AL-CU under the same lug

[SteveSarasota]

Hello,

I inspected this condo built in '79 today, and found a 1/0 AL wire connected from the main located outside, to the bus bars at the panel.

There was a #12 CU wire connected under the same lug, to the lightning arrestor.

Is this ok ?

Thanks,

Click To Enlarge

[allspec33351]

No.

[Bill Kibbel]

I see lightning arrestors installed like this regularly. I always identify it as a concern, but honestly, I've never seen any problems develop. I've read manufacturer's instructions that show it installed this way without any warning about compatibility with aluminum.

[kurt]

If it's anything other than a lightning arrestor, NO.

Since it IS a lightning arrestor, that's how they're all installed. I've never seen any mfg. listing restriction against these things, but then again, I've never looked real hard for one either.

[SteveSarasota]

I just hang up the phone with Delta Lightning Arrestors Customer Service and they said the installation is WRONG!. They Arrestor should be installed/connected to any CU breaker (not double lugged unless is a Square D) and it would protect the complete panel.

I love it when I'm right, which is not too often (Just ask my wife).

SteveR

PS: Any FL inspectors going to the FABI conference this weekend? See you there!

[Brian G]

Originally posted by SteveSarasota

They Arrestor should be installed/connected to any CU breaker (not double lugged unless is a Square D) and it would protect the complete panel.

Steve, they're saying a breaker should be installed just for the arrestor to connect to? I've never seen that done, but it makes sense in a way.

Brian G.

Item # 57,839 To Watch For.....[:-boggled

[BlackJack]

Installation of AC Residential Surge Arrester.

http://www.nooutage.com/la-302-r.htm