[Amps] AC wiring

[R.Measures]

On Oct 20, 2005, at 5:46 AM, Gudguyham at aol.com wrote:

>
> In a message dated 10/20/2005 8:23:04 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, 
> francis.carcia at hs.utc.com writes:
>> Does the NEC permit connecting Cu wires with Ag-Sn solder?
>>
> NO.....soldering is not allowed. 

Pb-Sn solder or Ag-Sn solder, or both??  I can see not allowing Pb-Sn 
solder since it deteriorates in the presence of moisture.   OTOH, Ag-Sn 
solder is okay with moisture since it the standard for connecting Cu 
water pipes.
.  So far, the only electrical problem I have encountered with this 
house was with a NEC approved wire nut connecting a light atop a brick 
gate post.  Had that connection been Ag-Sn soldered instead of 
wire-nutted, the failure would not have occurred.

>  exothermic welding is, but truely, a good marrying of the wires and a 
> wire nut is a very good connection. 

  I Ag-Sn solder Cu wires when I want a low-R, moisture-resistant 
connection.  Time and water has shown me that this is especially 
important on antenna and ground-strap joints.

> DON'T solder them, if anything goes wrong, it is a violation.

It is a violation to drive 66mph on a CA freeway, but I do it.

Richard L. Measures, AG6K, 805.386.3734.  www.somis.org