seal outdoor extension cord ends?

[edwardh1]

I have a 12/3 outdoor extension cord that came with molded ends, one was damaged in use, I replaced the end the replacement end is not as "waterproof" as the original,
should I be packing the new end fitting with silicone or something else?
I know it wount be fully waterproof but would be better than what I have now

 

[kschachn]

You could, but you should not use "normal" silicone RTV that is acetic acid cure. There are non-corrosive alcohol cure ones that are suitable for potting electrical connections, such as Dow Corning 748 available from McMaster-Carr or Amazon.

If the connection is somewhat permanent you can just wrap it with silicone self-fusing tape or even electrical tape if you don't mind the adhesive residue.

 

[maxdustington]

If you can tape a loop around the cable where it enters the plug and tighten it on it that should do it. If you try to tape such an awkward shape it's just going to peel off. Even silicone tape will peel eventually.

I wouldn't even worry, extension cords are tough.

 

[EdwardC]

I would probably put some non corrosive sealant (I use ASI 388, but Dow 748 in the past as well) in the wire exit of the connector like kschachn mentions, but I'd keep it away from the contact area. After the rtv cures, I'd probably squirt in a bunch of silicone paste or dielectric grease.

 

[doitmyself]

Seems that if you packed the inner wire connection area with dielectric silicone grease, that would protect the vulnerable area from the effects of any water intrusion. It would then not matter if the connector was externally waterproof, which is probably impossible to do. https://thehonestanalytics.com/elec...s-3m-brady-panduit-and-hellermann-tyton/

Underground connectors are usually just a mechanical connector system embedded with silicone grease (not RTV).
http://ww3.rainbird.com/images/products/turf/accessories/DBWireConnector-closed.jpg

They also make these protectors: https://twistandseal.com/collection...xx-heavy-duty-cord-connection-protection

 

[Yah-Tah-Hey]

Look in the electrical section of any big-box store and find sealing electrical tape. It stretches and bonds to itself and forms a leak proof covering. Used to use it to seal an electrical cord to an outdoor bird bath heater which was sometimes under three feet of snow.