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Electrical Problem Heads Up

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. 
Steve & Nancy Snow
1987 GV 40'

Re: Electrical Problem Heads Up

Reply #1 –
Quote from: Steve & Nancy Snow –
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
Dean & Deirdre

2012 Arctic Fox 22GQ
Was 2003 U270

Re: Electrical Problem Heads Up

Reply #2 –
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

Re: Electrical Problem Heads Up

Reply #3 –
Easy way to prevent corrosion in electrical components is to use dielectric grease.  I live by it and no problems.
Peter
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Electrical Problem Heads Up

Reply #4 –
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
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Electrical Problem Heads Up

Reply #5 –
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."
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: Electrical Problem Heads Up

Reply #6 –
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
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Electrical Problem Heads Up

Reply #7 –
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

Re: Electrical Problem Heads Up

Reply #8 –
Dave, 

Quote from: Dave M –
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

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

Chuck
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Electrical Problem Heads Up

Reply #9 –
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

Re: Electrical Problem Heads Up

Reply #10 –
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
Even coating the surface of connections keeps corrosion away. Good for marine use too as it does not wash away.
John H
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Electrical Problem Heads Up

Reply #11 –
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.
Dick, '03 U320 40' Tag, 2 slides, Coach #6075
Full Timers
2009 Honda CR-V
 

Re: Electrical Problem Heads Up

Reply #12 –
Quote from: John Haygarth –
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
Even coating the surface of connections keeps corrosion away. Good for marine use too as it does not wash away.
John H

That's good stuff, Thomas and Betts to boot.  I'm going to get some, the carbon based stuff is messy. 
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS