extension cords and rain

[luvztheoutdoor1]

I have a 25ft extension cord that I have to attach sometimes to the shorepower cord to reach the receptacle. Should I try to do anything special with where it connects if it is raining. I know water and electricity do not mix. BTW, the extension cord is rated appropriately for 15A. This is when I am connected to a 15A outlet only.

[guidry]

For my peace of mind, I wrap the plugs with a plastic bag and tape it good then place it on a block of wood or a rock. Never had a problem. Good luck

[luvztheoutdoor1]

Thanks all! That answers all of my questions!

[wannavolunteerF]

I found that my TT plug and the end of the extension cord had signs of arcing (burn marks) after I had to use the extension cord when stopped for an overnight without unhooking. It rained on me driving into site, while setting up and all night as well as the next morning unhooking. the connection did appear to be quite wet that morning as I disconnected.

Since that time I bought a SockitBox from Amazon. I have also seen people that make something similar out of plastic storage boxes of some type. For me, it was worth the cost, to have it already made. I use it for months at a time set up at the house. When I have checked it, everything inside has been COMPLETELY DRY. Sure makes me feel better.

[DutchmenSport]

Most cords (outside type) are made to be connected with no problem, inside or out. Some folks make some simple covers that shed rain. I have on occasion just placed a small plastic bucket on top of the connection point. But, when laying on the grass, I always put a wooden block (since I always carry lots of lumber), under the connection point to get it off the ground. In the event of rain, rain water will drain around the plug (which is higher than the ground water potential), and also easier to spot if anyone is cutting through the campsite. It's simple to do, just put something under the spot where the 2 cords connect to raise the connection a little. Never had problem doing this, rain or dry. If I know heavy rain is expected (especially at home), I'll cover the connection with a Schwan's 1 gallon ice-cream tub bucket. They work great for all kinds of things like this and we have a lot of those buckets.

[CA_Traveler]

Generally 20A plugs are GFCI protected and hence subject to tripping with rain. You could use a plastic box and seal the cord openings.

[RoyF]

I have used my 25-foot extension cord (30 amp service) in the rain many times over the years without a problem. Pure water is a poor conductor of electricity, and rain water is almost pure.

But when it is wet outside, just to be on the safe side, I don't handle the extension connection while it is hot. I turn the breaker switch off, then connect the extension cord, then turn the breaker switch on. Unplugging in the wet, I turn switch breaker off, then disconnect the extension cord.

[rk911]

luvztheoutdoorz1 wrote:
The cord is not the problem. It is an outdoor cord. I was worried about where the connection between the two ends is.

well, the RV's electrical cord us rated for outdoor use as is your extention. be sure your connection between the twous tight, not laying in a puddle of water, etc. if worried then elevate cords off the ground of wrap connection in waterproof electrical tape.

[RoyB]

For my permanent use of the 25-foot extension cord I picked up one of those clear plastic lid boxes and notched out a couple of U SHAPED holes in both sides...

This allows me to lay the connections of two cords inside the closed box.

Don't know if this really helps or not but but gives me a good feeling anyway...

When Camping for short terms I just connect the two cables together and let it lay on the ground. I may prop it up with a rock or something so it is above the ground some but never really put much effort into it...

Roy Ken

[luvztheoutdoor1]

The cord is not the problem. It is an outdoor cord. I was worried about where the connection between the two ends is.

[rk911]

luvztheoutdoorz1 wrote:
I have a 25ft extension cord that I have to attach sometimes to the shorepower cord to reach the receptacle. Should I try to do anything special with where it connects if it is raining. I know water and electricity do not mix. BTW, the extension cord is rated appropriately for 15A. This is when I am connected to a 15A outlet only.

simplest and best thing is to get and use a cord rated for outdoor use.