richard_roberts80•1mo agoProlific Poster

Tried a new anti-oxidant compound on a 400 amp service in Tampa and it backfired

I was replacing a corroded main lug assembly on an older panel and used a brand called 'ShieldX' paste instead of my usual Noalox. The stuff seemed thicker, but after torquing everything down and closing up, the meter base got way hotter than normal within an hour, like 140 degrees on my IR gun. I think the paste was too insulating and created a high-resistance joint. Had to redo the whole connection with the old reliable compound. Anyone have a go-to paste for salty coastal air that doesn't cause heating issues?

2 comments

2 Comments

richard_mason1mo ago

I had the same thing happen with some "Coastal Guard" paste last year on a 200 amp disconnect. My thermal camera showed a 50 degree hotspot on the line side lugs after 30 minutes. The stuff was like sticky clay and just wouldn't let the surfaces make proper contact. I stripped it all off and went back to the little Noalox packets, zero issues since. What's the point of a paste that stops corrosion but also stops conductivity?

tyler3681mo agoTop Commenter

Exactly. That "sticky clay" feel is the whole problem right there. Some of these pastes are way too thick and just get in the way. It's like they forget the main job is to conduct electricity, not just sit there. I've seen more issues from goop applied wrong than from corrosion itself.