Block heater problem

[CRumsey]

I have been using my block heater since it started getting cold in November, I have used the same GFI outlet in my garage and the same outlet at work. Four days ago it started tripping both breakers as soon as it is plugged in.



Any suggestions? I will be taking it in to the dealer within a couple of days and was wondering if anyone else has had a similar problem? This is an 03, HO, A. T. , only owned nine months with 13,000 miles.

 

[Bmkar]

Guess I'd check for a short in cable first before going further... If you have meter, unplug the block heater end of cord and check for short(ohms)... if you don't have a meter plug cord into power (but unplug from heater) If cord by itself doesn't blow breaker, then block heater (or it's connector is the culprit)...



I once had a current path appear across a black plastic outlet box in a pop-up trailer in a damp environment but not directly exposed to weather... I couldn't imagine how this happened.



I'd probably scrape (with an awl-type tool) around the connector pins on the block heater in case of unseen conductor path "external" to the block heater... road salt in solution would provide this current path after it dried.



BK

 

[Blakers]

Check to see if you have a salt film on the truck's plug. Even a small amount of salt or salt water will conduct electicity and will try your GFI.

 

[CRumsey]

Thank you, to both Bmkar and Blakers. Indeed there has been a lot of salt and sand on the roads around here lately. When I checked the trucks male plug sure enough there was the green tarnish from the male connectors corroding around the base of the brass prongs. I cleaned that off and sure enough the breaker no longer is tripping. I appreciate your suggestions as they were right on the money.

 

[Blakers]

You're welcome.



I put some silicone grease on mine. Makes the plug work in and out better and helps keep moisture out.



I routed my cord so it just petrudes from under the grill and attached it to the core support with a plastic tie. This way I can plug and unplug it without opening the hood (which might have a foot of snow on it).



Blake

 

[BDuffy]

try using a non gfi outlet the extention cored may be too small in gauge. gfi'are real sencitive to inrush current.