Skip to main content

Apply Antioxidant and Terminate Wires

0:56
1:11
6.2M views

At 0:56 in

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