Are antioxidant compounds required on all aluminum wire connectors?
Some UL Listed aluminum wire connectors are prefilled with the UL Listed antioxidant compounds at the factory. For the non-prefilled connectors, the antioxidant compounds should be used if recommended by the manufacturer. However, the non-prefilled connectors meet the requirements in UL 486B, the Standard for Wire Connectors for Use with Aluminum Conductors, without the compound. Wire Connectors for use with aluminum conductors are Listed under the category Wire Connectors and Soldering Lugs (ZMVV). Antioxidant compounds are Listed under the category Conductor Termination Compound (DVYW). Compounds under this category have been evaluated and shown not to cause adverse effects on the conductor/conductor combination.
