With the hot weather, our Dometic Classic just was not cooling right. First step was to Wal Mart for a cheap indoor outdoor thermometer. Sure enough it was only cooling down to around 45degs on 110v electric. Checked with gas only, cooled down to 35degs. On a whim changed outlet plug and rechecked, all was fine at 35 where it should be. Took apart the OEM outlet and found the brass contacts were corroded. Replaced with a new Thin Blue Box and standard household outlet. All is well now.
Good catch. It's always nice when a gut instinct turns out to be right.
Dean
Any thing 25 yrs old can require replacement. Might make for a closer look see of other outlets, breakers, torque on terminals etc.
Dave M
Easy way to prevent corrosion in electrical components is to use dielectric grease. I live by it and no problems.
Peter
Years ago when I worked for cable TV, the installers/linemen would always have a squeezable metal tube of dielectric grease to put on all connections. As I remember, the tube was painted yellow. Seemed to do an excellent job as I don't remember even one corrosion issue.
Pierce
Just be cautious using dielectric grease around neoprene or silicon rubber surfaces. I can damage them with long term exposure.
Also, the term Dielectric basically means non-conductive so it can cause increased resistance in loose fitting electrical connectors.
The following was taken from WiseGeek.com and corresponds with my personal experience:
"Dielectric grease is a non-conductive, silicone grease designed to seal out moisture and, therefore, prevent corrosion on electrical connectors. Being non-conductive, it does not enhance the flow of electrical current. This property makes it an ideal lubricant and sealant for the rubber portions of electrical connectors.
Dielectric grease is typically a translucent, grey substance that is insoluble in substances such as ethanol, methanol, mineral oil, and water. It is soluble, however, in the industrial solvent methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) and mineral spirit. It is important to note that dielectric grease will melt silicone rubber over time, and thus should not be used on connectors, such as o-rings, that are made of this rubber.
While the indicated use of dielectric grease calls for it to be used only on the non-metal parts of a connection, it has been shown to be effective at preventing corrosion when applied directly to the metal connectors as well. Care should be taken when using it in this way, because this application can, in some instances, cause the connection to stop working. A common reason for such a failure is that the grease has not been pushed entirely out of the way between the two points of contact."
Right on Kent. By its nature the grease will most likely reduce electrical conductivity of contacting surfaces. Back in the working world I would use it on connectors, and conductive grease on contacts. This can be particularly important when contacts are non similar metals.
Chuck
Chuck, Wondering about the conductive grease you use and where you can obtain it. In my world we use conductive grease which is made up of Dow Corning 44 and pulverized silver mix, VERY expensive and VERY good, about $380.00 for a half teaspoon vial, so why I wonder what / where you get your supply?
Thanks
Dave M
Dave,
Yeah that silver stuff would be just a little pricey to lube up your 50A plugs with. What we used was typically a carbon based mtl with a silicone grease carrier. This promotes conductivity and provides for moisture resistance. It's excellent stuff to use for items like grounding points especially. Messy though. Amazon carries it.
One thing to remember about this stuff though for folks who haven't used it, it does provide a conductive path so you have to be careful where you use it. I would not, for instance, use it in a 12V bulb socket or on a shore power plug-personal safety issue. If it's a removable connection and is good and tight then the dielectric grease would be the way to go.
Carbon Conductive Grease | MG Chemicals (http://www.mgchemicals.com/products/greases-and-lubricants/conductive-greases/carbon-conductive-grease-846/)
Chuck
Thanks Chuck, Our conductive grease is used on high current switchgear, to both provide lube and conductivity on a moveable device. We use other greases, but this silver stuff if the wildest in my book. As usual, all greases have a place and purpose.
Thanks
Dave M
I have been using this type of product for 30 yrs in all electrical issues and find it great.CP8TB -- KOPR-SHIELD, Thomas & Betts - West Side Electric & Industrial Supply Co (http://westsidedelivers.com/kopr_shield.asp)
Even coating the surface of connections keeps corrosion away. Good for marine use too as it does not wash away.
John H
What does Foretravel use? It looks like a yellow thick pliable paint. It seems to last a long time and yet you can get it off when needed to remove a nut or whatever.
That's good stuff, Thomas and Betts to boot. I'm going to get some, the carbon based stuff is messy.