Ran across problem by accident.

[428PI]

I was installing a new 14=50 outlet in my shop and was just pushing in the breaker and I heard a sizzle. I know I didn't have a short. Found aluminum feed wire on one leg lose. I moved wire just enough when 6 gauge wire from breaker pushed on it slightly. I removed wire and put some anti corrosion paste on it and reinstalled it. No signs of overheating. Square D box. Same thing happened in my CH box in house 20 years ago. Burnt one inch of insulation on that wire at that time.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

sounds like you didnt torque to listed spec

 

[428PI]

sounds like you didnt torque to listed spec

Why are you blaming me? I haven't been into this box before. Neither had I anything to do with the house's overheating wire.

 

[solo machinist]

My ex sister in law bought a house built back when everyone was using aluminum wire.
I checked the panel box and all the wire were loose. Everything looked fine other wise.

 

[mike93lx]

Really should cut back the wire to fresh aluminum and reinstall, but I wouldnt be surprised if the slack isn't there to do it

 

[428PI]

Really should cut back the wire to fresh aluminum and reinstall, but I wouldnt be surprised if the slack isn't there to do it

That's what I did on my house. I was able to cut off perhaps 1 inch and that's it. I did replace the breaker it fastened to also. On my shop I think I just caught it. I've been charging up my EV at 16 amps for an hour and the temp a couple inches above the bus bar where it attaches is still at 60 degrees. I upped the charging to 32 amps (max charging cable and car) and will check it in a couple hours.

 

[The Cobbler]

photo of a friends ( real case) non compatible outlet on aluminum wiring

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Why are you blaming me? I haven't been into this box before. Neither had I anything to do with the house's overheating wire.

my bad. thought you had installed the circuit.