Frequently Asked Questions

How are your In-Sure^® Lever Connectors different from competitors?

Our In-Sure^® Lever Connectors allow you to insert a solid wire without having to open the lever. The connectors are ergonomically designed with an easy grip shell, reducing stress on hands and making it easier to open a single lever at a time. IDEAL Electrical^™ lever connectors save time, are easy to use, and provide a confident connection.

Which IDEAL Electrical connectors are rated for use with copper-clad aluminum cables? 

Our model 39 Push-In connectors are approved for copper-clad aluminum. Learn more about them here.  

What is the Underwriter Laboratories file for IDEAL Electrical^™ twist-on wire connectors?           

UL File # E5238

Where can I find Wrap-Cap^® Insulators?

We’re sorry, but this item has been discontinued with no replacement. We apologize for any inconvenience.

On the In-Sure^® Push-In Connectors packaging, why does it say not to use with aluminum wire?

Aluminum wiring is known for overheating. That's why building codes no longer allow it. When aluminum wiring rusts, the white oxide is not a very good electrical conductor. It interferes with the flow of electricity and can cause overheating. These connectors are plastic, so overheating would be a very serious issue. If you have aluminum wiring in your house, it is still safe provided you use proper connectors and connection methods to switches and receptacles.

Are the In-Sure^® Push-In Connectors waterproof or appropriate for outdoor purposes?

No, they would need to be concealed in an outdoor-rated box.

Can you remove the wires and reuse the In-Sure^® Push-In Connector?

With solid wires, yes. Just twist and pull and they can be removed. With stranded, no, as strand will break off inside the connector.

Are your B-TAP^® Insulation Piercing Tap Connectors suitable for use on the line side of service equipment?

B-TAP^® model numbers BTC 2/0-14, BTC4/0-10, BTC1/0-10, BTC500-14, and BTC250-6 connectors have been tested and successfully passed the new requirements in UL 486A-B for the marking “Suitable for Use on the Line Side of Service Equipment”.  The testing has been acknowledged by Underwriter’s Laboratories and is now part of the UL Listing for the IDEAL file E5238. Please note that no changes to the existing connectors in the market were required to meet the Line Side requirement.

What are your TightSight^® meters rated? 

Our TightSight^® clamp meters are not BS EN 61243-3 2014 compliant. Our TightSight^® clamp meters 61-757 and 61-747 are compliant with the following standards:  

IEC 61010-1, Edition 3 (2010-06) +AMD1 (2016-12)  

ANSI/UL/IEC EN 61010-1, Edition 3 (2015-07-15)  

IEC 61010-2-032 (2019-06)  

IEC 61010-2-033 (2019-06)  

Overvoltage CAT IV 600V CAT III 1000V (61-757).  

Overvoltage CAT III 600V (61-747), Not intended for use in a CAT IV.  

Any voltages exceeding the defined maximum voltage measurement categories described above are outside the normal use of the equipment and protection cannot be guaranteed.  

Pollution Degree Class 2 

How do I get a test and measurement product repair?

Please contact us at contactus@idealindustries.com and provide the following information:

1. Part number of the product
2. Approximately when and where the product was purchased
3. Why does the product need repair?
4. Your name and shipping address

What is the best wire lubricant for jobs that require additional pulls?

If the job requires additional pulls later, we recommend our ClearGlide^® or Aqua-Gel^® wire lubricants because their polymer base will allow for continued lubricity when dried down.

What is the shelf life of your wire pulling lubricants?

Our wax-based lubricants have a shelf life of 2 years, and our polymer-based lubricants have a shelf life of 1 year.

What is the shelf life of Noalox^®?

When properly stored in its original unopened container, Noalox^® has a shelf life of up to 2 years. The product will separate over time but can easily be mixed by agitating the container and/or the product itself. This process does not affect the functionality, effectiveness, or the UL listing for the product.

What is the shelf life of Duct Seal?

Our Duct Seal has a shelf life of 1 year.

Where can I find ArmourBands^™?

ArmourBand™ Insulating Wraps were discontinued with no replacement in May 2023.

Do your wire pulling lubricants contain silicone?

ClearGlide^® is the only lubricant that contains silicone. None of the other IDEAL Electrical lubes contain silicone.

Is Noalox^® Underwriter Laboratories approved?

Yes, it is UL-approved and it's also needed by code in most areas for aluminum electrical applications.

Can Noalox^® be used on copper?

Yes. Noalox^® is meant to prohibit the oxidation of aluminum wires but can be used on both copper and aluminum wires.

How do you properly apply Noalox^® product?

1. Clean the conductor off with a wire brush or Emery cloth.
2. Apply Noalox^® directly to both the conductor and the connector.
3. Assemble joint and wipe off the excess Noalox^® compound.

For more details regarding handling and storage, please refer to the safety data sheet document. 

Where do you make your products?

Many of our products are made in our facility in Sycamore, Illinois and a portion of our products are produced in other regions of the country where we partner with trusted manufacturers to ensure our products are made to the highest standard.

Where can I warranty my tool?

For more information on our warranty policy, visit our Contact Us page and send us a message using the form or email us at contactus@idealindustries.com.

Where can I purchase IDEAL Electrical™ products?

Information on where to buy IDEAL Electrical™ products can be found on our Where to Buy page.

Where can I find instructions or manuals for my IDEAL Electrical™ tool?

Instructions and manuals can be found on our Product Resources page.

Do you have a distributor portal?

Yes. Please visit customers.idealind.com.

Where can I find the video tutorials for the products I bought?

1. Go to product page – click “Video”.
2. Go to training resource page – find “Product Videos” section.
3. Go to the IDEAL Electrical YouTube channel and search product keyword (i.e. connector, circuit tracer, etc) on the main page.  

If you cannot find the content you want, feel free to contact us at contactus@idealindustries.com

How can I get my product fixed?

Please contact us at contactus@idealindustries.com and provide the following information:

1. Part number of the product
2. Approximately when and where the product was purchased
3. Why does the product need repair?
4. Your name and shipping address

From there, our team will assist with a possible warranty, repair, replacement, or return where applicable.