Do I Need To Start My Bus Every Day?

[cadillackid]

and no one stole my 10 gauge 100 ft extension cord.. which is probably the most amazing thing

[firebuild]

Here is one of those dumb questions that I think is not actually so dumb because I'll bet other people might wonder too.

Got the block heater in, finally, yesterday. Yay! In time for an overnight freeze. Now here is the question: Is it safe to have this thing plugged in through precipitation, either snow, "wintery mix," or rain? Because that's obviously when I need it.

Everything iced up last night. This morning, it's cold but the sun is bright, and the icicles on the bus are melting. The plug itself was covered with ice, which I was able to mostly remove, but there's still some on there. I just plugged it in. Now, all this ice is going to be melting, turning into water, which is generally not good for electrical outlets. Is everything going to be safe and ok with the bus plugged in? I sure hope so because this is the exact kind of weather I need it for. Yet it seems inevitable some water is going to come in contact with the plug on both the male and female sides. I would hate to come all this way and short everything out by getting it wet. Not that I know how any of that works...

[cadillackid]

Plug it into a GFCI outlet and you should be good, the plug is usually recessed in the bumper or is an outdoor capable plug, if it leaks current it will trip the breaker..
without GFCI you need to be careful.
Christopher

[firebuild]

Originally Posted by cadillackid

Plug it into a GFCI outlet and you should be good, the plug is usually recessed in the bumper or is an outdoor capable plug, if it leaks current it will trip the breaker..
without GFCI you need to be careful.
Christopher

It's in a GFCI outlet but the extension cord is just your average outdoor extension cord. That's what worries me. Do they sell extension cords that are shrouded in some way? If not they should. I can't find one like that on Amazon. Plus I need a three-outlet extension cord ultimately if I'm going to use my battery tender, oil pan heater, and block heater. I now have 3 plugs sticking out of my grill!

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by firebuild

It's in a GFCI outlet but the extension cord is just your average outdoor extension cord. That's what worries me. Do they sell extension cords that are shrouded in some way? If not they should. I can't find one like that on Amazon. Plus I need a three-outlet extension cord ultimately if I'm going to use my battery tender, oil pan heater, and block heater. I now have 3 plugs sticking out of my grill!

https://www.uline.com/Product/Detail...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

[firebuild]

Originally Posted by o1marc

https://www.uline.com/Product/Detail...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

Yeah that's exactly what I have. What I'm looking for is something where the socket on the extension cord is recessed or something so nothing can get in there. I know they have the covers, but I'm talking about while it's got something plugged in. Maybe I am overthinking this -surprise surprise.

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by firebuild

Yeah that's exactly what I have. What I'm looking for is something where the socket on the extension cord is recessed or something so nothing can get in there. I know they have the covers, but I'm talking about while it's got something plugged in. Maybe I am overthinking this -surprise surprise.

I think you are overthinking it. I did construction for many years and had extension cords laying in water all the time, no harm from cords getting wet.

[firebuild]

Originally Posted by o1marc

I think you are overthinking it. I did construction for many years and had extension cords laying in water all the time, no harm from cords getting wet.

Thank you! That's what I needed to hear I think.

[Tango]

Outdoor rated cords (and wire) are referred to a code that begins with an "S".


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portable_cord


http://www.interpower.com/ic/designe...ble-Types.html

[BlackJohn]

I have at times just wrapped the cord ends in some sort of plastic bag and tied it to keep from blowing away. If you have fears of getting a shock, just unplug from the house power first.
You have three plug ends now sticking out but only one power circuit. Not a good idea to plug anymore than the block heater in to give it max power. One item at a time in your case. Or rotate the items, not all 3 at once.
Glad they fixed you up with that, Did they look at glow plug issue if any?



John

[Booyah45828]

I too have wrapped cord ends in a simple plastic grocery sack when out in the rain. Keeps the water/slush/snow out and the cord end dry. Make sure you use a heavy gauge cord and don't overload the house electical system.

Order of use for your electrical things IMHO should be.

1. block heater a few hours before you need to leave.

2. oil dipstick heater only when it's really cold out.

3. battery tender when it will be sitting not used for a few days.

[firebuild]

My review of the block heater:

GOOD LORD.

How have I lived so long without this?

Buster started up on the VERY FIRST TRY.

[BlackJohn]

That sounds awesome firebuild.
I am wondering if you can see the gfci from a window in the house? Does it have an led to show power on? Because they are so sensitive, I would look for that light all the time you are using it. If you can't see it maybe setup an old mirror that will let you see that led, whether on or off. If no light is on, out you go to reset the gfci.


Also, if you have enough slack on your cord, just lay it all in under the hood in wet weather.


John

[firebuild]

Originally Posted by BlackJohn

That sounds awesome firebuild.
I am wondering if you can see the gfci from a window in the house? Does it have an led to show power on? Because they are so sensitive, I would look for that light all the time you are using it. If you can't see it maybe setup an old mirror that will let you see that led, whether on or off. If no light is on, out you go to reset the gfci.


Also, if you have enough slack on your cord, just lay it all in under the hood in wet weather.


John

Yes, I can see it from the window and have been watching to make sure it stays on!

I definitely have enough slack on the cord but not on the individual appliances. Each of them has no slack whatsoever. Which is why I just ordered a 3-pack of 2 foot extension cords - right now I can't get everything plugged in at once. Today I only had the block heater on, though, and it was plenty. Tomorrow is supposed to be colder.

[firebuild]

Originally Posted by Tango

Outdoor rated cords (and wire) are referred to a code that begins with an "S".

Hmm, I thought the "W" was the outdoor signifier. (Weather)

[Booyah45828]

Just be careful plugging all of that in. You might exceed the capacity of the house circuit having all of that plugged in at the same time.