fly2low Posted August 12, 2017 Report Share Posted August 12, 2017 Just a friendly reminder to tighten the connections into an ATS. Got my reminder today, when the PD50 fried due to a loose connection. It was an item which was on my yearly maintenance schedule, but was put off because it is in an awkward location. When quit functioning, it was in a worse location - boondocking on the side of the Henry Fork. The connection from the generator feed was way loose Rich and Carol 2007 Dynamax DQ 340 XL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ALLOY Posted August 12, 2017 Report Share Posted August 12, 2017 I like to keep 248 BLUE (stick) 262 RED (liquid) Loctite around. When installing our ATS and EMS I used 262 on the lugs. Edit....before using Loctite make sure one understands what is involved in removing the fasteners. 2011 Cameo 34SB3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fly2low Posted August 12, 2017 Author Report Share Posted August 12, 2017 I tend to use Loctite on most connections, but have been cautioned not to use on electrical connections. Rich and Carol 2007 Dynamax DQ 340 XL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smitty77_7 Posted August 12, 2017 Report Share Posted August 12, 2017 Just a tad bit tongue in cheek... On electrical connections. Clean the contact area well, snug up an even torque per spec (Yep, their is a spec for torquing just about everything:)!). Then just to be safe, either add a second locking nut. Or better, dip the bolt/nut into a plasma arc from the sun to help lock it not place... (Laser electron beams, amplified of course thru a warp capacitor accelerator oscillator, with fusion rapid cooling - is naturally, the best way to ensure a solid connection....). Loose lips sinks ships. And loose connections messes up electronics!!!! Best to all, Smitty Be safe, have fun, Smitty 04 CC Allure "RooII" - Our "E" ride for life! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ALLOY Posted August 12, 2017 Report Share Posted August 12, 2017 11 hours ago, fly2low said: I tend to use Loctite on most connections, but have been cautioned not to use on electrical connections. Be interested to know why? I don't have any but 290 Green but is made for electrical..... maybe it has plasma in it 2011 Cameo 34SB3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fly2low Posted August 12, 2017 Author Report Share Posted August 12, 2017 A couple of reasons given to me not to use Loctite, both of which have credibility. 1. Torque specs are based on dry contact between surfaces, If Loctite is applied, surfaces are no longer dry, but lubricated until the Loctite solidifies. I have seen torque tables for "dry" and "wet", but only for very specific indications. 2. If you are doing due diligence, and check to see if the connection is tight, without Loctite you can tell. With Loctite you won't know what is causing the resistance to tightening Rich and Carol 2007 Dynamax DQ 340 XL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fly2low Posted August 12, 2017 Author Report Share Posted August 12, 2017 Information for anyone swapping out PD50's The PD50 that was in my coach was circa 2007. The new PD50 has the same relays, but the enclosure has been enlarged. This would have been a major hassle as the old PD50 enclosure was inside of a plastic case mounted inside of a cut out in one of storage compartments. The new enclosure was too large to fit in the plastic case. We were able to get the relays out of both enclosures and mount the new relays in the old enclosure. Rich and Carol 2007 Dynamax DQ 340 XL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ALLOY Posted August 13, 2017 Report Share Posted August 13, 2017 6 hours ago, fly2low said: A couple of reasons given to me not to use Loctite, both of which have credibility. 1. Torque specs are based on dry contact between surfaces, If Loctite is applied, surfaces are no longer dry, but lubricated until the Loctite solidifies. I have seen torque tables for "dry" and "wet", but only for very specific indications. 2. If you are doing due diligence, and check to see if the connection is tight, without Loctite you can tell. With Loctite you won't know what is causing the resistance to tightening Very good reasons....ones back ground make them choose different methods. Such as alum wire with NO-OX (corrosion paste) and having wire pull/break away doing simple hand pull test on tight connections. 2011 Cameo 34SB3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted August 13, 2017 Report Share Posted August 13, 2017 9 hours ago, J-T said: Very good reasons....ones back ground make them choose different methods. I worked in electrical repair and maintenance for 40 years and I don't use any of those products. I do use lock nuts where there is room. Good travelin !...............KirkFull-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Mayer Posted August 13, 2017 Report Share Posted August 13, 2017 Just a comment.... 1) I do as Kirk does...I don't use Loctite for the reasons stated. 2) you CAN use Loctite on electrical connections, but if you do, I'd use the green. The Green is the flow type. You put it on AFTER torquing and it flows down the threads and locks "later". I'm not recommending that, but it solves any initial torque issue. IMO there is no initial torque issue if you torque during installation. Loctite is not "instant", after all. Jack & Danielle Mayer #60376 Lifetime Member Living on the road since 2000PLEASE no PM's. Email me. jackdanmayer AT gmail 2016 DRV Houston 44' 5er (we still have it) 2022 New Horizons 43' 5er 2016 Itasca 27N 28' motorhome 2019 Volvo 860, D13 455/1850, 236" wb, I-Shift, battery-based APU No truck at the moment - we use one of our demo units 2016 smart Passion, piggyback on the truck -------------------------------------------------------------------------See our website for info on New Horizons 5th wheels, HDTs as tow vehicles, communications on the road, and use of solar powerwww.jackdanmayer.com Principal in RVH Lifestyles. RVH-Lifestyles.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldjohnt Posted August 13, 2017 Report Share Posted August 13, 2017 Hey heres one where many of us agree..............In our huge Naval Industrial Facility I NEVER specified or designed or told our electricians to use loc tite on electrical connections but instead use recommended torque values and undertake periodic inspection, maintenance and adjusting as required.................There were applications where proper and recommended anti oxidants were used. Consult trained professionals and the NEC if in doubt versus any opinions, lay or professional posted here MINE INCLUDED John T Retired electrical power distribution design engineer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yarome Posted August 13, 2017 Report Share Posted August 13, 2017 8 minutes ago, oldjohnt said: Hey heres one where many of us agree............ Guess so! X4 Torque values and regular maintanence for me as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ALLOY Posted August 13, 2017 Report Share Posted August 13, 2017 To check the connections in a PD ATS the 6ga wire and set screw has to removed so the screw connection below it can be checked. Instead of doing this I chose to used thread locker. I don't keep 290 Green around so I used 262 RED but I have a tested/fast method to break the connections loose if needed........what's the worst that can happen......a connection goes loose, heats up, causes the 262 to release....then it can be tightened...call me 2011 Cameo 34SB3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldjohnt Posted August 13, 2017 Report Share Posted August 13, 2017 6 hours ago, Yarome said: Guess so! X4 Torque values and regular maintanence for me as well Proper maintenance can prevent troubles down the road. Loose connections can cause heat burning and arcing ..... John T Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ALLOY Posted August 15, 2017 Report Share Posted August 15, 2017 So I'm looking at the ATS today and realized that I didn't think it through. My concern about the screw connection coming loose under the lug was dumbfounded. If the lug it tight (pushing the wire into the screw) there is no way that the screw connection can come loose. 2011 Cameo 34SB3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldjohnt Posted August 15, 2017 Report Share Posted August 15, 2017 JT thanks for the feedback that's appreciated. Those darn connection problems I experienced at our huge naval industrial facility were due to temp differences and expansion and contraction so obviously the outdoor electricals were the most problematic. That's why I instructed mush more inspection and maintenance there versus our heated buildings. A good regular scheduled visual inspection and tightening as/if required can prevent so many problems ESPECIALLY in outdoor installations. Keep em tight lol Best wishes, yall keep electrically safe now John T Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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