What is wrong???? Bad cord, bad plug, stupid electrician?

[DUK TRUK]

It seems like every winter I go through at least 10 plug ends for my extension cord and heater plug. They just get charred at the terminals so that they wont plug together. I have it plugged into a GFI and I switched to twist and lock plug ends thinking that might help. I use a 100' extension cord so that I can still plug in if I leave the trailer hooked up at night. Any ideas would be helpful cuz the cost of replacin the plug ends are cuttin into my bud light and whiskey budget.

[Clay Henry]

The charged plug end is a result of using to small of a cord for that amount of amperage draw. Use a cord that is rated 20 amps or higher. It will be a 12 guage wire rather than a 14 guage.

[DUK TRUK]

I am pretty sure that it is a 12 guage cord. It is not a whimpy plug your christmas lights into etension cord. Would the length have anything to do with it. I ask because I have a scissor lift that they tell me not to use any longer than 25' to charge properly.

[Clay Henry]

yes, length increases resistance...in conjunction with to small of a wire, will result in heat.

[Clay Henry]

your block heater is pulling around 9-10 amps...over a long length of time...a 100' 12 guage cord may not be sutible for this. I use a 25' 12g cord but only leave it on for 2 hours (on a timmer) and have had no problems.

[DUK TRUK]

Yes, I forgot to add that I have mine on a timer in my original post. I think you are right. My timer must not be working correctly and has a default to run constant letting it run long periods of time with a high amp draw burning the terminals up on my plugs. The timer is just one I picked up at the hardware store for outdoor lighting is there a better timer out ther that will carry the amp draw the heater pulls?

[frage74]

I think your power cord length is the major problem. I use a 25 ft 14 gauge and have never had an issue

[Clay Henry]

the outdoor timmers are usually 20 amp rated...mine is at least.
Check to see if it is turning off when set to do so. Use a test light to check the cord for power after your red OFF switch has past the clicker.

[Davey~do]

Originally Posted by DUK TRUK

Yes, I forgot to add that I have mine on a timer in my original post. I think you are right. My timer must not be working correctly and has a default to run constant letting it run long periods of time with a high amp draw burning the terminals up on my plugs. The timer is just one I picked up at the hardware store for outdoor lighting is there a better timer out ther that will carry the amp draw the heater pulls?

Go to a pool or hottub store. They should have heavy duty weather-resistant outdoor timers. Pool pumps pull a good amount of current, these timers will more than cover your needs for your truck.

[DUK TRUK]

My timer is in my barn and the cord is run outside. My timer is didgital so I wil just have to connect my multi-tester to the end terminal and check if it goes off. My timer is set to turn on at 4am and go off at seven. I usually start my truck at 6am and leave the driveway at 6:20 am I am assuming that the timer is not working cuz the plug has to be plugged into the truck for the amp draw to occur so not being plugged in would not char the terminals. The problem would be the timer is shot and when I plug it in when I get home it draws power from then until I unplug it in the morning. I am going to try the shorter cord and purchase a new timer with the correct amp draw. Anyone agree with my shadtree electrical thinking????