Where should Conductive Anti Oxidant Compound be used?

• A. Should be used on all mechanical connections and be listed for the correct metals.
• B. Only on copper-to-copper connections.
• C. Only on aluminum connections.
• D. Not required for grounding.

Answer: (A)

Conductive anti-oxidant compounds are used to maintain a clean, conductive metal-to-metal interface by preventing oxidation and galvanic corrosion at the joint. Because oxidation increases resistance and can loosen mechanical connections over time, applying the compound helps ensure stable, low-resistance contact.

The best practice is to apply this compound on all mechanical connections and to use a product that is listed or approved for the metals involved. That ensures compatibility with the metals (such as copper, aluminum, or steel) and avoids adverse reactions, while also meeting the guidance that every relevant joint receive protection rather than limiting it to a single metal pair.

It’s not correct to limit use to copper-to-copper, nor to apply only to aluminum connections. It’s also not correct to say grounding connections don’t require it; for grounding and bonding paths, keeping a reliable, low-impedance connection is essential, and the antioxidant helps achieve that over time.