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Old 09-27-2015, 09:57 AM   #1
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New Power Cord Question

I just received a new 50A power cord for the boat and haven't taken it down there, yet. I want to know if there is anything that I could do to keep it in good shape for longer? Should I spray corrosion spray on the terminals? I have heard mixed things about lubricants on them. Also, is there anything to apply to the exterior insulation that will help protect it (without making a fabric sleeve for ti... I hate those things)?

Thanks
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Old 09-27-2015, 10:09 AM   #2
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Spray the connections with Boeshield or something like it. And do it on a regular basis.

As to the jacket on the cord itself, you can wipe 303 Protectent on it or a few coats of Mop & Glo.
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Old 09-27-2015, 10:14 AM   #3
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If you are a winter liveaboard and might try electric heat purchase a new Hubbel plug , now before the one on the cord dies in really cold weather.
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Old 09-27-2015, 06:17 PM   #4
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Second Captbill on using 303

I'd estimate that the contacts will go long before the insulation (no I can't back it up w/ data only observations) so taking care of contacts... corrosion... arcing... keeping it dry... etc would be my priority.
Insulation is more of appearance than functional issue. IMHO
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Old 09-27-2015, 07:34 PM   #5
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I'm not sure what's in the 303 spray, but the right thing to put on the contacts is dielectric grease which is just silicon grease. If that's whats in 303, then it should be fine too.

I think you just need to view the plus ends as consumables that will last about 5 years, then need replacing. On 50A cords it makes sense to cut off the ends and install a new plug. The plug end is about $100 vs $500-$700 fro a whole cord. The cable itself will last a very long time. On 30A cords it's probably more economical to replace the whole cord since they only cost about $100 for the whole thing.
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Old 09-27-2015, 08:23 PM   #6
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If you are using a cablemaster ( cord real) you have to be very careful what you put on the outer jacket so you don't cause the cord real to slip.
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Old 09-28-2015, 09:08 AM   #7
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I'm not sure what's in the 303 spray, but the right thing to put on the contacts is dielectric grease which is just silicon grease. If that's whats in 303, then it should be fine too.
.
To clarify both comments re 303 were for the cord insulation...
Agree w dielectric grease on contacts...easy to apply on male end not as easy on female end
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Old 09-28-2015, 09:21 AM   #8
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303 or Mop 'n Glow work OK. If you are really chintzy you can go to one of the local yards and get some of the clear plastic tubing they use to protect cords while on the hard.
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Old 09-28-2015, 09:40 AM   #9
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I spray a little Corrosion X on the terminals It will wick up through the cable wires giving more protection. If you want to try a grease, I wonder if a conducting grease such as NO-OX-ID would be better than non-conducting dielectric grease.
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Old 09-28-2015, 10:15 AM   #10
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A few years ago a guy from the electric company was doing some work on the power supply to my fishing camp, near the Gulf is is very corrosive atmosphere. I asked him what they used on wiring, terminals, fuses etc he told me they use No-Ox-Id. I couldn't find it locally but did find a similar conductive grease, Ox-Guard it is available in squeeze tubes at Lowes etc. It seems to work well but is a black grease so is messy, especially on yellow cables or white fiberglass.
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Old 09-29-2015, 08:58 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by twistedtree View Post
I'm not sure what's in the 303 spray, but the right thing to put on the contacts is dielectric grease which is just silicon grease. If that's whats in 303, then it should be fine too.

You don't put the 303 Protectent on the plug contacts. Just on the cord itself.
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Old 09-30-2015, 08:07 AM   #12
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You don't put the 303 Protectent on the plug contacts. Just on the cord itself.
Got it. I assumed you were talking about the contacts since that's what wears out and fails on a power cord. A dirty cord won't burn your boat to the water line, but bad contacts might....
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Old 09-30-2015, 08:48 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BlueYonder View Post
I spray a little Corrosion X on the terminals It will wick up through the cable wires giving more protection. If you want to try a grease, I wonder if a conducting grease such as NO-OX-ID would be better than non-conducting dielectric grease.
There might be more than one type of NO-OX but the brown stuff we used on battery terminals on large plants is not conductive.

I know this for a fact because I tested it myself. Try it some time using your VOM. I learned this while attending a week long class on battery plant maintenance as a young technician many many tides ago.


lots of folks misuse that stuff by putting it on the mating surfaces of battery plants prior to assembly.

We found the best use was to use a hot plate to heat up the can of it, then brush it on the battery plant connections after assembly.
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Old 09-30-2015, 09:16 AM   #14
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We found the best use was to use a hot plate to heat up the can of it, then brush it on the battery plant connections after assembly.[/QUOTE]

Great idea!

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Old 09-30-2015, 09:32 AM   #15
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I wax the outside of the cord.
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Old 09-30-2015, 09:36 AM   #16
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Quote:
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A few years ago a guy from the electric company was doing some work on the power supply to my fishing camp, near the Gulf is is very corrosive atmosphere. I asked him what they used on wiring, terminals, fuses etc he told me they use No-Ox-Id. I couldn't find it locally but did find a similar conductive grease, Ox-Guard it is available in squeeze tubes at Lowes etc. It seems to work well but is a black grease so is messy, especially on yellow cables or white fiberglass.

Hey Steve, this is where I get NO-Ox-Id.

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Old 09-30-2015, 11:10 AM   #17
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We found the best use was to use a hot plate to heat up the can of it, then brush it on the battery plant connections after assembly.
Great idea!
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Old 09-30-2015, 11:53 AM   #18
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here is OX-Gards explanation of increased conductivity. True or marketing BS? I don't have a clue.

"Ox-Gard Anti-Oxidant Compound contains prime grade zinc and is formulated with metallic zinc and graphite to create a compound that enhances electrical and thermal conductivity which is used on high power crimp connections and stud bolt mountings. When the connection is tightened, the grease is displaced, leaving a layer of zinc and graphite filling in the surface imperfections of the interface. This has a twofold effect; it improves electrical conductivity and it improves thermal conductivity" continues----
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Old 09-30-2015, 02:48 PM   #19
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I think you all are mixing up your products.
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Old 09-30-2015, 06:14 PM   #20
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What's the best (easiest) way to remove black mold from the cord?
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