Anyone waterproof extention cords?

[LobsterOfJustice]

I wrap my connections in electrical tape. Easy and cheap.

 

[reefwiser]

I deal with water and electric on a daily basis working for a major Food manufacturer. Tons of water and electrical cords. We use 3M 2228 water proof tape.
This will withstand a high pressure steamer blasting the connection. Prove it out daily.

 

[Cory]

I deal with water and electric on a daily basis working for a major Food manufacturer. Tons of water and electrical cords. We use 3M 2228 water proof tape.
This will withstand a high pressure steamer blasting the connection. Prove it out daily.

Thats actually pretty smart thanks

 

[ZAB]

I use a GFI ...on the the stuff I use for Aquarium..

 

[aarbutina]

Heat shrink tubing. I felt like that made a pretty good seal

 

[redfishbluefish]

I've never "waterproofed" a cord, but I do use drip-loops, and would recommend using one for this extension cord.

 

[reefwiser]

the problem I have found with heat shrink is that it will deteriorate over time. and leak. I moved all my electrical out to my garage with my Profilux and doses so under my tank is extension cords covered with the 228 tape at the plug. You have to cut this stuff off the line it is super sticky.

 

[C.bldwn]

I have no idea, it's just what I was told when the fire inspector man came and inspected the building I work at. We spent days rearranging our extension cords so they'd be up to code.

The reason they tell you not to plug multiple extension cords together is the longer the cable the more resistance you have which causes a volt drop, so in order to maintain you 120V it has to draw more amperage. Draw more amperage then what the cable is rated for and you can melt it and possibly start a fire. As far as waterproofing plugins I just mount my power bars to a small piece for plywood with a plastic flap mounted so it drapes over them top. Prevents small overflows and major splashes.

 

[._Z_.]

Isn’t @Brew12 one of our resident experts on electrical?

 

[OriginalUserName]

I'm not saying they aren't acceptable. I just plug mine directly into wall outlets, not into other extension cords. Maybe the fire safety inspector was full of crap? I just do what he says, that's all.

Every connection point is a source of a potential short/fire etc. That's why they don't like to see multiple cords connected. You are also not supposed to rely on extension cords for permanent use for similar reasons.

If you want some cheap insurance wrap the connection in electrical tape.

 

[Fishy Rob]

I had a slow saltwater drip that was landing right on an extension cord where something was plugged into it and came home to a basement full of smoke because it was smoldering. Not sure if it would have started a fire but it made me rearrange everything.

 

[JoshH]

Deleted

 

[Dr RBG]

How about one of these?

 

[Sleepydoc]

I've never seen the need to waterproof electrical plugs. In general:

• Use GFCI outlets
• Keep them out of the sump area whenever possible.
• Keep plugs/outlets up as high as possible so they're less likely to get splashed
• Face the outlets either sideways or down so water won't drip into them (personally, I prefer sideways so there's less risk of the plug dropping out of the outlet
• Use a drip loop on all cords
• Keep things organized!

The green cord protector mentioned above would probably work, but if you are splashing enough water to need it then you have other issues. They are also fairly bulky, so I would think they would get in the way.

 

[Brew12]

I've never "waterproofed" a cord, but I do use drip-loops, and would recommend using one for this extension cord.

This +1

I feel the best way to protect extension cord connections is to treat them like any other electrical connection and create a drip loop to protect them.

 

[Denniswbliss]

How so?

It's a no no because the longer the cord the lower the amperage. So if you take two cords and plug them into each other the machine or ect works harder to run and in return the item machine will run hotter and can burn up. I'm no electrician but that's what I was told by one.

 

[Eric Smith]

Military loop will help drip into connections

 

[Eric Smith]

Military loop

 

[alton]

http://ecatalog.hubbell-wiring.com/press/pdfs/Original_WLBWT002.pdf
The best thing is to mount all connections above potential water leaks. OSHA would love some of you.

 

[Brew12]

It's a no no because the longer the cord the lower the amperage.

Actually, it is the opposite that happens. The longer the cord the larger the voltage drop. To compensate for the lower voltage, some equipment will draw more current. More current means more heat. More heat = bad things and can start a fire.