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“Growth” (?) on DC prongs

Posted: Wed Mar 15, 2023 1:29 am
by Rizzoe
Odd title I admit however I’m not sure how to define what I’m looking at. Does anyone else have any “growth” on the DC prongs? I tried taking some pics and I think it’s visible enough.

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I’ve used DC charging less than a handful of times. The AC prongs also seem to have some but to a much lesser extent. Admittedly I’ve peeked at other car’s charging ports while charging but I never saw anything like this. Should I be worried? Is it likely due to arching from the charger and the port due to the location of the port and stress of the cable?

Re: “Growth” (?) on DC prongs

Posted: Wed Mar 15, 2023 4:27 pm
by londiniumperson
That looks similar to my car (see photo below), which like you has only seen a DC charge a couple of times.
I wonder if it is dielectric grease and dust has adhered to it.

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Re: “Growth” (?) on DC prongs

Posted: Thu Mar 16, 2023 8:51 am
by EEEE
Yeah mine looks the same if not a bit worse actually on the AC prongs as well. The AC prongs will be subject to longer heating so perhaps it is non-conductive grease/adhesive that the caps are stuck on with.

I'll try and clean it off using some cotton buds, If it goes hard over time it might damage the conductors or wear out the connectors in charging devices, and we don't want them to fail any more than they already do...

Car is due a good detailing before the next car show so i'll give it a clean over than and report back.

Re: “Growth” (?) on DC prongs

Posted: Fri Mar 17, 2023 11:00 am
by Rizzoe
londiniumperson wrote: Wed Mar 15, 2023 4:27 pm I wonder if it is dielectric grease and dust has adhered to it.
I never realized the public plugs had grease in the connections. Also oof in a certain sense i'm glad i'm not the only one but i asked around in other EV forums and seems like no other vehicle had this issue...
EEEE wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 8:51 am I'll try and clean it off using some cotton buds, If it goes hard over time it might damage the conductors or wear out the connectors in charging devices, and we don't want them to fail any more than they already do...

Car is due a good detailing before the next car show so i'll give it a clean over than and report back.
I tried quickly with a toothpick, clean dry rag and some elbow grease but was only able to remove some superficial grime, the prongs seem "stained". Maybe a plastic wire brush would work better. I'll try again this weekend when i have some more time.

Re: “Growth” (?) on DC prongs

Posted: Fri Mar 17, 2023 4:16 pm
by londiniumperson
Whatever this is doesn't bother me, it's out of sight with the grey plastic covers and glass lid anyway,
As long as the car charges that's all I'm concerned about in regards this.