30 amp power cord overheating
I've searched around and can't find the info I'm looking for. I have a 30' 30-amp shore power cord hard-wired to a built-in Surge Arrest, and I frequently use a 30' 30-amp extension cord for yard ca...
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myredracer, that's the way my cord would look after a weekend during cool weather. Since I started squeezing a little dielectric grease into the sockets before plugging in, I no longer have that problem.
I little corrosion causes a higher resistance. Heat is the product of that resistance. As it heats up, oxidation accelerates causing even more resistance and heat. Eventually the heat builds up enough to turn the copper prong on the plug black and take the temper out of the socket. The hard rubber plug holding the male prongs melts and deforms. All that's left is a mess.
I little corrosion causes a higher resistance. Heat is the product of that resistance. As it heats up, oxidation accelerates causing even more resistance and heat. Eventually the heat builds up enough to turn the copper prong on the plug black and take the temper out of the socket. The hard rubber plug holding the male prongs melts and deforms. All that's left is a mess.
