Waterproof containers for dogbone connections?

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Waterproof containers for dogbone connections?

August 29, 2020, 05:06:03 pm

Something I have looked for before but didn't find (figured I would have to kludge something) is a waterproof cover where the dogbone connects to the RV cord. For when the shore connection is not 30 amp.

See attached picture. Ok, this is showing attached but not showing a picture for me, hopefully you all can see it.

I just found this waterproof box that would hold the dogbone connector with a handle on it.
There are larger sizes.
Note: It does add to the weight that is hanging off your electrical cord (where the dogbone connects to the shore power), 12.3 oz if amazon has that info correct, however with a dogbone plug that has a handle it is fairly thick and hopefully reinforced in that area that would take the weight of the added box.

Does anyone have experience with these and can recommend them?

Thanks,
Jane

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Re: Waterproof containers for dogbone connections?

Reply #1 – August 29, 2020, 05:07:50 pm

I use the plastic bag and duct tape method.

Re: Waterproof containers for dogbone connections?

Reply #2 – August 29, 2020, 05:09:46 pm

Greg, I thought about that but it doesn't really meet any kind of codes and all sorts of things could happen (small holes letting water in, a spark melts the bag/tape onto your connector, etc.).
I would rather something meant to be used for this purpose.
Jane

Re: Waterproof containers for dogbone connections?

Reply #3 – August 29, 2020, 06:33:24 pm

Over the Christmas Holidays, I will most often string together outdoor lights. In the past, I had used plastic wrap/bags and electrical tape to protect the plugs that travel the ground. With a failure rate nearing 100% while using that method, I would often arrive home in the evening to find the breaker popped due to water intrusion.

A few years ago I stumbled upon the solution that is fool proof if applied correctly.

After making the connection between power cords, I liberally apply Hot Glue everywhere the cords connect. If a 3 Way plug is used and one inputs is left unused I glue the heck out of that opening. Nothing is left exposed to rain or sprinkler.

No bagging the connections has ever worked. No hot glued connection has ever failed. With that being said, a sharp utility knife is needed to remove the hard glue to disconnect the cords. Otherwise the connection should be water tight for a very long time.

Hot glueing the dog bone should have the same results.

Kent

Re: Waterproof containers for dogbone connections?

Reply #4 – August 29, 2020, 07:10:29 pm

I've never had a problem without one, and I live in a place where it rains as often as not on summer afternoons. I don't do much other than try to make sure a connection point doesn't end up in a puddle.

I figure the item would be widely available if it was important. After all, a trip to camping world is full of all sorts of gimmicks and gadgets that aren't really needed.

Rich

Re: Waterproof containers for dogbone connections?

Reply #5 – August 29, 2020, 09:58:52 pm

Never used one; never had a problem. (Never saw one in use in a campground, either.) Not saying you shouldn't look for something like this; just relaying my experience :-)

Re: Waterproof containers for dogbone connections?

Reply #6 – August 30, 2020, 12:13:31 am

In the BLD (Before LazyDaze) era with travel trailers, I occasionally used inverted plastic bags sans duct/duck tape when I was worried about the weather. As luck would have it, I never experienced a problem. You could use the mentioned box in a plastic bag for belt-and-suspenders security. Never tried it in flooded conditions.

joel

Re: Waterproof containers for dogbone connections?

Reply #7 – August 31, 2020, 12:10:50 am

Kent - I did make a face reading about your hot glue solution. If you feel it works for you, great.

My issue with hot glue and plastic bags is they are not rated for electricity. Like a seatbelt - we use cars a lot but for almost every trip we would not have a problem if we didn’t wear a seatbelt (as long as we didn’t get a ticket).
It is that 1-2 times in our lifetime during a more severe vehicle accident when wearing a quality seatbelt makes a big difference.

We also have not used anything yet, but having worked with electricity for decades I am very aware it could be an issue. So I think of it regularly (and talk about it a couple times a year).
I might get a box to try and let you all know what I think about it (eg really watertight or not).
Jane

Re: Waterproof containers for dogbone connections?

Reply #8 – August 31, 2020, 01:21:09 pm

Hi Jane,

Your concern is valid when you said, ‘ Kent - I did make a face reading about your hot glue solution. If you feel it works for you, great’. I hope I didn’t shock you.

Although I have found the hot glue to be a good barrier on power cords to prevent water intrusion, I assure you that I am not foolish enough to lay my hands on it or any other power cord while it may rest in a damp area and certainly not in a rain storm.

Other than those possible concerns , what other thoughts might you have about my outdoor Christmas Light protection?

Kent

Re: Waterproof containers for dogbone connections?

Reply #9 – September 01, 2020, 02:51:12 am

Kent - I realize my reactions are stronger than others having worked with electricity for decades. I have seen things where my reaction was to want to pull hair out but Amazingly nobody got hurt and no structures burned down (yes the issue was corrected) -
Much bigger Reaction than a small fade wince.

I will deny saying this if anyone asks, but In theory sealing the connectors with something that can tolerate any heat buildup would work - making sure the sealant does not go inside between the plugs as I won’t vouch for what would happen if the sealant got into the metal prongs, etc.

Kent - you are likely doing these things, but things to look at:
Using outdoor rated cords (extension and light cords).
Making sure the cord doesn’t sit in water (eg up on a brick or something).
Maybe check water flow to see why the breaker was flipping (eg lights hung down from roof where water also dropped down from that same spot so the water dropped down the light cord) and consider moving the cord or protecting it from the water.
Looking for worn spots on the cords or loose bulbs but if sealing the cord connections fixed it then cord wear was than others causing the issue.

I would be most curious as to how the water was getting in between the connections (dripping down a wire or ...)
Jane

Re: Waterproof containers for dogbone connections?

Reply #10 – September 01, 2020, 03:26:51 am

Hi Jane and Kent. You both would be apalled if you could see what I do. (or don't do). My go to is 3M 33M+ vinyl electrical tape applied right at the joint. When done you just unwrap it. It leaves a gooey black mess, but alcohol will remove it. As Jane said, just don't tempt fate. Don't leave it sitting in a puddle. I don't tape my connections, but I do push the joint under the motorhome if it might rain. A brick does make a handy elevation. It doesn't rain here in San Diego like it does in wetter climates. If a 'gully washer' comes by I unplug the extension cord in the garage. RonB

Re: Waterproof containers for dogbone connections?

Reply #11 – September 01, 2020, 10:35:14 am

My LD stays in the driveway when not on the road. I keep it plugged in for the refrigerator. I use a pair of 25' extension cords (12/3) to reach my house receptacle instead of one to make it easier to disconnect and move between the house and the garage when I want to work on the rig. To protect the electrical connection, I took an old 35# cat litter plastic bucket, turned it over and cut two U-shaped openings on opposing sides 4" wide by 6" high, with the bottom of the U about 6" above the ground. One cord through each opening, turn the bucket over to plug them together, and turn it back over and done. I have it so only enough cord to make up the connection (no slack) so it can't end up on the ground, and the flaps keep rain from getting in. The cords are hanging down out of the bucket, so a natural drip loop. Mine is in a place where there is significant run off in big rains, but I've never had any problem with it getting wet. It's not particularly attractive, but it serves the purpose.

Bill

Re: Waterproof containers for dogbone connections?

Reply #12 – September 01, 2020, 01:02:54 pm

To seal the connections I would use either several wraps with electrical tape, overcoated with liquid electrical tape or use 3M self-fusing electrical tape. I have used both methods for decades.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Gardner-Bender-Black-Liquid-Electrical-Tape-4-oz-LTB-400/100119178
Scotch Self-Fusing Silicone Rubber Electrical Tape 70, 1 in x 30 ft, Sky...

I see no problems using hot glue and have used it to seal the connections, AFAIK, it isn't electrically conductive @ 120-VAC, it's easy to use and can be removed.
Another creative use for hot glue.

Larry

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Re: Waterproof containers for dogbone connections?

Reply #13 – September 01, 2020, 01:07:37 pm

Ron, actually you are using tape rated for direct contact with electricity which is better than products not rated for direct contact with electricity. Your electrical tape will not bust into flames or melt emitting noxious chemicals.
I can’t say to that it is rated for outdoor (eg can take the elements) but short time especially without a lot of UV I would guess would be ok.
Hmmm I wonder if there is outdoor rated electrical tape but I bet not - I have seen this only in gang boxes and conduit and conduit fittings.

Jane

Re: Waterproof containers for dogbone connections?

Reply #14 – September 01, 2020, 03:07:44 pm

Actually Jane I've soldered stranded 12 ga. zip wire, coated it with liquid tape, heat shrinked it and buried it in the dirt in my front yard. Its been running my 'Malibu' lighting for over 35 years without a problem. Buried near the brick mowing strip to avoid shovels.   If you've ever had a vinyl taped joint go bad, the tape emits pretty bad fumes.
   Saw what was left of a 208 70 Amp line after a screw fitting worked loose on a circuit breaker. I got to repair it. (I was being paid, and it wasn't my fault). High current junctions the copper expands and contracts, and over years can ooze around compression fittings, think set screws. The copper oxides, heats up more, then gets really hot until it fails.
   In the power distribution box of my house, the motorhome, and the power distribution box of my neighbor (long story), I check and tighten the fitting once in a while. I got in the habit of doing that on the high power machines I worked on after that one failure. I was amazed at how loose some of the set screws were. An easy to do maintenance step, that saves a lot of work, time and possible fire later.    RonB

Re: Waterproof containers for dogbone connections?

Reply #15 – September 01, 2020, 07:38:24 pm

Quote from: Jane and Scott - September 01, 2020, 01:07:37 pm

Hmmm I wonder if there is outdoor rated electrical tape but I bet not - I have seen this only in gang boxes and conduit and conduit fittings.

The 3M fusing tape listed in my previous post is rated for underwater use, I have used it many times to seal connections for 480-VAC submersible sump pumps. It's rated for 600-volts and is what electricians use for waterproof and underwater applications, it should be more than adequate for an extension cord.

I have used the electrical tape with liquid electrical tape for decades to seal connections on my off-road vehicles. Used to wrap a plug, the tape would never touch the electrical contacts and neither would hot glue.
IMO, Kent's solution is more than adequate.

Larry

Re: Waterproof containers for dogbone connections?

Reply #16 – September 01, 2020, 09:46:03 pm

Larry, but the 3M fusing tape is not meant for something that is used for a short period of time then taken apart, Correct? E.G. The situation I originally posted of protecting dogbone connections while they are being used. Then taking it apart until the next time it is needed.
A box meant to be opened and closed and opened would work better - IMO.

But it would work great for Kent's solution if his cords were used only for Christmas lights (e.g. a dedicated extension cord he used only for this and left connected forever).

Jane

Re: Waterproof containers for dogbone connections?

Reply #17 – September 02, 2020, 12:03:04 am

"the 3M fusing tape is not meant for something that is used for a short period of time then taken apart"

If it's like Rescue Tape--self-fusing silicone rubber--it actually works great for temporary use, because you can slit the wrapped junction and the tape will come off cleanly in one solid piece, leaving no residue. In other words, you don't have to unwrap it.

I once had a P-trap under my apartment's bathroom sink corrode through--it was one of those really cheap, thin-gauge metal ones--so I did a temporary repair with Rescue Tape. Well, I never got around to calling a plumber, and when I moved out ten years later, that Rescue Tape wrap was still there. In all that time it hadn't leaked a drop.

Re: Waterproof containers for dogbone connections?

Reply #18 – September 02, 2020, 03:03:42 pm

Quote from: Jane and Scott - September 01, 2020, 09:46:03 pm

Larry, but the 3M fusing tape is not meant for something that is used for a short period of time then taken apart, Correct? E.G. The situation I originally posted of protecting dogbone connections while they are being used. Then taking it apart until the next time it is needed.
A box meant to be opened and closed and opened would work better - IMO.

No one has reported success using any type of box or bag, including myself. Sealing the cord where it enters and exits the box or bag is the issue that needs to be solved. I'm interested in seeing if you come up with a box that actually works to keep the dogbone dry in stormy conditions.

The fusing tape is a proven product and can be used for any amount of time. If the self-fusing tape is too expensive, try using electrical tape or duct tape to seal the connections and propping the dogbone off the ground to enhance natural draining.

I have used dogbone adaptors for 25 years and have never had a problem using them in all types of weather.
If the dogbone worries you, 2003 and later LDs use a detachable power cord that connects to an inlet receptacle on the side of the coach that isn't sealed. The male end of the power cord, that plugs into the power source, isn't sealed either.
Both of the connections are exposed to rain.
For increased protection, using a GFI protected power supply is suggested

Larry

Re: Waterproof containers for dogbone connections?

Reply #19 – September 03, 2020, 09:32:56 am

Following this thread reminds me of something a good friend, who happened to be a PhD Electrical Engineer (and really smart guy) and had a real "dry" sense of humor, said, "Waterproof is when the water runs out faster than it comes in." ;-) Unfortunately, he died several years ago, so he can't defend himself. One of those sayings I've never forgotten.
Ken

Re: Waterproof containers for dogbone connections?

Reply #20 – September 03, 2020, 03:27:03 pm

Larry, I strongly agree with GFCI protection throughout.

I got some of the fusing tape (I had not seen that before and I prefer it to the liquid which has the typical don't touch, smell, taste warnings) and I like this. It seems to seal well if stretched like they say - I admit I didn't test it by putting something sealed with it in a bucket of water to sit for a while.

I think I will check the box I listed. I am hoping they are smart enough to have gaskets on the entrances, similar to the Marinco plug - if not, it gets returned. The gaskets will have to be checked regularly over time to make sure they are still working but they should provide good protection.
Jane

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