Block heater cord melted!

[101ABNTROOP]

I got home from work tonight, and plugged my truck in as I usually do (2007 6.7L Cummins). Then went back to get my stuff out of the cab. Just as I was crawling back in I saw a big flash like a welding arc reflect off the siding of my house! So I ran back to the front of the truck and my heater cord is on fire! Just a small flame, but still on fire! So then I blew out the flame and grabbed the extention cord to unplug it and it started to arc again so I gave it quick yank and got it unplugged. Of course it was laying across my bumper and charred and melted a spot on it. Anyone else ever had this happen? I'm taking it in tomorrow morning to see if they will fix it. It's the cord that it came from the factory with so it wasn't like I screwed up the installation. It worked fine all last year and so far this winter until today. I hope they cover the bumper too, looks like crap.

 

[ouch]

sound like it wasn't on a GFI or it was on a ****ty breaker.... i think it happend cuz it was arking from water in the connection... make sure you have it pluged into a GFI outlet for next time.

 

[Ex-Member]

Check the breaker, doesn't sound like that was doing its job. Also, might consider installing an arc-fault interruptor.

I'd run that next one through a corrugated tube or something to give the cable some protection.

 

[Circus Midget]

Two weeks ago we lost a shop, tractor, truck, a freshly rebuilt 3406 Cat, and a bunch of other stuff in a fire. We had the block heater plugged in on the tractor and it shorted out. The fuel tank was on top of the engine, so it didn't take long until everything was in full blaze.

 

[101ABNTROOP]

Pics

It was the same ext. cord and outlet I have always used. Worked fine last year and so far this winter. I don't think it was water causing the short it was too cold out today probably around 20F. Tried to get pics of the wires, but couldn't get the camera to focus. Looks like the wires crossed somehow. Don't know how that would have happend though. I've never twisted the plug or drove off with it still plugged in. Anyhow I hope the dealership will hook me up.

 

[ouch]

hmm weird i thought it woulda started at the cord end... you should still check to see if its on a gfi, or next time let it keep going... and dont replace it with another dodge... i had to....

 

[Fosgate]

Had the same thing happen years ago on my mothers 85 Cavalier. Appeared a squirrel bit the cord. Check your local dealer and see if there are any service bullitins out on your truck for it. If not, ask if an animal could have done it. If they can prove not a mechanical failure turn it over to insurance as a comprehensive claim. (won't count against you for claim history or effect premium as it would be considered and "act of god") Just pay your deduct.

 

[augerin]

hmm weird i thought it woulda started at the cord end... you should still check to see if its on a gfi, or next time let it keep going... and dont replace it with another dodge... i had to....

GFI's don't react to that kind of a fault, it would have to be an arc fault circuit. GFI's sense difference between neutral and hot amperage and that looked like a failure in the insulation between the conductors so all it would see is a heater effectivly.

 

[titmouse]

Block heater coards are prone for failure. They get hot and cold numerous times. My borthers barn burnt down, The coard gets brittle and will finally break. The coard fell on the barn floor and got normal hay whatever on fire. Gone. It has happened several times to me, coards fail. Keep your eye on them, replace them. GFI is not the problem or the breaker is not the problem. They live in a harsh enviroment.