Here's a different electrical question.

On my computer desk I have a table-top power distribution box that lets me
plug all the computer stuff into one central place.

While it has some claim as a surge suppressor, since I am in Florida where
lightning storms are the usual event during the summer, my method of
protection is to disconnect the distribution box from its a.c. outlet. (The
cable modem uses a quick connect on the cable line coming into it.)

The problem arises because the wall receptacle that is being used is
inconveniently behind the very heavy desk. To make things easier, I cut the
power cord to the distribution box at desk-top level and rejoin the ends
using an in-line plug and socket so that it is easy to disconnect from the
line. The connectors I used are a good quality pair made by Hubbell.

The problem: It has become increasingly difficult to mate or open these
connectors. They have been in this use for more than five years.

The male ends do not show any signs of distortion.

Is there an appropriate lubricant?

I could just buy another set of connectors, but a lube job would be a lot
simpler. Is this a big box item? If I have to go to a real electrical supply
house, it is cheaper and quicker to replace the set. At $3 a gallon
travelling very far for a small item doesn't make sense

I would think the female end is full of dirt and grease from the air and
electronics cleaner or alcohol would clean it if sprayed or soaked,
there is Dialectic grease, maybe clean first

"Charlie Bress" wrote in message
news
Here's a different electrical question.

On my computer desk I have a table-top power distribution box that lets me
plug all the computer stuff into one central place.

While it has some claim as a surge suppressor, since I am in Florida where
lightning storms are the usual event during the summer, my method of
protection is to disconnect the distribution box from its a.c. outlet.
(The cable modem uses a quick connect on the cable line coming into it.)

The problem arises because the wall receptacle that is being used is
inconveniently behind the very heavy desk. To make things easier, I cut
the power cord to the distribution box at desk-top level and rejoin the
ends using an in-line plug and socket so that it is easy to disconnect
from the line. The connectors I used are a good quality pair made by
Hubbell.

The problem: It has become increasingly difficult to mate or open these
connectors. They have been in this use for more than five years.

The male ends do not show any signs of distortion.

Is there an appropriate lubricant?

I could just buy another set of connectors, but a lube job would be a lot
simpler. Is this a big box item? If I have to go to a real electrical
supply house, it is cheaper and quicker to replace the set. At $3 a gallon
travelling very far for a small item doesn't make sense


A small smear of Vaseline should do the trick. In the past other posters
have discussed using this when installing light bulbs to ensure they are
easily removed when they burn out.

Charlie Bress wrote:
Here's a different electrical question.

On my computer desk I have a table-top power distribution box that lets me
plug all the computer stuff into one central place.



The problem: It has become increasingly difficult to mate or open these
connectors. They have been in this use for more than five years.

The male ends do not show any signs of distortion.

Is there an appropriate lubricant?


Vaseline is a common rec. But what I might consider if I were you is
trying to vacuum out the connections and then using an electrical
contact cleaner. Widely available in little spray cans for about $4 at
hardware/auto parts stores.

Charlie Bress wrote:
Here's a different electrical question.

On my computer desk I have a table-top power distribution box that
lets me plug all the computer stuff into one central place.

While it has some claim as a surge suppressor, since I am in Florida
where lightning storms are the usual event during the summer, my
method of protection is to disconnect the distribution box from its
a.c. outlet. (The cable modem uses a quick connect on the cable line
coming into it.)
The problem arises because the wall receptacle that is being used is
inconveniently behind the very heavy desk. To make things easier, I
cut the power cord to the distribution box at desk-top level and
rejoin the ends using an in-line plug and socket so that it is easy
to disconnect from the line. The connectors I used are a good quality
pair made by Hubbell.
The problem: It has become increasingly difficult to mate or open
these connectors. They have been in this use for more than five years.

The male ends do not show any signs of distortion.

Is there an appropriate lubricant?

I could just buy another set of connectors, but a lube job would be a
lot simpler. Is this a big box item? If I have to go to a real
electrical supply house, it is cheaper and quicker to replace the
set. At $3 a gallon travelling very far for a small item doesn't make
sense

Go the a real electric supply house, not a DIY store and get a double
pull double through switch and use that. One flip of the switch and it is
all save.

--
Joseph Meehan

Dia duit

"Joseph Meehan" wrote in message news:AKUxg.40602
Go the a real electric supply house, not a DIY store and get a double
pull double through switch and use that. One flip of the switch and it is
all save.

Not as safe as unplugging it the way he is. Lightning can jump switches.
A whole house surge protector would be wothwhile.

Bob

wrote:
On Wed, 26 Jul 2006 19:25:03 -0400, "Charlie Bress"
wrote:


Here's a different electrical question.

On my computer desk I have a table-top power distribution box that lets me
plug all the computer stuff into one central place.

While it has some claim as a surge suppressor, since I am in Florida where
lightning storms are the usual event during the summer, my method of
protection is to disconnect the distribution box from its a.c. outlet. (The
cable modem uses a quick connect on the cable line coming into it.)

The problem arises because the wall receptacle that is being used is
inconveniently behind the very heavy desk. To make things easier, I cut the
power cord to the distribution box at desk-top level and rejoin the ends
using an in-line plug and socket so that it is easy to disconnect from the
line. The connectors I used are a good quality pair made by Hubbell.

The problem: It has become increasingly difficult to mate or open these
connectors. They have been in this use for more than five years.

The male ends do not show any signs of distortion.

Is there an appropriate lubricant?

I could just buy another set of connectors, but a lube job would be a lot
simpler. Is this a big box item? If I have to go to a real electrical supply
house, it is cheaper and quicker to replace the set. At $3 a gallon
travelling very far for a small item doesn't make sense




You are better off just implimenting decent surge protection and
getting on with your life.
I agree 100% and add to that, make sure
your cable is properly grounded.
Mine wasn't, and that's where the
lightening entered. I had the cable company
come out and ground it at the electrical
meter .... a mute point now as I cancelled
cable and am using DSL.

.... a mute point now as I cancelled
cable and am using DSL.

It is MOOT

Charlie Bress wrote:
Here's a different electrical question.

On my computer desk I have a table-top power distribution box that lets me
plug all the computer stuff into one central place.

While it has some claim as a surge suppressor, since I am in Florida where
lightning storms are the usual event during the summer, my method of
protection is to disconnect the distribution box from its a.c. outlet. (The
cable modem uses a quick connect on the cable line coming into it.)

The problem arises because the wall receptacle that is being used is
inconveniently behind the very heavy desk. To make things easier, I cut the
power cord to the distribution box at desk-top level and rejoin the ends
using an in-line plug and socket so that it is easy to disconnect from the
line. The connectors I used are a good quality pair made by Hubbell.

The problem: It has become increasingly difficult to mate or open these
connectors. They have been in this use for more than five years.

The male ends do not show any signs of distortion.

Is there an appropriate lubricant?

I could just buy another set of connectors, but a lube job would be a lot
simpler. Is this a big box item? If I have to go to a real electrical supply
house, it is cheaper and quicker to replace the set. At $3 a gallon
travelling very far for a small item doesn't make sense


Hi,
There is a silicon based di-elctric lubricant by Dow Corning.
It's like clear gel out of tube. Electronics parts store will have it.

Charlie Bress wrote:
Here's a different electrical question.

On my computer desk I have a table-top power distribution box that lets me
plug all the computer stuff into one central place.

While it has some claim as a surge suppressor, since I am in Florida where
lightning storms are the usual event during the summer, my method of
protection is to disconnect the distribution box from its a.c. outlet. (The
cable modem uses a quick connect on the cable line coming into it.)

The problem arises because the wall receptacle that is being used is
inconveniently behind the very heavy desk. To make things easier, I cut the
power cord to the distribution box at desk-top level and rejoin the ends
using an in-line plug and socket so that it is easy to disconnect from the
line. The connectors I used are a good quality pair made by Hubbell.

The problem: It has become increasingly difficult to mate or open these
connectors. They have been in this use for more than five years.

The male ends do not show any signs of distortion.

Is there an appropriate lubricant?

I could just buy another set of connectors, but a lube job would be a lot
simpler. Is this a big box item? If I have to go to a real electrical supply
house, it is cheaper and quicker to replace the set. At $3 a gallon
travelling very far for a small item doesn't make sense


Yep, Vaseline (petroleum jelly). Don't need to
buy anything, if you don't have Vaseline, just use
any bacterial ointment in a tube, the base is
always petroleum jelly. At least try it first,
just a tiny smear on each side of the plug
connectors. Expensive dielectrics (petroleum
jelly is a dialectric) are just a waste of money
for what you want to do.

"Charlie Bress" wrote in message
news
Here's a different electrical question.

On my computer desk I have a table-top power distribution box that lets me
plug all the computer stuff into one central place.

While it has some claim as a surge suppressor, since I am in Florida where
lightning storms are the usual event during the summer, my method of
protection is to disconnect the distribution box from its a.c. outlet. (The
cable modem uses a quick connect on the cable line coming into it.)

The problem arises because the wall receptacle that is being used is
inconveniently behind the very heavy desk. To make things easier, I cut the
power cord to the distribution box at desk-top level and rejoin the ends
using an in-line plug and socket so that it is easy to disconnect from the
line. The connectors I used are a good quality pair made by Hubbell.

The problem: It has become increasingly difficult to mate or open these
connectors. They have been in this use for more than five years.

The male ends do not show any signs of distortion.

Is there an appropriate lubricant?

You could try rubbing a candle on each side of the plug. I do that on
door latches to make them work easier.

Bob

Bob wrote:
"Joseph Meehan" wrote in message
news:AKUxg.40602
Go the a real electric supply house, not a DIY store and get a
double pull double through switch and use that. One flip of the
switch and it is all save.

Not as safe as unplugging it the way he is. Lightning can jump
switches.
A whole house surge protector would be wothwhile.

Bob

I agree he is over doing it, but I was thinking of his safety and a
switch would be both more convenient and less likely to cause some sort of
problem itself than what the OP is suggesting.

BTW I live in an area where lightning is common and I believe that this
is overkill. The OP would be far better off by using a whole house system
and if he really wants to a point source surge protector as well.

I would suggest that if a lightning hit is going to jump the switch, he
is likely going to find that the house may be burned down by the time he
gets home anyway. :-)

--
Joseph Meehan

Dia duit

After 2 strikes 1 that jumped switches or through 300000v air static
charge, went through Trip Lite surge protectors and wall switches, I can
honestly say unplugging is the only 99,9% guarntee you can get. Don`t
leave the unplugged socket to close to the outlet, on the last srike
that hit me at the same time a neighbor 250 ft away saw lightning shoot
6" out of his electrical outlet. On one strike I saw flourescent tube
lights switched off light up. No wonder my dog hides during thunder.

replace plug both ends, its likely wearing corroding and contacts will
heat possible fire hazard.

lubng worn current carrying connectors isnt a good idea

Silicone Lube in a spray can (not silicone caulk).


On Wed, 26 Jul 2006 19:25:03 -0400, "Charlie Bress"
wrote:

Here's a different electrical question.

On my computer desk I have a table-top power distribution box that lets me
plug all the computer stuff into one central place.

While it has some claim as a surge suppressor, since I am in Florida where
lightning storms are the usual event during the summer, my method of
protection is to disconnect the distribution box from its a.c. outlet. (The
cable modem uses a quick connect on the cable line coming into it.)

The problem arises because the wall receptacle that is being used is
inconveniently behind the very heavy desk. To make things easier, I cut the
power cord to the distribution box at desk-top level and rejoin the ends
using an in-line plug and socket so that it is easy to disconnect from the
line. The connectors I used are a good quality pair made by Hubbell.

The problem: It has become increasingly difficult to mate or open these
connectors. They have been in this use for more than five years.

The male ends do not show any signs of distortion.

Is there an appropriate lubricant?

I could just buy another set of connectors, but a lube job would be a lot
simpler. Is this a big box item? If I have to go to a real electrical supply
house, it is cheaper and quicker to replace the set. At $3 a gallon
travelling very far for a small item doesn't make sense

On Thu, 27 Jul 2006 11:31:35 GMT, "Joseph Meehan"
wrote:

Bob wrote:
"Joseph Meehan" wrote in message
news:AKUxg.40602
Go the a real electric supply house, not a DIY store and get a
double pull double through switch and use that. One flip of the
switch and it is all save.

Not as safe as unplugging it the way he is. Lightning can jump
switches.
A whole house surge protector would be wothwhile.

Bob

I agree he is over doing it, but I was thinking of his safety and a
switch would be both more convenient and less likely to cause some sort of
problem itself than what the OP is suggesting.

BTW I live in an area where lightning is common and I believe that this
is overkill. The OP would be far better off by using a whole house system
and if he really wants to a point source surge protector as well.

I would suggest that if a lightning hit is going to jump the switch, he
is likely going to find that the house may be burned down by the time he
gets home anyway. :-)

Then comes the big question whether or not the computer equipment was
damaged by the lightning? Since it burned in the fire, no one will
ever really know...... This could become an issue with some insurance
companies because they might claim that they cover fire damage but not
electrical surge damages, and we all know they will do anything to
avoid paying an extra penny.

wrote:
...


Then comes the big question whether or not the computer equipment was
damaged by the lightning? Since it burned in the fire, no one will
ever really know...... This could become an issue with some insurance
companies because they might claim that they cover fire damage but not
electrical surge damages, and we all know they will do anything to
avoid paying an extra penny.

Spoken like an attorney or someone who has had one too many contacts
with them. ;-)

--
Joseph Meehan

Dia duit

I've always like the sound when saying "lube". You can never have too
much...lube.

wrote in message
...
Silicone Lube in a spray can (not silicone caulk).


On Wed, 26 Jul 2006 19:25:03 -0400, "Charlie Bress"
wrote:

Here's a different electrical question.

On my computer desk I have a table-top power distribution box that lets me
plug all the computer stuff into one central place.

While it has some claim as a surge suppressor, since I am in Florida where
lightning storms are the usual event during the summer, my method of
protection is to disconnect the distribution box from its a.c. outlet.
(The
cable modem uses a quick connect on the cable line coming into it.)

The problem arises because the wall receptacle that is being used is
inconveniently behind the very heavy desk. To make things easier, I cut
the
power cord to the distribution box at desk-top level and rejoin the ends
using an in-line plug and socket so that it is easy to disconnect from the
line. The connectors I used are a good quality pair made by Hubbell.

The problem: It has become increasingly difficult to mate or open these
connectors. They have been in this use for more than five years.

The male ends do not show any signs of distortion.

Is there an appropriate lubricant?

I could just buy another set of connectors, but a lube job would be a lot
simpler. Is this a big box item? If I have to go to a real electrical
supply
house, it is cheaper and quicker to replace the set. At $3 a gallon
travelling very far for a small item doesn't make sense

Depends on where your putting it. It traps dirt so well it's used in air
filters. The OP should use it sparingly to minimize frequency of cleaning.

"Craven Morehead" wrote in message
...
I've always like the sound when saying "lube". You can never have too
much...lube.

wrote in message
...
Silicone Lube in a spray can (not silicone caulk).


On Wed, 26 Jul 2006 19:25:03 -0400, "Charlie Bress"
wrote:

Here's a different electrical question.

On my computer desk I have a table-top power distribution box that lets
me
plug all the computer stuff into one central place.

While it has some claim as a surge suppressor, since I am in Florida
where
lightning storms are the usual event during the summer, my method of
protection is to disconnect the distribution box from its a.c. outlet.
(The
cable modem uses a quick connect on the cable line coming into it.)

The problem arises because the wall receptacle that is being used is
inconveniently behind the very heavy desk. To make things easier, I cut
the
power cord to the distribution box at desk-top level and rejoin the ends
using an in-line plug and socket so that it is easy to disconnect from
the
line. The connectors I used are a good quality pair made by Hubbell.

The problem: It has become increasingly difficult to mate or open these
connectors. They have been in this use for more than five years.

The male ends do not show any signs of distortion.

Is there an appropriate lubricant?

I could just buy another set of connectors, but a lube job would be a
lot
simpler. Is this a big box item? If I have to go to a real electrical
supply
house, it is cheaper and quicker to replace the set. At $3 a gallon
travelling very far for a small item doesn't make sense