..I had my van serviced on Monday, brakes and bearings etc. They had to replace the 7 pin plug and Anderson Plug that charges van batteries while on the move. Both were only 2.5 years old.
I use a plastic Anderson cover on all Anderson Plugs to keep dust out when not in use. SO, I have done a seach on here and read some info about corrosion etc and found the attached product. Do you think it will help slow down or stop corrosion?
The other question is, do you think the dust covers might cause the plugs to sweat causing the corrosion?
It doesn't answer why the 7 pin plug coroded and 2 pins broken.
Please be gentle with answers due to being an ageing Chief (Oh! The twins are no help with these things)
kezngaz said
10:11 AM Mar 22, 2017
Im suprised that the anderson plug pins (i presume) were corroded.
The original (not chinese copy) anderson plugs are designed to self clean when connecting/disconnecting through the sheer pressure of the pin contact area.
Perhaps a product like the one above would be usefull when van is not connected/parked up.
Which 7 pin plug type do you use Dougwe?
Kezngaz.
dragonfly1 said
10:50 AM Mar 22, 2017
Doug
Corrosion is caused by dampness in electrical wiring and wd40 would be fine to spray on the conectors
Dragonfly1
Vince said
11:42 AM Mar 22, 2017
Some years back I had a similar issue with a 7 pin plug bought cheap. The pins corroded and 1 broke off completely.
I replaced it with a Narva brand plug with cover and haven't had any problems to date.
I have covers on all plugs - 3 Anderson outlets and 7 pin and no issues with corrosion, I doubt they sweat under the covers.
I do spray them with electrical contact cleaner before using any of them though WD40 would do the job also.
Cheers
Vince
Dougwe said
12:11 PM Mar 22, 2017
kezngaz wrote:
Im suprised that the anderson plug pins (i presume) were corroded. The original (not chinese copy) anderson plugs are designed to self clean when connecting/disconnecting through the sheer pressure of the pin contact area. Perhaps a product like the one above would be usefull when van is not connected/parked up. Which 7 pin plug type do you use Dougwe? Kezngaz.
No brand on it, just made in Italy. Not sure on the original. I might put a Nava plug in the box of tricks for next time.
CC Bear said
01:49 PM Mar 22, 2017
Those who did not notice the item Dougwe showed is a contact cleaner not normal WD40. I have used it before but mainly on the contacts for the pumps on my property.
T1 Terry said
02:33 PM Mar 22, 2017
There are a number of electrical contact cleaners on the market, the best I'd say is the Worth contact cleaner and contact protector, but probably too expensive for personal use, more a tradesman type thing. Maybe a trip to your local friendly Auto Sparkie and ask him if he could give the plugs a spray every so often.
A preventative like Alminox paste is the best solution and if you find a crew doing high voltage wiring you might be able to exchange a cold 6 pack for a tube or a few coldies for some squeezed into pill jar. Paint it on with a flat art type/size brush and wipe off the dirt next time you want to plug it in and recoat. Magic for these type jobs and adds a bit of lubrication to make plugging in a bit easier, those ABR Sidewinder plugs sure require a lot of extra muscle to get then plugged/unplugged with their heavier spring plates, but they don't come apart when you don't want them to :D I do prefer the genuine Anderson plugs and contacts so when ever I can get them I stock up.
T1 Terry
kezngaz said
03:21 PM Mar 22, 2017
Dougwe wrote:
kezngaz wrote:
Im suprised that the anderson plug pins (i presume) were corroded. The original (not chinese copy) anderson plugs are designed to self clean when connecting/disconnecting through the sheer pressure of the pin contact area. Perhaps a product like the one above would be usefull when van is not connected/parked up. Which 7 pin plug type do you use Dougwe? Kezngaz.
No brand on it, just made in Italy. Not sure on the original. I might put a Nava plug in the box of tricks for next time.
Hi dougwe, sorry i meant is it a flat type, small round or large?
Ive had connection problems in the past with small flat type and working in the transport ondustry i found the large round type to be robust and last for years on the trucks at work.
Kezngaz.
Tony Bev said
03:41 PM Mar 22, 2017
Hello Doug
I am not an electrician
In your situation of sitting still for lengthy spells, near a lake The (extra) normal moisture raising from the ground, has obviously got into the plugs
I would spray with normal WD40 as it displaces the moisture and leaves a film protection, which is also a lubricant.
The electrical cleaner (in you picture) will not stop corrosion in your situation, as it does not leave a (any residue), long term film protection
Hope that this info is helpful
Dougwe said
04:25 PM Mar 22, 2017
kezngaz wrote:
Dougwe wrote:
kezngaz wrote:
Im suprised that the anderson plug pins (i presume) were corroded. The original (not chinese copy) anderson plugs are designed to self clean when connecting/disconnecting through the sheer pressure of the pin contact area. Perhaps a product like the one above would be usefull when van is not connected/parked up. Which 7 pin plug type do you use Dougwe? Kezngaz.
No brand on it, just made in Italy. Not sure on the original. I might put a Nava plug in the box of tricks for next time.
Hi dougwe, sorry i meant is it a flat type, small round or large?
Ive had connection problems in the past with small flat type and working in the transport ondustry i found the large round type to be robust and last for years on the trucks at work.
Kezngaz.
7 pin LARGE ROUND. I should have said that originally sorry.
Someone parked near me where I am camped told me today during a chat NOT to use WD40 as the lugs need to be dry and WD40 remains moist.
Tony Bev said
05:50 PM Mar 22, 2017
Be interesting to see what the Electricians have to say, about the pins have to be dry, Doug
Inside my motorhome I have four household type large push-in/pull-out fuses on my 12 volt system, going to and from my house batteries The fuses are 30 amp, and just a bit awkward for my hands, to pull them out
An Electrician advised me to coat the connections with normal Vaseline, this has done the job for nearly three years
After towing along the beach and in the surf, you should at the first opportunity wash out the trailer and tug plugs and sockets with clean fresh water!
Go easy on the smoke signals
Baz421 said
07:28 PM Mar 22, 2017
In my experience IF you use contact cleaner or circuit board cleaner you have cleaned the part and NOT protected it.
You have in fact made it susceptible to corrosion. After use,,,, apply normal WD40 or similar to PROTECT the surface(s) you cleaned.
rockylizard said
07:45 PM Mar 22, 2017
Gday...
Well, sorta like Tony. The auto elec who installed the Anderson plugs on me Landy and van said to 'periodically' apply a small amount of Vaseline using a cotton bud to get it into the opening. [Luckily I carry Vaseline for a range of uses ]
However, he also said to give the round 7-pin plug and socket a spray with WD40 (or similar) 'periodically'.
Being a good liddle follower I do jest that. The plugs all seem to engage, and disengage, easily ... and I have no problems with corrosion.
Cheers - John
Aus-Kiwi said
08:03 PM Mar 22, 2017
Vaseline or electrical jointing compound grease . Which
Is basically graphite grease
hako said
10:49 PM Mar 22, 2017
Doug - you mention the 7 pin plug and the Anderson plug corroded and needed replacing.....what about the 7 pin socket and the tug end of the Anderson plug - were they replaced as well?
Also did the 2 pins snap where they meet the plug body or where they are splayed?
Regards
valiant81 said
10:50 PM Mar 22, 2017
Hi all;
CRC ( brand ) have a couple of contact cleaners on the market. Co cleaner as it is called is what is used to day, but in the early days Valves & B/W televisions the common contact cleaner that worked very well was CRC 's 2.26 cleaner. This was used in those days to clean up valve pins and volume controls. It would clean out the rubbish and leave a slite film.
Phil C said
01:27 PM Mar 23, 2017
Gday Doug
What colour is the corrosion? If its green its copper getting eaten, if its white then that may be water on nickle something else. Suggest that each time you disconnect give them a wipe inside or just blow out ant moisture or debris. The "real" andersons contacts are nickle plated to prevent this. CRC contact cleaner is a great product BUT if the contacts are worn to copper (green gunge) then its time to replace them.
Hope you are well old mate
Dougwe said
07:38 PM Mar 23, 2017
Thanks everyone. I think I will replace every couple of years if signs of corrosion etc. I will keep and eye on them better than I have obviously 'not done' previously. I am now a bit concerned of spray's attracting dust etc, something thought of today.
Oh! Just thought I would mention that the Anderson Plugs were the 'Anderson' not the Chinese replica. They had 'Anderson' printed on them.
Bruce and Bev said
08:50 PM Mar 23, 2017
that's what happens when you have a Colorado Doug lol
Or could it be the twins too lazy to go far enough away from the ute when they do the night "run"???
I have used a different brand of Contact Cleaner when my electrical plugs (like the camera, 7 pin and Anderson) slowly built up dust in them and it got difficult to get the male sides of the plug into the female side.
The cleaner did a great job without causing any electrical current issues and after 7 months of the van sitting beside the house - theyre still looking good - so I will spray the male and female sides as a matter of course - and theyre easier to get together as it must provide a slight amount of lubrication
rgren2 said
01:55 PM Mar 24, 2017
Use Tef Gel available from Jaycar. Rub onto the pins on the plug and then plug into the socket, can be used in many situations not related to electrical as a lubricant. Has an indefinite shelf life.
Phil C said
03:39 PM Mar 24, 2017
Bruce is right mate, the hold on is making everthing rust.. Poor bloody plug has caught a bad case of hold on rust
Aus-Kiwi said
07:46 PM Mar 25, 2017
WD40 is a water repellant . Not much of a sealer or even lubricant long term . It washes away any protective coating if anything . Ok as a cleaner but some type of light grease to keep moisture out of plug .Some cleaning and maintenance keeps things working . Nothing applied once works for long . Btw electrical substation links have elect type grease on them to prevent oxidation .. .
macka17 said
12:31 AM Mar 28, 2017
iI've used RP7 for yrs. keep IN tray of ute by door.
Everytime I connect any plug on rear of ute. it gets a good spray first.
the Andersons. Plus all nuts on anything,
I always coat with some "Neverseize" (USA) b4 locking up..
It's a magic thread lock, plus anti bind, at same time.
Used on plumber blocks /conveyor bolts for yrs. Industrial.
How, all..
..I had my van serviced on Monday, brakes and bearings etc. They had to replace the 7 pin plug and Anderson Plug that charges van batteries while on the move. Both were only 2.5 years old.
I use a plastic Anderson cover on all Anderson Plugs to keep dust out when not in use. SO, I have done a seach on here and read some info about corrosion etc and found the attached product. Do you think it will help slow down or stop corrosion?
The other question is, do you think the dust covers might cause the plugs to sweat causing the corrosion?
It doesn't answer why the 7 pin plug coroded and 2 pins broken.
Please be gentle with answers due to being an ageing Chief
(Oh! The twins are no help with these things)
The original (not chinese copy) anderson plugs are designed to self clean when connecting/disconnecting through the sheer pressure of the pin contact area.
Perhaps a product like the one above would be usefull when van is not connected/parked up.
Which 7 pin plug type do you use Dougwe?
Kezngaz.
Doug
Corrosion is caused by dampness in electrical wiring and wd40 would be fine to spray on the conectors
Dragonfly1
Some years back I had a similar issue with a 7 pin plug bought cheap. The pins corroded and 1 broke off completely.
I replaced it with a Narva brand plug with cover and haven't had any problems to date.
I have covers on all plugs - 3 Anderson outlets and 7 pin and no issues with corrosion, I doubt they sweat under the covers.
I do spray them with electrical contact cleaner before using any of them though WD40 would do the job also.
Cheers
Vince
No brand on it, just made in Italy. Not sure on the original. I might put a Nava plug in the box of tricks for next time.
A preventative like Alminox paste is the best solution and if you find a crew doing high voltage wiring you might be able to exchange a cold 6 pack for a tube or a few coldies for some squeezed into pill jar. Paint it on with a flat art type/size brush and wipe off the dirt next time you want to plug it in and recoat. Magic for these type jobs and adds a bit of lubrication to make plugging in a bit easier, those ABR Sidewinder plugs sure require a lot of extra muscle to get then plugged/unplugged with their heavier spring plates, but they don't come apart when you don't want them to :D I do prefer the genuine Anderson plugs and contacts so when ever I can get them I stock up.
T1 Terry
Hi dougwe, sorry i meant is it a flat type, small round or large?
Ive had connection problems in the past with small flat type and working in the transport ondustry i found the large round type to be robust and last for years on the trucks at work.
Kezngaz.
Hello Doug
I am not an electrician
In your situation of sitting still for lengthy spells, near a lake
The (extra) normal moisture raising from the ground, has obviously got into the plugs
I would spray with normal WD40 as it displaces the moisture and leaves a film protection, which is also a lubricant.
The electrical cleaner (in you picture) will not stop corrosion in your situation, as it does not leave a (any residue), long term film protection
Hope that this info is helpful
7 pin LARGE ROUND. I should have said that originally sorry.
Someone parked near me where I am camped told me today during a chat NOT to use WD40 as the lugs need to be dry and WD40 remains moist.
Be interesting to see what the Electricians have to say, about the pins have to be dry, Doug
Inside my motorhome I have four household type large push-in/pull-out fuses on my 12 volt system, going to and from my house batteries
The fuses are 30 amp, and just a bit awkward for my hands, to pull them out
An Electrician advised me to coat the connections with normal Vaseline, this has done the job for nearly three years
The picture tells the story
Go easy on the smoke signals
In my experience IF you use contact cleaner or circuit board cleaner you have cleaned the part and NOT protected it.
You have in fact made it susceptible to corrosion. After use,,,, apply normal WD40 or similar to PROTECT the surface(s) you cleaned.
Gday...
Well, sorta like Tony. The auto elec who installed the Anderson plugs on me Landy and van said to 'periodically' apply a small amount of Vaseline using a cotton bud to get it into the opening. [Luckily I carry Vaseline for a range of uses
]
However, he also said to give the round 7-pin plug and socket a spray with WD40 (or similar) 'periodically'.
Being a good liddle follower I do jest that. The plugs all seem to engage, and disengage, easily ... and I have no problems with corrosion.
Cheers - John
Also did the 2 pins snap where they meet the plug body or where they are splayed?
Regards
Hi all;
CRC ( brand ) have a couple of contact cleaners on the market. Co cleaner as it is called is what is used to day, but in the early days Valves & B/W televisions the common contact cleaner that worked very well was CRC 's 2.26 cleaner. This was used in those days to clean up valve pins and volume controls. It would clean out the rubbish and leave a slite film.
What colour is the corrosion? If its green its copper getting eaten, if its white then that may be water on nickle something else. Suggest that each time you disconnect give them a wipe inside or just blow out ant moisture or debris. The "real" andersons contacts are nickle plated to prevent this. CRC contact cleaner is a great product BUT if the contacts are worn to copper (green gunge) then its time to replace them.
Hope you are well old mate
Oh! Just thought I would mention that the Anderson Plugs were the 'Anderson' not the Chinese replica. They had 'Anderson' printed on them.
Or could it be the twins too lazy to go far enough away from the ute when they do the night "run"???
I have used a different brand of Contact Cleaner when my electrical plugs (like the camera, 7 pin and Anderson) slowly built up dust in them and it got difficult to get the male sides of the plug into the female side.
The cleaner did a great job without causing any electrical current issues and after 7 months of the van sitting beside the house - theyre still looking good - so I will spray the male and female sides as a matter of course - and theyre easier to get together as it must provide a slight amount of lubrication
Use Tef Gel available from Jaycar. Rub onto the pins on the plug and then plug into the socket, can be used in many situations not related to electrical as a lubricant. Has an indefinite shelf life.
Everytime I connect any plug on rear of ute. it gets a good spray first.
the Andersons. Plus all nuts on anything,
I always coat with some "Neverseize" (USA) b4 locking up..
It's a magic thread lock, plus anti bind, at same time.
Used on plumber blocks /conveyor bolts for yrs. Industrial.