Shocked when pluggin in heater.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
From: high bridge, nj
i plugged the extension cord into the wall and then into my truck and when i went to plug it into the truck i saw sparks. I no longer use the block heater, because of that and i have nowhere where i live to do it. next time you plug it in wiggle the connection at the truck back and forth and see if you have sparks.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
From: Fredericksburg, Va
3 times in the last 2 weeks (first time about 10 seconds apart) swore to never do it again wet without leather gloves, tried it one night like an idiot, I have a nice huge chunk of skin out of the back of my hand currently...
yes, I have learned!
only happens when wet, last time I thought everything was dry enough, I know well enough, just was not thinking and paid for it
yes, I have learned!
only happens when wet, last time I thought everything was dry enough, I know well enough, just was not thinking and paid for it
Trending Topics
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,144
Likes: 11
From: Rochdale MA
What is happening here is the cord that feeds the block heater is failing. This can be chaffed or just the insulation breaking down. I'm willing to bet that if they were plugged into a GFI outlet the GFI would trip. The reason why you ae getting shocked is because the electricity want to return to "home" which is ground. You can replace the cord on the heater. For safety's sake PLEASE plug it into a GFI protected outlet.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
From: Fredericksburg, Va
What is happening here is the cord that feeds the block heater is failing. This can be chaffed or just the insulation breaking down. I'm willing to bet that if they were plugged into a GFI outlet the GFI would trip. The reason why you ae getting shocked is because the electricity want to return to "home" which is ground. You can replace the cord on the heater. For safety's sake PLEASE plug it into a GFI protected outlet.
currently looking at one of those marine plugs, mount on the bumper, water proof....
mostly my fault, I leave the extension cord outside when I leave at 530am in the morning, cause I am always running late! not a good idea when it's raining and due to drop below 30 at night
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,661
Likes: 0
From: Bridgewater, VA
mine is on a GFI, has not tripped yet..
currently looking at one of those marine plugs, mount on the bumper, water proof....
mostly my fault, I leave the extension cord outside when I leave at 530am in the morning, cause I am always running late! not a good idea when it's raining and due to drop below 30 at night
currently looking at one of those marine plugs, mount on the bumper, water proof....
mostly my fault, I leave the extension cord outside when I leave at 530am in the morning, cause I am always running late! not a good idea when it's raining and due to drop below 30 at night
I too would like to do the marine plug too, but would that prevent you from gettin shocked??
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,144
Likes: 11
From: Rochdale MA
mine is on a GFI, has not tripped yet..
currently looking at one of those marine plugs, mount on the bumper, water proof....
mostly my fault, I leave the extension cord outside when I leave at 530am in the morning, cause I am always running late! not a good idea when it's raining and due to drop below 30 at night
currently looking at one of those marine plugs, mount on the bumper, water proof....
mostly my fault, I leave the extension cord outside when I leave at 530am in the morning, cause I am always running late! not a good idea when it's raining and due to drop below 30 at night
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,333
Likes: 1
From: St. Louis, Mo.
Ya - Dont take a chance on a 15.00 cord for your life- Plug truck in first then go in a plug in extension cord, if you do nothing else. Problem is if someone else gets near it . Got rocked by 230 volts standing in water 1 time and believe me you dont want to go there. Dont take much to get ya when your wet.
