Electrical cord issues

[QE2]

Hi
Having problems with our power cord and shore power inlet. Where they attach together the plastic on both sides is melting and there is a burning smell. Upon investigation it appears one of the prongs on the power inlet is corroded. So obviously going to replace power cord. Also have to replace power inlet. Does anyone know why, or how this happened. Also I am not sure exactly what power inlet to order. Looked at marinco interior replacement online just not sure its going to fit. Any comments or suggestions?
2009 25' flying cloud

[HowieE]

Remove the old receptacle and take it to an electrical supply house to ensure you get the correct one. The Big Box Store will not have it.

Replace the female end on the umbilical cord.

This is the result of high current at that junction. If over time you have been inserting and removing the cord while the power was on you have been drawing an ark each time. These arks will pit the contact surfaces and reduce the conductivity. In time that creates a resistance at the connection and cause a hot connection.

Get into the habit of turning off the power at the city source before plugging in or unplugging the cord.

[Glenritas]

Another cause is the cord not fully engaging and being twisted to the lock position so the prongs are fully engaged.
This can happen when the rubber boot allows the cord end to slip back into it.
So when you push the end in the boot prevents the cord end from being able to twist to the lock position.

Be sure that the cord end locks into place. The boot only keeps the rain out it doesn't insure the cord end is fully engaged.

[AWCHIEF]

This seems to be the next must have item. Several people have reported switching over to this new plug configuration.

SmartPlug Shore Power Product Lines

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...Ck%3ASmartplug

[afneill]

I had this happen to me. When I replaced it I found the screw on the wire to that prong was not sufficiently tightened so heat was built up. I ordered mine from Amazon for about $50. It was white, not gray. Catalog number is Marinco 301 EL-B. Check that out to see if it will work for you. They are not particularly fun to change out.

[handn]

I would also purchase a new power cord. You are going to have welding on the female end of it as well. As I remember cost was less than $100.

[kb0zke]

Several Foretravel owners have switched to the SmartPlug. I've looked at it, but can't justify the several hundred dollars the 50A set would cost - yet. I think if I had obvious issues like the OP has I'd probably go ahead.

Has anyone actually switched to the SmartPlug on an Airstream? If so, please post some pictures of the completed project and a user report. Others might like to follow suit.

[AWCHIEF]

Originally Posted by kb0zke

Several Foretravel owners have switched to the SmartPlug. I've looked at it, but can't justify the several hundred dollars the 50A set would cost - yet. I think if I had obvious issues like the OP has I'd probably go ahead.

Has anyone actually switched to the SmartPlug on an Airstream? If so, please post some pictures of the completed project and a user report. Others might like to follow suit.

Agree, the cost is rather high. I don't think I would swap out a good plug and socket for it. My trailer is showing evidence of light arching. If and when it does get worse it might be worth consideration. YouTube has several videos about it. Found several videos from SOB and boat manufacturers that are now installing it as EOM.

[QE2]

Ok. So after a lot of debate. I ordered the smart plug. I do think it's overpriced. Maybe the smell of burning plastic pushed me that direction. Will report after installation.

[cwf]

Originally Posted by QE2

Ok. So after a lot of debate. I ordered the smart plug. I do think it's overpriced. Maybe the smell of burning plastic pushed me that direction. Will report after installation.

Fire, especially in a trailer, can mess up your camping day.