hook up cable struggles
Hi all
I am looking for some tips on how to make connecting/disconnecting the hook up cable easier.
Whilst I would say I am average size and strength, I really struggle to lift the spring hinged flap and pull the plug out at the same time.
Especially difficult is when I charge up at home and use a 13 amp socket adaptor. I just can do one or the other - lift the flap OR pull the two interconnecting parts apart - not both at the same time
Every time I end up with skinned fingers and sore wrists. I have tried adding a dro of talc to the connecting pieces to make them run more smoothly. Any other tips ?
What if I took the hinged cover off - is this a safety hazard ?
Comments
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Yes spray it - but I use both hands - one to lift the flap and the other to pull? Having said that I do remember a few years ago I had so much trouble I grabbed a passing man (he was a worker on estate where the CL was) and he needed a screwdriver to finally prize it off - so lubricant was called for. I admit that I only had WD40 handy at the time but it should have been silicon. I suspect the fitting had been in the sun too long - and swelled. This has reminded me to get the silcon spray out - mine needs it again.
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I have experienced stiff connection, particular when adding a short lead with a two pin plug for using abroad. I suspect it happens because different makes of sockets are used on the various connections which whilst meant to be exactly the same are not quite. When charging at home why not have a separate lead with the 13 amp plug top lead permanently connected as it might save a lot of frustration and grazed hands!!!
David
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I have found that it is not always the plastic of the plugs and sockets that cause the problem but the electrical pins and tubes. Whilst it is difficult to do much about the pins I have found that using a drill bit inserted in the tubes and gently turned with the fingers takes off any slight burring on the end of the tubes. For the positive and negative tubes it is 5mm and 6.5mm for the earth tube. Doing this made my cable easier to connect without making the contacts too slack and risking any arcing in the plug. A bit of silicone on the plastic then made it easier still.
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The cover is also the locking catch to keep the plug engaged in the socket. Removing it would allow a loose connection, arcing, heat and then fire. The insurance company would be unlikely to pay out if tampering with the connector was the cause.
Sprays may be a help, but make sure thay are suitable for use on electrical installations. Another likely cause for a stiff connection is damage to or misalignment of the pins, or debris in the socket holes.
I would suggest you try using a known working well lead, perhaps borrowed from another caravaner, to find out if it works on your installation as a way to identifying the cause of the problem.
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I have this problem when using the lead I bought to connect the van to the mains when at home. The one I use on sites is different and works a treat. My 'home lead' has always felt made from cheaper plastic which has not be as finely moulded.
I'd try another lead from someone as Navigateur suggest.
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I'm not over keen on the use of "Sprays" as such. I much prefer to use some Petroleum Jelly ( A K A Vaseline or similar) after I have done some serious cleaning of the various surfaces [ with the cables unplugged at BOTH ENDS ! ] This film will hold any grit, dirt etc and allow its easy removal as well as making the item waterproof and easy to use.
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One thing to perhaps think about is that the male end of the connector is often dragged across the ground and on hardstandings could get burrs that could make it difficult to joint the two connectors a small file or nail sanding board would get rid of the burrs?
David
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Hello, KeefySher; the one used at home is shorter and less of a trip hazard where we park the van. Not much of a reason I know, neither is that I might forget the cable if one wasn't always in the van or that the one in the van is a faff to get out.
We used to use the 'site one' until there was an incident.0 -
No worries. Ours is 'threaded' around various garden ornaments to keep it from being a trip hazard.
In the days of the MH we used to reply to enquiries of 'why is that lead there?', with 'it's an electric MH, and is charging ready for the next journey
'.Using the site one at home means it won't be left behind in our case as the cable travels in the boot of the tow car. Also means as it requires winding up can check it's condition, and make sure the other bits of kit are taken out of the garage.
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I use GT85 PTFE spray on my hook up and 7 pin plugs and sockets - it is a bike lubricant really, but does a good job of cleaning and making plastic 'slippery'. Aldi sometimes have it in at a very good price and a can lasts ages. It's good on window seals, door and window hinges, locker/doorlocks and many other little household & caravan jobs.
Personally, i would advise against the use of vaseline or a grease as these tend to 'grab' and hold dirt and grit and will be a swine to clean out of the receiver tubes in the socket end of the cable, should you get grit particles in there.
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On plastic components it is better to use silicon grease rather than Vaseline which can attack rubber washers and gaskets (particularly O rings). I would spray the electrical connections sparingly with WD40 and wipe off any excess as it attracts dirt etc. as has been said.
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