When making connections with aluminum wire how many of you use Scotch-Brite® pads to clean off any oxides on the wire connection end before putting on the aluminum wire anti-oxidant? If you don't, why not?


Eric D

Use stainless or brass brush, never thought of scotchbrite.
Do you sell ScotchBrite? Just kiddin'

Nope, I don't have anything to do with scotchbrite, but I do use it. I use it to ready aluminum before tig welding too. Great product.

Eric D

While a pad make work fine to clean a flat surface , wire cable is recommended by the manufacturer to use a wire brush, which will allow any corrosion in the crevices to be reached.

Also note, that nowadays, with the new aluminum wire alloy, antioxidant is no longer required.

Also note, that nowadays, with the new aluminum wire alloy, antioxidant is no longer required.
Tkrussel,

I'm sure you are correct on the manufacturers saying it is no longer required, but I still remember the nightmares of homes in the seventies with aluminum wire and manufacturers telling us that you could use the aluminum wire the same as copper, no anti-oxidant, special plugs or switches.

As you pointed out, things do change and it is most likely fine to use without anti-oxidant. For my piece of mind I'll still use it though. One thing about being older, we remember things from the past that were bad. I also remember when PEX first came out and all the failures of fitting connections. This issue seems to have been resolved as well. In general, things tend to get better with time, maybe even us!:rolleyes:

Eric D

TK, as to the new alloy, are you referring to SEC, branch wire, or both?

When was the new alloy introduced?

Surfing the web while the snow and wind blow outside, I came across this website that I found interesting. "The Aluminum Wiring Information Website" (http://www.inspect-ny.com/aluminum/aluminum.htm) According to them the "New Alloy" didn't have to do with the reduction in related fires, it was the single point use of aluminum, decreasing the number of connection points.

They have lots of other info on aluminum wire if you would like to read more.

Eric D

Good site with a lot of additional info. My house was built in the mid 60's and wired with aluminum. The first thing I did after I bought it was replace with copper & new switches and outlets. Some of the wiring was bad & burnt-suprise there was no fire. My SEC are still aluminum-a concern-should upgrade to copper to be safe...

Shader,

I think you did the right thing by replacing all the aluminum wire and switches in your home.

Personally I wouldn't worry about SEC being aluminum. It is pretty much the standard in my area. I believe that one of the biggest issues with the early aluminum was the use of solid wire. A friend of mine almost lost his kitchen to a wall fire. The fire department investigator found where an extra long cabinet mounting screw had nicked the stove power wire. Over time the nick developed into a crack that at the end heated up enough to start the interior of the wall on fire. They were able to put it out but had the fire department out to be sure there wasn't any remnants of something still burning. Of course they broke open the wall in order to make sure it was safe.

On my home I have two SEC, one for the 200 amp main panel and 100 amp for my geothermal supply. Both are aluminum, and I really don't worry about them. I do check lug torques now and then.

Eric D

Eric D