Black buildup on plug and receptacle


  #1  
Old 10-16-16, 09:42 PM
J
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Question Black buildup on plug and receptacle

Hello All,

I live in the Greater Philly area. I have been running a pump for my above-ground pool most of the summer. Getting ready to close it.

Yesterday I noticed the pump stopped running, and when I checked the plug, I noticed black gooey gunk build up on the hot side of the plug and also in the receptacle.

Please take a look at the pictures shown below. Can anyone guide me to determine the root cause?

Thanks,
JPG.

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  #2  
Old 10-16-16, 09:52 PM
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Welcome to the forums.

Your plug melted because the contacts in the GFI's neutral slot were worn out.
That plug probably fit very loosely in the receptacle.

Now you'll need to replace the GFI receptacle and your extension cord or the plug on your extension cord.

That extension cord may also have been undersized for the pump. Most pool pumps would require a 12 gauge extension cord.
 
  #3  
Old 10-17-16, 05:17 AM
J
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Your also missing a siding block, and an in use cover for that outlet.
(Also It should not have been mounted horizontal like that)
https://www.google.com/webhp?sourcei...64727655420310

While-In-Use Covers
 
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Old 10-17-16, 08:18 PM
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Yes.... an in use cover is needed but mounting the box and receptacle horizontaly is perfectly acceptable.
 
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Old 10-21-16, 10:05 AM
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Thank you PJmax and joecaption for your quick replies.

Here are some follow-up questions and comments, which I hope you won't mind addressing:

1. As you can see from the picture, there is another cable plugged into the receptacle. Is it dangerous to keep using the one that does not have have a melted contact opening?
2. I do not believe the plug fit in very loosely. I recall it fitting snugly. Is it possible that it got loose after being plugged in for a long period of time (e.g., a month or two of almost nonstop use)?
3. Totally agree about the in-use cover. There is a cover on the receptacle, but unfortunately it does not close when there are wires plugged in.
4. Is the siding mounting block absolutely necessary? What will happen if I do not install one?

Thank you again for any follow-up tips you can share with me.

Best,
JPG.
 
  #6  
Old 10-21-16, 10:15 AM
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I don't consider a mounting block a requirement but an "in use" cover is.

You had a high current load connected to the receptacle. With that and a little corrosion the receptacle to plug connection had a high resistance which created heat.

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