# Lubricating an electrical plug (Yes, you read that right) **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [March 30, 2005, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lubricating-an-electrical-plug-yes-you-read-that-right/296878 "2005-03-30T02:57:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Carnac\_the\_Magnificent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@Carnac\_the\_Magnificent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carnac_the_Magnificent)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2005, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lubricating-an-electrical-plug-yes-you-read-that-right/296878/1 "2005-03-30T02:57:14Z")
I’ve got a couple of lamps whose cords don’t insert/release from an electrical socket very well. The prongs are parallel. Can electrical plugs be VERY LIGHTLY lubricated (I’m talking the thinnest possible film) with some type of lubricant? If so, what safely works? I’m thinking something like 3-in-1 oil. Bad idea? ---
**Author:** ![Napier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ce73a5/32.png) [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2005, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lubricating-an-electrical-plug-yes-you-read-that-right/296878/2 "2005-03-30T03:13:23Z")
Certainly this would work. In fact many complex electronic devices can be submerged in lubricants. You don’t have to worry about making the film super thin, either. It is important that the lubricant not be a conductor of electricity, or it might form a path somewhere that shorts the two terminals together. Practically all lubricants, certainly all machine lubes made from hydrocarbons or silicones, are insulators. Lubes for medicinal purposes or something might be exceptions. The blades of the plug will press through the insulating film and make a good contact. Also, I think it’d be dangerous if the lube were flammable. Pulling the plug out while it is supplying current could ignite a flammable liquid, I’d think. Accidental fires in your house are scary enough - starting them inside a wall sounds even worse. I think WD40 shows electrical uses in the directions on the can. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2005, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lubricating-an-electrical-plug-yes-you-read-that-right/296878/3 "2005-03-30T03:15:39Z")
I’d bend the prongs when with the plug not connected, of course, rather than put anything on them. How often do you unplug your appliances, anyway? ---
**Author:** ![Carnac\_the\_Magnificent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@Carnac\_the\_Magnificent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carnac_the_Magnificent)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2005, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lubricating-an-electrical-plug-yes-you-read-that-right/296878/4 "2005-03-30T03:27:52Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > I’d bend the prongs when with the plug not connected, of course, rather than put anything on them. **Carnac the Magnificent!** … The prongs are parallel. P.S. Long story, but I have to unplug these 2 devices. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2005, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lubricating-an-electrical-plug-yes-you-read-that-right/296878/5 "2005-03-30T03:29:31Z")
I’ve used WD40 with electrical plugs, and especially light bulbs (they unscrew more easily). No problem. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2005, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lubricating-an-electrical-plug-yes-you-read-that-right/296878/6 "2005-03-30T03:37:46Z")
> [@Carnac the Magnificent!](#): > > **Carnac the Magnificent!** … The prongs are parallel. Well, yes, I should hope so. 🙂 Bending the prongs toward each other generally makes them fit more loosely into the socket, and way from each other more tightly. WD40? Really? I thought it would be conductive. ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2005, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lubricating-an-electrical-plug-yes-you-read-that-right/296878/7 "2005-03-30T03:43:48Z")
WD40 catches on fire quite easily. No way I would ever consider putting it on an electrical source. Even if it does “Work”. :eek: Not worth the hazard and surely not recommenended in any electrical code that I could fathom. :smack: ---
**Author:** ![Squink](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5e925/32.png) [@Squink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squink)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2005, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lubricating-an-electrical-plug-yes-you-read-that-right/296878/8 "2005-03-30T04:35:33Z")
When a plug or outlet starts acting cranky, it’s a sign that it’s time to _replace_ the plug or outlet. ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2005, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lubricating-an-electrical-plug-yes-you-read-that-right/296878/9 "2005-03-30T04:42:39Z")
Could not have said it better myself. FIGHT IGNORANCE, save people from themselves, the straightdope mantra is . . . FIGHT IGNORANCE. :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![danceswithcats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9e8a1a/32.png) [@danceswithcats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/danceswithcats)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2005, 5:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lubricating-an-electrical-plug-yes-you-read-that-right/296878/10 "2005-03-30T05:33:37Z")
The only lubricant associated with electrical products is the icky stuff we put in conduit to ease the pulling of conductors. Firm contact between a cord cap (plug) and a receptacle device (outlet) is necessary to complete a low resistance circuit. Lube should not be used. ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2005, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lubricating-an-electrical-plug-yes-you-read-that-right/296878/11 "2005-03-30T05:45:38Z")
Well . . . they also put it on circuit boards. But only in controlled, ie OEM manufactured devices. And they have standards that they must follow themselves. NOT EVER on light bulbs, electrical outlets or ANYTHING else that is used in a home. PLEASE people, don’t try this at home where your children or loved ones (or even just yourself) would be at risk! ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Meeko](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e495f1/32.png) [@Meeko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meeko)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2005, 12:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lubricating-an-electrical-plug-yes-you-read-that-right/296878/12 "2005-03-30T12:00:13Z")
Anything named Water Displacment Formula 40 should not be introduced to Electricity. … Perhaps if the entire “Water” situation was not present… maybe. ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2005, 12:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lubricating-an-electrical-plug-yes-you-read-that-right/296878/13 "2005-03-30T12:21:43Z")
You can get dielectric grease at an auto parts store. It is specifically designed to be used in electrical contacts, like around bulbs and such. ---
**Author:** ![spingears](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ebca7d/32.png) [@spingears](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spingears)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2005, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lubricating-an-electrical-plug-yes-you-read-that-right/296878/14 "2005-03-30T13:58:42Z")
> [@Carnac the Magnificent!](#): > > I’ve got a couple of lamps whose cords don’t insert/release from an electrical socket very well. The prongs are parallel. In addition to lubrication the contacts may merely be tight. Need lube to ease inserting and removing plug prongs. Bending the prongs is a last resort to make contact and/or stay in place. Replace the receptacle! > [@](#): > > Can electrical plugs be VERY LIGHTLY lubricated (I’m talking the thinnest possible film) with some type of lubricant? If so, what safely works? YES Use a silicone grease stick, silicone spray, or automotive dielectirc grease. > [@](#): > > I’m thinking something like 3-in-1 oil. Bad idea? Better than nothing but not the best. ---
**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2005, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lubricating-an-electrical-plug-yes-you-read-that-right/296878/15 "2005-03-30T16:39:27Z")
> [@Meeko](#): > > Anything named Water Displacment Formula 40 should not be introduced to Electricity. … Perhaps if the entire “Water” situation was not present… maybe. The functional word in that name is **Displacment**. Means to get rid of, not attract. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Max\_Torque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Max\_Torque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_Torque)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2005, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lubricating-an-electrical-plug-yes-you-read-that-right/296878/16 "2005-03-30T19:10:55Z")
How about starting with an electrical contact cleaner, before you jump up to lubricating? Might clear your problem up without having to go the extra step. ---
**Author:** ![Carnac\_the\_Magnificent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@Carnac\_the\_Magnificent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carnac_the_Magnificent)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2005, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lubricating-an-electrical-plug-yes-you-read-that-right/296878/17 "2005-03-31T04:00:34Z")
> [@Max Torque](#): > > How about starting with an electrical contact cleaner, before you jump up to lubricating? Might clear your problem up without having to go the extra step. Sounds reasonable. I’ll give it a whirl.