Community Forums

Kro1957 · 04-29-2016, 09:32 PM

I really have a tough time with my shore power 50amp plug sticking in any of the adapters or even the in-line surge protector.

They all have a handle to grab on when pulling apart but they are really tough to pull apart.

How do you all easily separate them? Is it because most of mine are new? I have heard of electrical grease some use with bulbs but would a person dare use that on your shore power cord or connections?

Thanks!
James

clifford j · 04-30-2016, 03:18 AM

Use silicone spray, it'll dry with a film. Wet silicone lube will work but will collect dirt and debris . Contact pressure on the blades is a must to reduce temperature and contact annealing, something you have to deal with.

CLIFF

Bigd9 · 04-30-2016, 06:01 AM

I clean the exposed electrical contacts using my Dremel tool and a small wire brush attachment till they are clean and shiny, then spray a small amount of WD-40 on a paper towel and wipe the contacts coating them with a thin film. Plug and unplug a few times and recoat the contacts.

FaithBowls · 04-30-2016, 08:40 AM

I stand on my surge protector with both feet and pull straight up with both hands. It's tight but moves fine if you have 4 hands.

MaverickBBD · 04-30-2016, 09:30 AM

I grease mine with dielectric grease and then use an old sock to keep them clean when not plugged in. If you google dielectric grease there are some interesting articles vs silicone vs vaseline.

**CLIFFTALL** · 04-30-2016, 09:33 AM

X2.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaverickBBD

I grease mine with dielectric grease and then use an old sock to keep them clean when not plugged in. If you google dielectric grease there are some interesting articles vs silicone vs vaseline.

JMonroe · 04-30-2016, 10:38 AM

Spray both the male and female connections with this: Strike Hold

It's dielectric, will help clean the contacts, repel dirt and will dry out, unlike grease, while still providing lubrication. I use it on my toad connections, as example, and they're much easier to connect/disconnect and it's stopped any corrosion problem.

I got mine at last year's IRV2 rally from one of the vendors.

gateaux01 · 04-30-2016, 11:12 AM

A good solid tight connection is a good thing. You do not want your cords to come apart easily. Loose connections equal heat build up which lead to melted plugs over time.

Kro1957 · 05-24-2016, 06:23 AM

Great tips and info. Thanks!! James

edatlanta · 05-24-2016, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaverickBBD

I grease mine with dielectric grease and then use an old sock to keep them clean when not plugged in. If you google dielectric grease there are some interesting articles vs silicone vs vaseline.

X2. I put a squirt of dielectric grease in every power pedestal I plug into. Removal is always easy and moisture doesn't get to the contact surfaces during my stay.

I also put a dab of dielectric grease on screw in light bulb sockets especially on outdoor fixtures. You don't break the bulb to get them out when it is burned out.

MSHappyCampers · 05-24-2016, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gateaux01

A good solid tight connection is a good thing. You do not want your cords to come apart easily. Loose connections equal heat build up which lead to melted plugs over time.

Exactly!

Kro1957 · 05-24-2016, 09:30 AM

Joe,
I agree you want a solid connection, but these are way too tight. When two strong people can not pull them apart in 10 minutes, I think there must be an easier method to separate them

FaithBowls · 05-24-2016, 12:41 PM

Make sure your prongs are straight. Maybe one of them is bent outward making it too tight. Gently bend it straight. Make sure there's no oxidation on the prongs. Make sure you're pulling straight apart.

MSHappyCampers · 05-25-2016, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kro1957

Joe,
I agree you want a solid connection, but these are way too tight. When two strong people can not pull them apart in 10 minutes, I think there must be an easier method to separate them

I bought a can of "tuner contact cleaner with lubricant" from Radio Shack that I use to spray all of my electrical connectors, including the shore power cord and the coil cord between the MH and the toad. This is made for that purpose. Spray it on, then plug and unplug several times to clean the connections. In addition to cleaning the connections, it will put a coat of lubricant on them which should make them easier to plug and unplug. Be sure you get the cleaner "with lubricant"!