How should I lubricate my outdoor extension plug?
+8
I live in a very cold environment and need to plug my car in at work. The connection between my extension cord and my block heater plug is super difficult to insert and remove. What would be the proper lubricant and/or method to alleviate this problem? I find myself wanting to pull on the cord, which I realize is a no-no.
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Are you talking about some sort of charging unit for your auto? Even asked my hubby and he didn't understand either. Sorry.
Carla: I found this interesting product on amazon...
https://www.amazon.com/Camco-55013-PowerGrip-Electrical-Protectant/dp/B0024E71JI/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Camco+Powergrip+55013+electrical+protectant+and+lube&qid=1582074554&sr=8-3
Hi Carla,
I don't have a block heater so I went looking for help for you. I found a discussion where someone else had a similar problem. Dielectric was given as a solution by one person. Then below a part of the conversation that doesn't apply, there are a few other suggestions. I hope one of them will help you. Wishing you the best.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/block-heater-difficult-to-unplug.478877/
WD40. it's a lubricant and not conductive so it's safe to use. Spray it in the outlet end and shake out the excess. Moisture is probably getting in the outlet end and freezing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OccDOM_3qd8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCHd2iUnb80
When I worked at a forklift dealership, we sold battery operated units that had to be charged. Our technicians always used white lithium lubricant over WD40. I can't remember the exact reason but they said it was better in the long run.
WD40 is not a lubricant so much as it is a solvent used more for cleaning. It is great for removing rust and mineral deposits, it will help protect metal from corrosion, and repel water as William mentioned. The lithium grease is a true lubricant, which is why it was used after the WD40. Unlike spray lubricants, the lithium grease will last a long time. Lithium grease is flammable however and would not be used for a plug and socket.
i would not lubricate extension cord .. use proper grounding while you need power outside
I too have to plug in my diesel truck in extreme cold temperatures and it can be tough to plug the truck plug and the heavy duty extension cord together. I have never used any type of lubricant or WD-40, only because I wasn't aware that I could. I did find that over time it did get easier to plug them together just because of use and keeping the prongs on the plug clean.