Antioxidant for Main Aluminum Conductors

[dkeating]

Could someone quote the code or requirement for anti-oxidant for aluminum main feeder conductors in a panel?

Thanks!

[Jerry Peck - Codeman]

Hi David,

Unfortunately, no.

That is because there is no code which requires the use of anti-oxidant on aluminum conductors in terminals.

It is 'good practice', 'best practice', and even 'recommended practice' of workmanship when terminating aluminum conductors, and field experience has shown it to be helpful in reducing corrosion when aluminum conductors are use.

However, the code is a minimum requirement code, as are all codes, and the minimum requirements do not require the use of anti-oxidant for aluminum conductor terminations.

[dkeating]

Hi David,

Unfortunately, no.

That is because there is no code which requires the use of anti-oxidant on aluminum conductors in terminals.

It is 'good practice', 'best practice', and even 'recommended practice' of workmanship when terminating aluminum conductors, and field experience has shown it to be helpful in reducing corrosion when aluminum conductors are use.

However, the code is a minimum requirement code, as are all codes, and the minimum requirements do not require the use of anti-oxidant for aluminum conductor terminations.

Thanks Jerry,
Would you note it on an inspection report as a suggestion or not note it at all (if visually it looks ok)?

[Jerry Peck - Codeman]

On a home inspection report I would note it as being recommended practice and a good idea.

On AHJ code inspections, nothing I can say about it other than verbally mention to the electrician that it sure it a good idea, code are minimum and not having it meets code so I could not write it up.

[Bill Kriegh]

The requirement or lack thereof for anti-oxidant on aluminum wire connections is based on the installation instructions of the wire and lug manufacturers. Electrical panels have instructions for wire terminations on the panel data sheet and some require anti-oxidant, some don't. Unfortunately, finding the requirements for separate lugs and for the wire requires information from the manufacturer and is seldom available at inspections subsequent to the original installation. It should also be noted that some manufacturers recommend anti-oxidant but don't require it.

This then becomes a code issue because the NEC requires installation per the manufacturer's instructions. This rule is not taken at face value all the time however, witness classified breakers.