After having redone the aluminum-to-copper pigtails in my house's electrical outlets using AlumiConn connectors, I subsequently had to undo a few to debug a wiring problem. All I did is unscrew the connectors and take out the wires; I did not otherwise damage the connectors or the wires.
Is it safe and acceptable to screw the wires back in, or must I replace the connectors entirely?
I am worried about reusing the connectors because pulling the wires out means (1) I've lost some of the antioxidant paste inside the connector and (2) the aluminum wires have been pressed by the set screw, so the wires' strength may have been compromised. Even if I clip the ends of the wires and re-strip them before reinserting them, that still wouldn't address issue #1. However, I don't really know – maybe I'm being too paranoid. I tried to find guidelines but my Google-fu is failing me in this case. Are there requirements or guidelines for this situation?
Best Answer
It seems that the manufacture does not suggest to reuse the connectors.
For instance, this document here states "Do not reuse" in the "product specifications & measurements" section.