Melted Surge Guard plug

[Bilcin]

I found this when I was packing up to leave my campground after a week vacation. I was plugged into a pedestal at Carolina Pines Camping resort in Longs South Carolina. The led was green and I experienced no problems with the electric. Anyone experience this before? First picture is the surge protector. Second picture is a close up of the plug to the Surge protector. 3 picture is my travel trailer plug.

[clr]

That is fairly common with 30 amp service in an RV. The 30 amp plug when the air conditioner is running is running very close to maximum amps most of the time.

If the connection is loose or dirty the connection will begin to oxidize when that happens the high current will cause heat to build up due to the voltage drop due to the oxidization. If you do not catch this in time the plug will melt.

You will have to replace the plug on your surge protector. Many places sell the required 30 amp plug.

[Bilcin]

Originally Posted by clr

That is fairly common with 30 amp service in an RV. The 30 amp plug when the air conditioner is running is running very close to maximum amps most of the time.

If the connection is loose or dirty the connection will begin to oxidize when that happens the high current will cause heat to build up due to the voltage drop due to the oxidization. If you do not catch this in time the plug will melt.

You will have to replace the plug on your surge protector. Many places sell the required 30 amp plug.

Thanks, and yes, the AC was on 24/7 for the 7 days in 95° and high humidity.

[Iggy]

That was cause by a loose connection on the blades of the plug.
Over time/age/wear and high amperage make the male and the female parts get hot because of arcing which make heat, which makes more arcing until it melts the rubber and burns up the plugs.

Its just worn and loose plug receptacle.

[Bilcin]

Originally Posted by Iggy

That was cause by a loose connection on the blades of the plug.
Over time/age/wear and high amperage make the male and the female parts get hot because of arcing which make heat, which makes more arcing until it melts the rubber and burns up the plugs.

Its just worn and loose plug receptacle.

The surge protector is about 7 years old, so that sounds about right.

[Kimmary]

We had a similar thing happen. Researching the cause and solution led us to the benefit if using dialectric grease for connections. There are many applications for it.

[wharfrat48]

Originally Posted by Kimmary

We had a similar thing happen. Researching the cause and solution led us to the benefit if using dialectric grease for connections. There are many applications for it.

I thought dielectric grease did NOT conduct electricity and should not be used for connection applications. I coat my battery terminals with it (after the connection is made) to reduce corrosion.

[Iggy]

Originally Posted by Kimmary

We had a similar thing happen. Researching the cause and solution led us to the benefit if using dialectric grease for connections. There are many applications for it.

That can help but doesn't help with a loose connection over time.

Here is a picture of my Progressive power monitor direct connected.
Was installed in 2012 when I bought my motohome.

[cboss]

Originally Posted by wharfrat48

I thought dielectric grease did NOT conduct electricity and should not be used for connection applications. I coat my battery terminals with it (after the connection is made) to reduce corrosion.

X2

Dielectric grease, or tune-up grease, is a silicone-based grease that repels moisture and protects electrical connections against corrosion. ... The grease does not conduct electricity, so it shouldn't be applied directly to the mating surfaces (pins and sockets) of an electrical connection.

The 846 Carbon Conductive Grease is an electrically conductive silicone grease for improving electrical connections between sliding surfaces and parts. The 846 grease is designed to lubricate while maintaining good grounding connection.

https://www.amazon.com/MG-Chemicals-...30323065&psc=1

[bob213]

I believe dielectric grease is a non conductor. You might be better with Deoxit. It is a cleaner and lube that improves contact.

[Slow Moon]

Here's a product recommended to me for electrical plugs & connections. I have not used it yet, and I am no expert, so I am interested in any "expert" or "experience" comments on this product for RV use.

https://www.amazon.com/NO-OX-ID-Tube...dp/B00HSW341A/

[Bilcin]

Wow, ok, so I was under the impression that dielectric grease not only stopped corrosion but also helped in conducting electricity. I bathed my snow plow connection pins in this thinking I was doing the right thing. Now I have to buy the other stuff and put it on the connections. Thanks for the advice!

[PhillyLEO]

You should look at the progressive industries hard wired version. I’ve had mine for years and never had a problem. All the Di-electric grease in the world isn’t going to help light duty wiring and cheap connections.



Bob

[mikenkyle05]

I have the same unit and the plug became loose. Found it close to us leaving on long trip so i sacrificed my dog bone adapter and replaced the plug. Didnt use my adapter much anyway. Pretty easy to replace.

[itat]

Bilcin, it looks like you have an aftermarket male plug on your 30A power cord. I would suspect that plug for the loose connection that caused the arcing.

[TimVWulp]

If you look at your picture of the copper ground and neutral pins they have a lot of oxidation on them. This oxidation will create resistance which = heat and the burned/melted hot / 120 volt blade. They should be a bright copper color to slightly dull in color. Keep your plug connections clean. Use some sand paper or file to clean the oxidation from the male or female plug connections. MAKE SURE ELECTRICAL POWER IS OFF BEFORE YOU CLEAN YOUR PLUGES.

Hope this helps Tim

[Bilcin]

Originally Posted by PhillyLEO

You should look at the progressive industries hard wired version. I’ve had mine for years and never had a problem. All the Di-electric grease in the world isn’t going to help light duty wiring and cheap connections.



Bob

Yes, I will be looking into the permanent unit!

[Bilcin]

Yes, I have learned that dirty pins create headaches! Thanks for your post.

Originally Posted by TimVWulp

If you look at your picture of the copper ground and neutral pins they have a lot of oxidation on them. This oxidation will create resistance which = heat and the burned/melted hot / 120 volt blade. They should be a bright copper color to slightly dull in color. Keep your plug connections clean. Use some sand paper or file to clean the oxidation from the male or female plug connections. MAKE SURE ELECTRICAL POWER IS OFF BEFORE YOU CLEAN YOUR PLUGES.

Hope this helps Tim

[Bilcin]

Originally Posted by itat

Bilcin, it looks like you have an aftermarket male plug on your 30A power cord. I would suspect that plug for the loose connection that caused the arcing.

You are correct, my original plug to the trailer melted in the same spot and replaced it with this aftermarket plug. I will have to be more vigilant with these electrical connections!

[Bilcin]

Originally Posted by Bilcin

Yes, I will be looking into the permanent unit!

I sent you a pm.