Hot Plugs and Outlets.

[toploader55]

I have this theory. When I run my KD2-P,Regency,Superba, during the dry portion of the cycle the outlet and the plug get quite warm. (Damn near hot). So I sanded with fine sandpaper to clean the plugs to make them shiney. My theory I never studied physics)The tarnish on the plugs that has built up over the years creates a resistance so the electricity cannot flow freely into the circuit. So the voltage not flowing freely sort of gets backed up ??????
Since cleaning the plugs (lightly sanding them with fine sandpaper) the Outlets and Plugs stay much,much cooler.
Does this theory make sense ?

 

[roto204]

Sure does

Yes, I've found the same thing too. Shiny outlets make for happy current flow

 

[dj-gabriele]

That is!
A shiny plug has less resistance to the flow of the current so it dissipates less power, according to the Ohm law and Joule effect:

Power lost = Resistance X Current^2

Obviously, if most of the resistance is on the plug, then the plug will get hotter than the other sections of the wire, same goes for contacts, that's why they come lose at times!

Anyway, I advise you to change the plug with a new one and make sure the connections inside are tight and with all the wire threads intact and no cracked wire sheaths.

 

[turquoisedude]

You're on the right track!

Check your outlet, too, Eddie. Over time, they can wear out pretty badly and not make contact with the prongs of the plug as tightly as before. I had some issues in the past with air-conditioners where the outlet got disturbingly hot, but when I changed the outlet, all was fine again.
I hate like hell to change the original plugs! Still have 'em on my 3 portable dishwashers (the mobile maid, the Maytag, and the Kenmore!)

 

[toggleswitch2]

In a residential setting 15a outlets are allowed on 20a circuits. It is HIGHLY recommended to change all outlets on 20a circuits to 20a rated "heavy-duty"/ "commercal-grade" receptacles.

IIRC 110v 20a receptacles have a sideways "T" (consisting of a cut-out that accepts a horizontal or verical prong) on the LEFT as one looks at the receptacle assuming the ground pin is down. [See linkie].

BTW the only appliance I have ever seen with this type of plug is for a stacked open-piece wahser/dryer, (with a gas dryer) that draws 16a. Obviously 15a plugs can fit into a 20a, receptacle but note vice-versa.

BTW the pic in the linkie depicts mounting in the direction as required by the NEC (National Electric Code); ground pin up. Most residences still mount them "upside down" with the ground pin down (looks like a face). The logic is, it a metal cove-plate becomes loose it will rest on the ground pin rather than shorting out across the hot and neutral prongs.

Yes removal of tarnish helps.

http://www.contractorlighting.com/20amp-commercial-duplex-receptacle-p-640.html?osCsid=2cbafe18eb350a941ec7fd20ada9f1e5

 

[redcarpetdrew]

20a receptacles...

Some appliances require them. Such as the Neptune gas drying cabinette (reg dryer below, clothes hanging dryer above). One prong of the cord is turned sideways and needs that T'd outlet...

RCD

 

[turquoisedude]

Oh neat, now I understand why the contractor who did the wiring in our new garage put the T-slot outlets in there. He was impressed/scared when he saw my small appliance collection!!

 

[thor]

Next time...

...don't use sandpaper, use a metal file. Sandpapers leave an embebbed residue of sand in the copper which actually acts as a dielectric, hindering the normal flow of the electric current. Always use a metal file to eliminate the copper oxyde from plugs.

 

[tolivac]

Hot plugs and outlets---can lead to a HOT FIRE!!That needs fixing right away.I have a Blendtec "Titan" blender that has the 20A 120V NEMA plug.Instead of files and sandpaper-use polishing agents or tarnish cleaners-just make sure the plug is cleaned with a solvent to dissolve the cleaner residues-Files and sandpapers can make the plug pin thinner-thus LESS contact in the outlet-and outlets wear out-esp ones that are hot or the plug almost falls out.The contact springs in the old outlets have lost tension-or the tension loosened from heat.