Sliced my 30 amp cord, need advice

Pbits.. I think we are in agreement.

And yes, that closing line.. If you do not know what you are doing, If you do not know how to make a GOOD solder joint, and if you do not have a large enough heat source to properly do the job.

DO NOT DO IT. Be careful.

I have the knowledge, skills and tools needed.. When it comes to 10ga and larger wire, Not many do.

wa8yxm wrote:
Solder may not be listed in the code.. But is it BANNED by the code.

60 years ago it was the standard way to combine wires.

Just make sure you use solder rated for ELECTRONIC use, not plumber's solder.

The house I used to own many joints were soldered and friction taped, NO junction box. Just tape. That was the standard of practice when it was first wired. Those joints are still good today.

That was my point. "Code" has come to mean bible and some see it as their way or the highway. It kind of has become a turf war between "standards and practices" and old fashioned common sense, I doubt Stonehenge complies with any "Codes" yet, there it is. I'm done ranting. But let's be careful out there.

Solder may not be listed in the code.. But is it BANNED by the code.

60 years ago it was the standard way to combine wires.

Just make sure you use solder rated for ELECTRONIC use, not plumber's solder.

The house I used to own many joints were soldered and friction taped, NO junction box. Just tape. That was the standard of practice when it was first wired. Those joints are still good today.

smkettner wrote:
Spend the money on a proper installation. Put a pedestal next to the RV and bury the wire according to code.

This... do it right, make it permanent, or don't do it at all, before someone innocent gets zapped by your laziness.

assuming that you aren't full timing in it at home with the aCs on, etc. avoid this potential problem by just using a standard 12/14/16 gauge extension cord to keep things running. then when you mow over it, much easier/cheaper job to fix.
bumpy

smkettner wrote:
Spend the money on a proper installation. Put a pedestal next to the RV and bury the wire according to code.

Ditto

Go to Lowes and ask for an underground approved 10 ga 4 wire splice. It comes with an insulated slug that will allow you to connect up to 4 wires to each side and an allen bolt to snug them down. A heat shrink cover that has a type of glue inside that when heated, will snug down tightly onto the cord and make a water proof seal. It has been on my MH for 8 years of fulltiming and never a source of being a problem. When finished, the repair is nearly invisible and has no effect on coiling the cord for storage.

pbitschura wrote:
Having read all this well intentioned information, I conclude that we each do as we will and take responsibility for results, good or bad. Lectures about the "code" hold little weight with me. If it's your bible, so be it. Best of wishes to all.

You got me curious about the "code". I can understand building codes for houses, but what "code" applies to an extension cord, assuming that they don't slap a Underwriters label on it.
bumpy

Having read all this well intentioned information, I conclude that we each do as we will and take responsibility for results, good or bad. Lectures about the "code" hold little weight with me. If it's your bible, so be it. Best of wishes to all.

Dusty R wrote:

diveman52 wrote:
Way to much bad info. Solder is not even a listed method of splicing in the National Electric Code. Just use some insulated but splice connectors. Stagger them and either use shrink tube or good old scotch 33+ Electrical tape. Or spend more money and buy two new ends female and male and make two cords. I have repaired many cords in my 40+ year in the trade. If done well it will last as long as the cord.

The National Electric Code also does not allow cords to be spliced.
I also vote for new ends and make 2 cords.

It takes a tremendous effort to splice a cord together "correctly". More time and effort (and skill) than most folks are willing or able to put into the job. I try to remain aware that even the most skilfully repaired cordsets have a section in them that is going to be stiff and unresilient. Horrible for coiling. This all adds up to bad juju.