Apply Antioxidant and Terminate Wires
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It was the Apprentice’s 1st Install! 200 AMP Service Meter Pan + Disconnect Combo #electrician
What happens here
Before connecting the aluminum service wires to the terminal lugs, apply an antioxidant compound (referred to as 'No-Ox' or 'paint both wires' in the video) to the bare conductors. This prevents corrosion and ensures a good electrical connection. Once coated, insert the wires into their respective lugs and muscle them in before tightening them securely with an Allen wrench or hex key. This is a critical step for long-term safety and performance.
Goal: Securely connect the service wires to the meter base lugs, preventing corrosion.
Tools and materials
- Allen Wrench / Hex Key — Tightening the terminal lugs for the service conductors
- Meter Base Lugs — The terminals where the service wires are connected
- Service Conductors — The wires being connected
- Antioxidant Compound No-Ox-ID — Preventing corrosion on aluminum wire connections