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View Full Version : Can I spray WD 40 on my 50 to 30 amp adapter


Viva Las Vegas JDR
02-22-2013, 04:01 PM
I thought about spaying some lubricant like WD 40 on My 50 to 30 amp adapter so the prongs on the adapter would slip on and off easier. Right now it takes about 5 minutes and a lot of muscle to separate. Any problems with this idea? Any better solutions?

JDR

Neweller
02-22-2013, 04:39 PM
I wouldn't recommend WD 40 on a electrical outlet. I have seen it used on circuit boards as a type of pre-cleaner but I would verify that option as well. I would rather use a product designed for the purpose than take any chances. I would recommend silicone spray or a dielectric coating. There is a much more expensive stuff by Dupont called Krytox Grease I have heard works really well but personally have never tried it.

BMG Coach
02-22-2013, 04:45 PM
WD-40 was originally developed to keep moisture out of the electrical connections in the Atlas Missile program back in the 1960s. (WD-40 = Water Displacement Formula #40). It's marketing as a general lubricant came when the contractor noticed the technicians were sneaking cans home to use around the house.

NewellCrazy
02-22-2013, 05:18 PM
I carry WD40, and I also carry dielectric grease. I use dielectric grease on my cable connections.

Newell Boss
02-22-2013, 06:42 PM
The very best product for all things electrical plus things needing to be lubed is CorrosionX. The polar bonding to bare metal surfaces and resulting corrosion protection can not be equaled by grease or WD40 both of which are fine products.

Newellin Thunder
02-22-2013, 10:13 PM
WD-40 is flammable and really isn't good to use on areas where electrical connections are intended. As someone that has worked on high-voltage systems up through 69KV IMHO there are many other solutions to your problem.

In addition to the materials mentioned above designed for electrical aplications if I were you I would ensure the connector pins are properly aligned and clean. For cleaning the inside (assuming it's a sealed connector) CRC makes two great products just for electrical cleaning.

Viva Las Vegas JDR
02-23-2013, 03:58 PM
Thanks everyone,

I found dielectric grease on amazon so I'll order some.

JDR

MiracleJ
02-23-2013, 04:01 PM
Personally - I would stay away from any greases. They have a tendancy to pick up sand and grit in the wind or from the ground and then would be carried into the recteptacle and start grind into the parts. If, they postions the grains in the right places,they could seperate the connections and start causeing a higher resistance. I would look into dry lubes way before a grease.

Something like the following - both are favorites (and WD-40)

Boeshield T-9 -<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001447PEK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001447PEK&linkCode=as2&tag=affiliatechie-20">Boeshield T 9 Rust & Corrosion Protection Waterproof Lubrication 12oz (aerosol)</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=affiliatechie-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001447PEK" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />

cdat
02-23-2013, 04:04 PM
2nd vote for CRC products, I use these to keep electrical connections clean

NewellCrazy
02-23-2013, 05:26 PM
I know of a few people that use this product as well.

LPS 1 Lube

Link: LPS Labs 00116 LPS 1 Premium Lubricant - 11 oz Aerosol (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SKZI72/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000SKZI72&linkCode=as2&tag=affiliatechie-20)http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=affiliatechie-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000SKZI72





http://www.lpslabs.com/technical_info/tds/LPS1.pdf