50 amp plug needs lube?

[John in Miami]

I know this is a strange issue, but my RV power plug is unbelievably hard to get out once plugged into a plug-in spot.
I literally have to "pry" it out.
I have a power tester that I plug in forst, then once I have tested the power, turn off the breaker, and plug in the RV plug.
When leaving, breaker off, power tester unplugged;ug from bed, and THEN I literally have to use a screwdriver to pry it out.
Is there a lube that is acceptable to use to lube this up?

[Darwin]

Dielectric grease

[wolfe10]

Originally Posted by Darwin

Dielectric grease

Yup!

[Roy-c]

Look carefully at the prongs for bent, twisted or otherwise damaged. If nothing readily visible I would replace it. We are talking 240 volts and 50 amps here. Not something to play with.

[John C Irish]

De-OX product we use on a lot of our electrical connections...it is an anti-corrosive, dielectric that also helps with conductivity by preventing corrosion. Use it on all my batteries, and even "hi-power" audio connections (have been in live production music industry for decades)

You can usually find it an any commercial electrical supply house, or order online.

Not only will it help you connect and disconnect, the next guy plugging in will thank you for making his connection easier as well ! ! !

[Mudfrog]

It shouldn't be so tight that prying is necessary. If this is happening with more than just one receptacle, then it sounds like there may be a burr on one or more of the blades, a bent blade(s), or maybe even a factory defect of the plug that's making the blades not fit into the receptacle properly.

Just throwing this out for grins. How do the blades look after being pried from the receptacle? Any burnt/corroded/little arc splotches on any of the blades?

Is this the original shore power plug? Has it always been this tight?

[travelorer99]

Doing high voltage for my working life, we did the diolectric grease stuff, it is good, It will dry and harden over time, and it really likes to stain cloths. Just use a little vasaleen. it will be fine.

[pasdad1]

This is what I use. Works well. I also use it on the low voltage contacts of the front door which operate the electric lock.

[Gary RVRoamer]

I used to lightly sand the blades with a synthetic abrasive pad (aka synthetic steel wool) to remove dirt and corrosion. Use a fine sandpaper if there are actual burrs or pits anywhere. Then apply a dielectric grease.


I had one 50A extension where the problem was the receptacle - the slots were extremely tight no matter what was plugged into it. I eventually replaced the receptacle to solve the problem. Not a big chore.

[rgvtexan]

Put a pull ring on the plug with a couple tie wraps.

[Onrecess]

My old RV had this plug. It was not in great shape, when I replaced it, I made sure to buy the same one. I found a lot of campsites have terrible receptacles. I am going to see if one will fit in my Signature.
https://www.campingworld.com/power-g...gs-receptacles

[SimRacer]

Another vote for DeOxIt. Lube and cleaner

[777 Driver]

I use one of these:


You can find it here: PLUG DOGS 50 Amp 4 prong - Coil n'Wrap a Cool RV Products Store

I also periodically use a fine abrasive to remove any corrosion.

It works very well and doesn't require replacement of the existing plug.

Take care,
Stu

[Old-Biscuit]

Originally Posted by 777 Driver

I use one of these:
Attachment 307357

You can find it here: PLUG DOGS 50 Amp 4 prong - Coil n'Wrap a Cool RV Products Store

I also periodically use a fine abrasive to remove any corrosion.

Take care,
Stu

Better to have a tight fit vs a loose fitting plug

Yes ....
My OEM 50A plug was TIGHT and required quite the effort to unplug
Replaced it with a New 50A Male plug that has a GRIP Handle.
Still nice and tight connection on blades BUT I can unplug it due to being able to grip the plug via the handle