SmartPlug Extension Cord for an I19 Question

[cactusjk]

We have a new I19 and my 30’ 30A SmartPlug cord is not quite long enough to reach from my outlet.

Recommendations on what to do?

[StogieMan]

You can either get a 50ft 30A SmartPlug or you can get a 4’ 30A to 15A SmartPlug adapter. Both are pricey but I would get the adapter to have just in case you need to use an extension cord somewhere where there is no 30A connection.

If you’re going to keep it tied at home to a 15 or 20A outlet it will be more than enough to keep you charged up. Just adjust your incoming power to reflect what the outdoor outlet is rated for.


https://www.etrailer.com/Marine-Powe...ug/SM64FR.html


https://www.westmarine.com/smartplug...SABEgK0-_D_BwE

[cactusjk]

I have never seen a 50’ SmartPlug cord?

I need to run the AC mainly here in AZ. So a 15’ 30 extension cord will not work?

I have a 30A outlet outside to plug into.

[Boxster1971]

How much more cord do you need. They make a Smart Plug 25 foot extension for 30A cords - but a bit pricey.
https://www.amazon.com/SmartPlug-CM3.../dp/B08X4YTQTN

Cheaper option is a 30A RV extensions cord like this one on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0881DFDV3/?th=1

[cactusjk]

Originally Posted by Boxster1971

How much more cord do you need. They make a Smart Plug 25 foot extension for 30A cords - but a bit pricey.
https://www.amazon.com/SmartPlug-CM3.../dp/B08X4YTQTN

Cheaper option is a 30A RV extensions cord like this one on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0881DFDV3/?th=1

I need about 15 feet max. Why not go with the cheaper option?

[StogieMan]

Originally Posted by cactusjk

I have never seen a 50’ SmartPlug cord?

I need to run the AC mainly here in AZ. So a 15’ 30 extension cord will not work?

I have a 30A outlet outside to plug into.

You can run your AC from a 20A outlet and the breaker in your AI for the AC is 20A. However, you won’t be able to run any other appliances and you’d want a thicker gauge extension cord. You can also install an EasyStart Soft Start on your AC if the newer AI’s don’t come with one for a lower start up current. You don’t need it but will make it easier on the AC and down the road if you upgrade your battery bank and want to run your AC off them.

Boxster’s extension cord recommendation is a good one too.

[cactusjk]

Originally Posted by StogieMan

You can run your AC from a 20A outlet and the breaker in your AI for the AC is 20A. However, you won’t be able to run any other appliances and you’d want a thicker gauge extension cord. You can also install an EasyStart Soft Start on your AC if the newer AI’s don’t come with one for a lower start up current. You don’t need it but will make it easier on the AC and down the road if you upgrade your battery bank and want to run your AC off them.

Boxster’s extension cord recommendation is a good one too.

Thanks for the quick replies. Will try the 15’ extension cord for now.

[BigAl]

I have always been able to run my airconditioner on a 15 amp circuit. Even without the easy start that I have installed a few years ago. Use a heavy extension cord to prevent voltage drop. If for some reason the 15 amp circuit can’t handle it, the breaker will trip.

[cactusjk]

Great to know!

Originally Posted by BigAl

I have always been able to run my airconditioner on a 15 amp circuit. Even without the easy start that I have installed a few years ago. Use a heavy extension cord to prevent voltage drop. If for some reason the 15 amp circuit can’t handle it, the breaker will trip.

[Boxite]

What possible advantage is a “smartplug” over a standard extension…?? Seems to me to be a limitation that forces one to buy only other “smartplug” accys.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

For use while in the driveway or in storage, I got a very normal extension cord from Lowes(?) and put a Smartplug on the end of it. Easier to deal with than the heavy stock cord. I don't run the A/C while in storage or in the driveway.

Bob

[Old Fart]

Originally Posted by cactusjk

I have never seen a 50’ SmartPlug cord?

I need to run the AC mainly here in AZ. So a 15’ 30 extension cord will not work?

I have a 30A outlet outside to plug into.

You can get a 50' 30 amp RV extension cord from Amazon.

[Wazbro]

Originally Posted by Boxite

What possible advantage is a “smartplug” over a standard extension…?? Seems to me to be a limitation that forces one to buy only other “smartplug” accys.

Well, the OP did ask for a Smartplug extension cord.

The only other reasons I can think of is some people like to through away money or claim to have the best of something.

[Rocinante]

Yeah, I see no need for a Smartplug-specific extension cord. Get a standard high-quality 30-amp cord with a compatible standard 30-amp plug on one end and a standard 30-amp socket on the other. Bob's your uncle!

[cactusjk]

Originally Posted by Rocinante

Yeah, I see no need for a Smartplug-specific extension cord. Get a standard high-quality 30-amp cord with a compatible standard 30-amp plug on one end and a standard 30-amp socket on the other. Bob's your uncle!

Totally agree! Other than the SmartPlug that connects to the I19 don’t see why you can’t just use a 30A extension cord.

[StogieMan]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

For use while in the driveway or in storage, I got a very normal extension cord from Lowes(?) and put a Smartplug on the end of it. Easier to deal with than the heavy stock cord. I don't run the A/C while in storage or in the driveway.

Bob

Yup, did the same with a smaller one for easy storage.

[Rocinante]

If one just wants to keep the coach batteries charged, that's a fantastic idea.

[ChuckFeldt]

BE AWARE
If your intention is to run the air conditioner on the extension cord.
Voltage drop due to wire length can result in high amp loads and possible damage.
If your intention is to just power batteries and other low amp loads length is not so important.
SO.
What to do.
Buy the CAMCO 25 ft 120 Volt 30 Amp extension cord.
Buy a 50A-30A adaptor (dogleg) Great for damaged 30A receptacles.
Buy a plug-in digital volt meter and pay attention to voltage when running the A/C.
105 Volts is the minimum safe voltage.
This is when you try the 50-30A adaptor to see if it gives higher voltage.

[cactusjk]

Originally Posted by ChuckFeldt

BE AWARE
If your intention is to run the air conditioner on the extension cord.
Voltage drop due to wire length can result in high amp loads and possible damage.
If your intention is to just power batteries and other low amp loads length is not so important.
SO.
What to do.
Buy the CAMCO 25 ft 120 Volt 30 Amp extension cord.
Buy a 50A-30A adaptor (dogleg) Great for damaged 30A receptacles.
Buy a plug-in digital volt meter and pay attention to voltage when running the A/C.
105 Volts is the minimum safe voltage.
This is when you try the 50-30A adaptor to see if it gives higher voltage.

Aren’t the connectors different for 50A/ 3oA?

[ChuckFeldt]

Yes. The Receptacles are different. The 50A-30A adapter has a male 50A plug and female 30A receptacle. Allows you to access the 50A side of the available electric. And a savior when the 30A is damaged. Which is often your first indicator of possible low voltage.