Tip Checking electrical connections

[Joe Hogan]

How many people check electrical connections? Not top of mind but an excellent pre-trip checklist items. RV Electricity – Torque those ATS screws properly - RV Travel

 

[Jabber Jaw]

Brings to mind a question. Would it be ok to use dielectric grease on all terminal type connections? I am thinking it is good protection.
If not, why? Always trying to learn!
And, if not, then what would be good to use as protection against moisture & rust?

 

[Joe Hogan]

Since Dielectric Grease is an insulator it might interfere with a proper connection. Here is some info, What is Dielectric Grease? | Blain's Farm & Fleet Blog

 

[Joe Hogan]

Here is a video to explain the proper torque

 

[Joe Hogan]

The diagram is on the back of the cover of the Surge Guard. What type of torque wrench do you use for this? A heavy duty screw driver type makes sense for this application as there is not much room to maneuver, at least in this application.

Something like this? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VKG79D1/?tag=rvf01-20


Transfer Switch Checked the torque on the transfer switch in the RV. All nice and snug.





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[Akdare]

Would something like this work for you? On your regular torque wrench...

1/2 in. Drive Screwdriver Bit Socket Set, 6-Piece

Amazing deals on this 6Pc 1/2In Dr Screwdriver Bit Sockets at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[NWIP]

What @JoeHogan suggest is inch pounds, think what you are referring to using is probably foot pounds. Electrical connection in transfer/surge switches are critical and should be torqued to recommenced values so that they do not loosen and make a good connection.

 

[Joe Hogan]

Please read the above diagram, the torque is in inch pounds.

What @JoeHogan suggest is inch pounds, think what you are referring to using is probably foot pounds. Electrical connection in transfer/surge switches are critical and should be torqued to recommenced values so that they do not loosen and make a good connection.

 

[NWIP]

@Akdare was asking about the 1/2 in drive set and would it work. I suspect 1/2 drive torque wrench he is wanting to use is foot pounds and will not work for application @JoeHogan refers too.

 

[daisey]

I have a issue where the outlet behind the fireplace is not working or getting power. All other outlets are receiving power. I checked the fuses and they are good. I checked the only GFI I can find and its not tripped. Any other suggestions anyone my have I can check? I sent it to the dealer to have looked at but they have had it for 1 month and haven't looked at it (poor service).

 

[Joe Hogan]

A simple conversion between inch pounds and foot pounds:

Here is a quick and easy way to convert torque measurements when you are dealing with inch-lbs and foot-lbs.

It’s a simple solution but one that can prove to be extremely important if you need to make a quick conversion.

From Tengtools:

Torque wrench conversion method​

If you want to convert inch-lbs to foot-lbs, you take the inch-lb number and divide it by 12. Likewise, if you want to convert foot-lbs to inch-lbs, you simply take the foot-lb number and multiply it by 12.

INCH - LBS	FOOT - LBS
12​	1​
120​	10​
1200​	100​
2400​	200​

Using the above diagram, if we want to convert 1200 inch-lbs to foot-lbs we do the following quick calculation;

1200 ÷ 12 = 100

Using the above diagram, if we want to convert 200 foot-lbs to inch-lbs we do the following quick calculations;

200 x 12 = 2400