Originally Posted by
Richard Rushing
Lynn,
What Rick H. just posted above is a No-Ox type anti-oxidant that should be accompanied at aluminum connections.
One visual difference in determining aluminum vs tin-coated cu is the aluminum is a shinny finish (think American Airlines aircraft skin) whereas the tin plate finish is a dull (leaning toward gray) finish that is an electro-plated finish.
See any difference in these two conductors??
Richard, I was recently corrected on another forum that anti-oxidant compound is not required by the NEC and I noticed that you stated "should be accompanied at aluminum connections" I have always used Noalox at any aluminum connections (which were few, I'm a copper guy myself) but I do "suggest" that it is used on any service that I inspect that utilizes aluminum conductors. I always check the panel cover for manufacturer's instructions as well, sometimes they will say to use anti-oxidant compound. Just for the record I have never liked aluminum because of it's tendency to be less than reliable and seems to loosen up at the lugs moreso than copper. IMHO.