Water "Proofing" 30 amp Connections

[SoundGuy]

Here in Ontario runs to the campsite power post can be quite long, 100' or more not being unusual at all, so using extension cables are a way of life ... to solve this I long ago built a set of custom 10 gauge extension cables terminated with Leviton WetGuard connectors which in years of use have proven to live up to their name when used in really wet conditions. That said, I still have a couple of 25' cables with the standard 30 amp RV connectors which don't offer any particular protection from heavy rain or pooling water. I've never been comfortable just leaving these connections lying on the ground so like most I will at least try to protect them in some way, using an inverted bucket, stool, piece of wood, campsite picnic table, etc, to elevate the connectors off the ground. I'd prefer using some sort of water resistant enclosure designed specifically for the purpose but have never have come across anything suitable, even plastic tool boxes have always been too big. Recently though I discovered an inexpensive plastic shot shell box manufactured by Plano Molding that is readily available just about anywhere, is just the right size, and which has a hinged lid with a rubber O-ring that is secured tightly with a brass bail latch. Modification involved only cutting in the required cable entry & exit holes with a sharp knife and adding a couple of rubber grommets for a tight seal ... pics are below for anyone that may be interested.

30 amp Connection Protection - 2 pics

[wcjeep]

Have you considered adding Dielectric Grease to your current strategy?

[Hiking_Hunter]

NORM WADDELL wrote:
I suppose not many people will believe this,but...

The KWH meter at my house, which handles 220 Volts
and 200 Amperes had the glass enclosure FILL...FILL
with water. I assume it was condensation in the humid
climate on the Mississippi coast. I called the power
company, and was told that frequently happens, and that
I should ignore it....the almost pure rain water would
not conduct electricity.......I ignored it, for years.
No problems. (Maybe it slowed the turning of the meter
and saved me a dollar or two?)

I believe it... in my former life as an engineer at a 50KW radio station, we operated a transmitter with 17,000 volts on the plates. It was cooled by distilled water (directly in contact between the tube plates and ground). Pure water does not conduct electricity very well at all.

[nineoaks2004]

I use a Tupperware box with a notch cut in each end for the cord to pass thru, I have also used an ammo box in the past too.

[NORM_WADDELL]

I suppose not many people will believe this,but...

The KWH meter at my house, which handles 220 Volts
and 200 Amperes had the glass enclosure FILL...FILL
with water. I assume it was condensation in the humid
climate on the Mississippi coast. I called the power
company, and was told that frequently happens, and that
I should ignore it....the almost pure rain water would
not conduct electricity.......I ignored it, for years.
No problems. (Maybe it slowed the turning of the meter
and saved me a dollar or two?)

[wannavolunteerF]

When I stopped on way home after Christmas, it rained all night and in the morning where my primary cord, plugged into the extension, it was almost impossible to get apart and the plastic was almost melted in spots.

I then began to research and ended up buying a SOCKit Box. It comes in different sizes with gaskets and notches for cords. I wasn't sure which side was best, so I decided to buy larger for the minor difference in cost.

I have used it at home for the last two months, with thunderstorms several times a week and it has worked great. I usually try to push it up under something (like edge of trailer) to add an extra layer of protection mainly from my lawn guy. Noticed the other day it was out in open, but still doing fine.

[MrWizard]

i think the rain will keep it cool

[Pop-Pop_C]

I may be concerned about the heat at the connection.
Bein totally enclosed.

[Bumpyroad]

gbopp wrote:
Great idea. Thanks for sharing.

but wouldn' t some cheap tupper wear type of container be a lot cheaper?
bumpy

[DrewE]

Very cool.

I might want to add some sort of feet and drill a few little weep holes in the bottom so that, should any water get in, the box doesn't become a miniature swimming pool for the connection. (The feet would primarily be to elevate it against any slight surface puddling. A brick or something would work equally as well, if inelegantly.)

[gbopp]

Great idea. Thanks for sharing.

[GMandJM]

Nice. Thanks for the photos.