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Frank&Mike · 10-07-2018, 05:58 PM

What would cause the 50 AMP adapter, to plug the 30 AMP cord into 50 AMP service, to melt onto the 30 AMP cord? Photos attached.

Also, would this situation now render the 30 AMP cord as unsafe for use?

J-Dog · 10-07-2018, 06:09 PM

Just going by the looks of the adapter plug photograph, it appear there may have been some corrosion going on, causing perhaps some resistance in the connection which can produce a significant amount of heat.
After inspecting the whole electrical cord and finding no other signs of damage I would probably purchase a replacement 30 amp plug for the end of the cord. In my opinion the adapter is no longer serviceable and needs to be replaced.

pcskier · 10-07-2018, 06:09 PM

Dirty, corroded or otherwise poor/loose connection. If the cord looks OK, clean up the connectors with some sandpaper. Definitely replace that adapter with a new, fresh, tight one. Then try again. Be wary of the old cord getting unusually warm near the plug end or the plug housing. If so, replace cord or at least replace the plug end of the cord.

SteveSueMac · 10-07-2018, 06:11 PM

One cause could be a loose fitting connection. If you had to angle it or it was hanging awkwardly and didn’t make a tight fit that could do it. I don’t know whether the whole cable is shot but replacing the plug wouldn’t be a bad idea - and I’d replace the adapter too. Others with more experience will have better answers than this. Good luck!

Al and Missy · 10-07-2018, 06:18 PM

The insulation may be damaged for an inch or so into the cable from heat conducted through the copper wire. You will be able to see this. This will be heat damage; it shouldn't be over-current damage as your wire is rated for 30 amps and is protected by a 30A breaker in the trailer's power panel. Just cut the cord back far enough that the insulation is not discolored, put on a new plug, and get a new adapter.

I have had a similar problem with the yellow Camco plugs and sockets. I need to change my cable plug and the socket on my extension cable.

I'm looking for an alternate supplier.

Al

bweybright · 10-07-2018, 06:21 PM

Any rain storms or sprinkler systems that may have given the connection a water bath?

68 Overlander · 10-07-2018, 06:22 PM

Heat and resistance possibly lose connection. We usually see it on the trailer side because of the L5 type plug not having enough metal to metal connection. Hence the invention of the Smartplug that has 20X more metal surface.
I too agree to put a new plug on the end of that cord.

SeeMore · 10-07-2018, 06:36 PM

Not mentioned but also part of your next steps - replace the adapter.

Frank&Mike · 10-07-2018, 06:59 PM

Thank you all for your assessment and recommendations. Sounds like I better replace the plug (at minimum) ... I may just purchase an entire new cord/plug. The 50 AMP adapter is definitely going in the trash.

uncle_bob · 10-07-2018, 07:03 PM

Hi

Errrr.... one other possibility ....

Turning on more than 30A of loads and hoping for the breaker to keep you ok. Breakers *do* wear out. Running ...umm... both AC's ... on a 30A circuit has indeed happened. Not that I'm confessing to anything ....

Bob

brick1 · 10-07-2018, 09:18 PM

Replace the 30 amp cord and the adapter. Time for a bit of dielectric grease...
brick

Bob Peahl · 10-08-2018, 09:39 AM

As Brick suggests, we learned from boating that dielectric grease really helps to reduce corrosion. A light coating on the male ends will work. The same is true for the TV umbilical.

bhooves · 10-08-2018, 10:04 AM

I have been advised to never, ever use one of these adapters and they can cause a fire. I seldom use my "anaconda" (50 amp power cord). I just bought a 30 power cord and haven't looked back. My 30 amp cord has turned out to be the only one that I need to use.

A side note: it is a bitch to wind or fold up the the 50 amp cord after using it in cold weather. For me it has proven to be a wrestling match that I have begin to fear that that I might lose.

CDONA · 10-08-2018, 10:52 AM

Some of those style adapters have a warning tag about full time use/max load time.

brick1 · 10-08-2018, 11:50 AM

Don’t risk a fire! But a new power cord.

Consider adding a quality surge protector and monitor the amperage, especially when on a 30 amp service.

DreamStreamr · 10-08-2018, 12:26 PM

We’ve melted 30a cord plugs 2X in 14 years, none in the last ten years. Our 25’ trailer’s max running load (actual, not rated) is 20a per the ammeter on our EMS. FWIW, we’ve never tripped a load breaker in or out of the trailer (other than gfci and it wasn’t load-related).

In both cases we had plugged into worn and loose receptacles at campgrounds. In both cases the plugs weren’t re-usable after the incident. We try to keep the plug blades clean and if we find power post is too loose to securely hold the plug then we either ask for a move or we try an adapter to use a different receptacle.

gklott · 10-08-2018, 07:26 PM

Recommend replacing as everyone said. Additionally, consider replacing what you have with a SmartPlug. We are glad we did.

vintageracer · 10-14-2018, 10:38 AM

The campground pedestal into which you plugged your RV could have been the problem.

Did you properly electrically test the pedestal into which you plugged into before you plugged into the pedestal and therefore are you positive that the pedestal into which you plugged into was properly wired?

Suggest you look at several of the video's and links below that can provide tests and recommend electrical test equipment to ensure the pedestal into which you plug your Airstream is properly wired and therefore will not cause any number of electrical issues that can range from minor to deadly:

https://yourfulltimervliving.com/rv-...of-a-young-boy

https://rvtravel.com/proper-rv-chass...kin-condition/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuWX9wJwvtU

JandDcam · 10-14-2018, 11:56 AM

Marinco makes excellent quality replacement parts. Used them on previous boat cords and now the AS ones

Scoutx · 10-14-2018, 12:39 PM

Corrosion or poor/loose connection.
Without a good connection you build up heat.
Too much and things melt.

You should replace the connector on the end of the cord and get a new adaptor.
Cut off at least 3" of cord to get away from any heat damaged insultation.
Replace adaptor whenever you see and signs of corrosion or if it becomes very easy to plug cord into. If you use it regularly consider carrying g a new spare so you have no reason not to switch to a new one when needed.
For myself I use a water tight twistlock on the end of my cord, and then have 30 and 50 amp plugs with a short run of wire to a water tight twistlock. I find they are far more durable and you don't end up with an adaptor being partially unplugged due to the side loading of the cord. Also fits much nearer under the cover keeping it shelter from the elements.