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At 01:35 PM 4/6/2017, you wrote:<br>
<blockquote type=cite class=cite cite="">Recently we interfaced with
another solar install firm that has gone back to wire nuts due to this
same problem.</blockquote>
<x-sigsep><p></x-sigsep>
<br>
Wire nuts have the advantage of holding the wires tight with a spring.
The spring follows the cold flow of the copper over the years. A screw
type connection does not. <br><br>
When I service an old breaker box, usually the wires are loose under the
screw connections, especially on the neutral and grounding bars. Often
they are very loose, and I bet that the screws were tight after the
initial installation of the equipment. <br><br>
On old industrial control equipment, I've learned the hard way to tighten
all screws before doing anything in the box, as wires are prone to fall
out of the loose screw connections. Again, these connections have the
weakness of being held by terminal screws, with no spring to follow the
cold flow of the metal. <br><br>
With wire nuts, it can be a bit tricky to know if you have a good
connection, as the connection is hidden under the plastic cap. It is good
to pull hard on each wire separately to be sure it is securely under the
spring. It is crucial never to mix copper and aluminum under a wire nut
unless it is one specifically designed for the purpose. Unless
specifically listed, all out door wire nuts should be in a weather proof
box, and preferably taped. <br><br>
<a name="_MailAutoSig"></a>Drake Chamberlin<br>
<i>Athens Electric LLC<br>
OH License 44810<br>
CO License 3773<br>
NABCEP Certified Solar PV <br>
740-448-7328<br>
</i><a href="http://athens-electric.com/">http://athens-electric.com/</a>
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