Problems with 7 Pin Connector

JRscooby wrote:

Gdetrailer wrote:

JRscooby wrote:
About 10 years ago I had a recital/cranial inversion while moving trailer around in the lot, and mangled the plug. When I replaced it, hooked up tested all lights and brakes. Then I pulled the cap lose, buried all screws and connections in clear silicone, put a bunch in the cap, and put it back together. A lot was forced out around the cord. Wiped all the excess off. Keep the socket well lubed with di-lectric grease, no more problems. (also made a place that holds the end when not hooked up)

Standard "RTV" silicones use acedic acid as part of the curing process.

Generally not recommended for use with electrical connections.

May work for a while but may have enough acid to eventually damage the wire you were protecting.

They do make "neutral cure" RTV which is a bit electrical connection friendly and a better choice over all for this use.

Going back decades, I have filled crimp connecters with cheap silicone form-a-gasket before putting wires in and crimping, to wire truck and trailer lights. 1 rebuilt wreck was towed about 100,000 miles a year for 18 years before I sold it. Replaced lamps, and the cord a few times, but the acid never hurt the wires. And the road salts and grime didn't either.

Agreed.

Have done the same thing, however, as I learned along the way of life, just because you did something or used something didn't necessarily mean it was a "good thing" or "recommended thing"..

It just means you "got away with it"..

Once I started working with a lot of other electrical techs, I was "corrected" as to use the recommended materials for the job at hand.

Additionally was introduced to self adhesive heat shrink tubing which uses a heat activated glue/sealer layer inside the tubing for electrical connections used outdoors when water intrusion is a high possibility..