has printed on it 1/0-14 awg. The other is smaller and has no markings about wire sizes. When I put the wire in the larger connector it really smashes the end out of shape when the set screws are torqued. The smaller connector does not smash the wire because it has a smaller barrel for the wire.When the set screw is tightened the wire has nowhere to go so it does not fan out on the end. I was just curious about some of your opinions on what will give me the best connection. I have included some pictures so that you guys can have a look.

 

[Aceman]

Use the 1/0-14 connector. The smaller one I know from experience is their 4-14 connector.

Your #2 wire fits in that #4 connector because it is a compact conductor, meaning they squished the individual strands together to minimize the air voids between the strands. A typical #2(noncompact) wire wouldn't fit. But, that connector is still only designed for a #4 even though your compact #2 fits.

 

[hh76]

Used to use tons of those, and would agree that the smaller is probably 4-14. I cannot say 100% though, so you need to get a part number and look up their spec sheet. Good idea for most parts, you'd be surprised how many things are actually being misused when you do so.

My crews used to refer to the 2 position ones as "monkey buts"

 

[351cmach]

I used the 1/0 - 14 awg when splicing my 2 gauge aluminum feeders. I had a problem of the connectors cutting through the wire when torqueing to spec. See my thread http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=286908

 

[boosted-delslow]

I used the 1/0 - 14 awg when splicing my 2 gauge aluminum feeders. I had a problem of the connectors cutting through the wire when torqueing to spec. See my thread http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=286908

Did you end up using the polaris connectors or did you go with something else?

 

[05wrangler]

Don't forget, when dealing with aluminum apply no-ox to the conductors.

 

[Aceman]

Don't forget, when dealing with aluminum apply no-ox to the conductors.

Noalox is a good idea, but not required for the aluminum wire produced today. On top of that, Polaris connectors come with Noalox already in the wire ports.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

...…