Blade fuse oxidation?

[AbdRahim]

Hi folks. My awning is real finicky. I hit the switch and it may moveba little and stop.I often have to remove and re-insert the fuse to get it to go. I noticed what looks like oxidation on the blades. Not sure the bathroom is the bes place fir electrical boxes. I had to replace the fuse this morning to get the awning to work, even though the old fuse tested good.

I have nit tried cleaning the blade with anything.

Anyhow, I am not sure what is best to use on the fuse blades to prevent this.

 

[Diesel Pusher]

The symptoms you describe are similar to what I had with my patio awning. It rolled out easily with a single press of the button but needed to press the retract button multiple times. It would roll in 2 or 3 feet then stop. Press the button again, another two feet then stop. Repeat until completely in.

After looking at and testing everything 12v related to the awning, it turned out to be a bad awning controller.

Your favorite spray on dielectric grease will prevent/delay corrosion on fuse terminals.

 

[AbdRahim]

Much discussion on the web on whether or not dielectric grease is good or bad for electrical connections, so I am looking for live experience.

May have to add the awning to the list for next year’s Nappanee visit. I dream of a year getting out of that place without leaving thousands of dollars behind.

 

[GTS225]

Anyhow, I am not sure what is best to use on the fuse blades to prevent this.

If you're thinking "mechanical" means, use a pencil eraser. Very mild abrasive. Harbor Freight sells sandpaper from 500-2000 grits that would help you out. Even some toothpastes have a very mild abrasive in them. Chemical means....shoot, lemon juice would remove the natural tarnish.

That tarnish can be an evil SOB. A little will cause a small voltage drop, which requires a slightly higher current for the powered item. Slightly higher current, and you start getting heat in the connection. More heat gets more tarnish, and around in a circle the cycle goes, until at the extreme end, something starts on fire. Don't panic.....usually something quits working before there's fire. In this case, there's a controller that's voltage sensitive.

Roger

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Don't consider a new controller if pulling out and reinserting a fuse fixes things.

If you have a condensation issue, consider a passive dehumidifier like those sold at west marine!

Don't use oxidizers on electrical equipment, EVER!!! use an eraser, or replace the fuse with higher quality fuses that are well plated.

About controllers!!!
It is uncommon to log into permanent memory, the switch selection. This is why circuit interruption stops completion of a task!
Because the number one failure in electronic devices are connections, you likely have found your issue. This could be the connector in the fuse block, or the fuse. If the problem continues with a new fuse it is likely the fuse block.

 

[Joe Hogan]

I've found CRC Electrical Contact cleaner and WD-40 Specialist contact cleaner very effective in cleaning contact surfaces. Also, for areas prone to corrosion, a small amount of high quality Dielectric grease is useful. Small amount goes a long way...

Amazon product ASIN B000CCIDAA

 

[AbdRahim]

Don't consider a new controller if pulling out and reinserting a fuse fixes things.

If you have a condensation issue, consider a passive dehumidifier like those sold at west marine!
replace the fuse with higher quality fuses that are well plated.

I have two dehumidifiers running in the coach, barely gets below 50 % humidity. Humidity outside today is 70%.

But my question is, what is a high quality fuse? I just bought a multipack of auto fuses on Amazon (Eaton - Busmann). Who knows what Newmar put in when they built this.

Oh yeah, are you saying Deoxit is no good? Why?

 

[Diesel Pusher]

When trouble shooting my motor home/automotive 12v electrical issues, my trusted information source is a professional electrical/audio engineer with 40 years experience. His recommendation to clean and protect electronic components, fuse blocks, ground wire connections etc., is always Deoxit Home - CAIG I too would like to know why not to use it?

 

[Kevin D Pem]

I have two dehumidifiers running in the coach, barely gets below 50 % humidity. Humidity outside today is 70%.

But my question is, what is a high quality fuse? I just bought a multipack of auto fuses on Amazon (Eaton - Busmann). Who knows what Newmar put in when they built this.

Oh yeah, are you saying Deoxit is no good? Why?

Not familiar with deoxit, but by the name it's the opposite of an oxidized like an acid (limon, as an example) would be. Your choice in fuses is good!

Condensation is the killer, that was mentioned because you brought up location of the box. No condensation no problem.

 

[Joe Hogan]

Agree with Kevin, Eaton Busmann are a good product.

Also, Deoxit would work as well.

Here are the Deoxit specs

https://acct113328.app.netsuite.com/core/media/media.nl?id=137516&c=ACCT113328&h=SS-ETHARfDMDZE1CLsc8sG-DQWnCPj-ERZoxFxzLTEP7Ma9K&_xt=.pdf