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Looking for receptacle lube

12vdc

Apr 13, 2011
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I have a power cord for (for a flood lamp) that I insert and remove often, is there a lube for 120 Vac contacts for a receptacle / plug ?
( I wifi at the moment :D )
 

hevans1944

Hop - AC8NS
Jun 21, 2012
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I have used a silicone lubricant for such things, Dow Corning Vacuum Grease, which is intended to lubricate fritted glass-to-glass rotating seals such as stop-cocks. A metal-to-metal contact pushes the lubricant aside and the lubricant seals out the entry of air. I have also used petroleum jelly (Vaseline) for the same purpose, but it melts at a low temperature and is somewhat messy. If you can find it, distributor cam lubricant might be an inexpensive alternative. Whatever you use, a very thin film is all you need.
 

KJ6EAD

Aug 13, 2011
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In addition to Hop's suggestions above, all of the following will work:
dielectric grease from any electrical supplier is pretty optimal; O-ring grease from an industrial supply or auto parts store; plumber's grease (an O-ring grease) from a plumbing supply house or home improvement store; food service grease from a food service distributor or a friend in a business with a soft serve machine. All of these are silicone greases and will form glasslike silicates in the presence of an arc (a minor problem in connectors, a bigger issue with switches and relays) so it's best to make and break the connection unpowered if possible.

You can use WD-40 but it's not really a lubricant and CRC 2-26 or CRC 5-56 are also options. These "light oil in a spray can" products have the advantage of flushing dirt and debris from the connector when used which may be helpful in some conditions.
 
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12vdc

Apr 13, 2011
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I am not confident using anything petroleum based near potential sparks/heat.
Hmmmmm?
 

12vdc

Apr 13, 2011
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The lamp is 500 watts and the plug/receptacle contacts arc when connected or disconnected.
Thanks for the replies.
 

Minder

Apr 24, 2015
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Keep in mind that dielectric grease is an insulator and moisture repelant, One reason it is used in spark plug insulator covers.
M.
 
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hevans1944

Hop - AC8NS
Jun 21, 2012
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The lamp is 500 watts and the plug/receptacle contacts arc when connected or disconnected.
Thanks for the replies.
I hate when that happens! That's what switches and contactor relays are for.
 

Tha fios agaibh

Aug 11, 2014
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Same with receptacles, they are rated for plugging/unplugging hot.
The plug/receptacle should not be that hard to unplug. If so id be looking at the receptacle, not putting lube on it
 
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