Help, 12 Volt TV melted the plug-in at wall.

[RLS]

We had a bad storm come thru today that left us without electricity for a few hrs. We decided to use the trailer and just relax watching some shows. The TV was acting a little odd, not bringing in sound and the DVD would not work. Thought maybe it was just from not being used. After the electricity came back on 3 hrs. later, the TV ran perfect and the DVD was fine. I went to unplug it from the wall and WOW, was it hot It actually melted part of the plastic housing. I then did a battery check with the monitor and saw the batteries were at about 55%. Is the state of the batteries what caused the plug to get so hot or do you think it was just a cheap plug that could not handle the load? I am very concerned about this and need to know why it happened. Input needed and appreciated

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, most common on low voltage systems [12 volt] is a poor connection. I have repaired many cars that had fuse panels, switches, and connectors that have melted because of dirty, rusty, and loose connections. I would consider changing to a different type connector for your TV.

[idroba]

Just a cheap plug or outlet. The 12 volt "cigarette lighter" stile outlet is a very marginal design which has become, unfortunately, standard. The Airstream version has been pretty poorly made and wired, at least the older ones. I took apart a melted one on a friends '87 and it had 16 gage wire, and a flimsy outlet itself. I replaced it for him with heavier wire and a good outlet from an auto parts store, one actually designed for a lighter, with a ceramic center part.

[RLS]

Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS

Hi, most common on low voltage systems [12 volt] is a poor connection. I have repaired many cars that had fuse panels, switches, and connectors that have melted because of dirty, rusty, and loose connections. I would consider changing to a different type connector for your TV.

Thanks Bob. I take it you're saying the cig. plug on the wall is the problem? What would take it's place, a regular wall outlet wired 12 volt?
The plastic around the prongs that make contact with the female part did not melt, it was from the heat inside the male plug that melted the plastic. Very weird.

[RLS]

Originally Posted by idroba

Just a cheap plug or outlet. The 12 volt "cigarette lighter" stile outlet is a very marginal design which has become, unfortunately, standard. The Airstream version has been pretty poorly made and wired, at least the older ones. I took apart a melted one on a friends '87 and it had 16 gage wire, and a flimsy outlet itself. I replaced it for him with heavier wire and a good outlet from an auto parts store, one actually designed for a lighter, with a ceramic center part.

So maybe if I can find a heavy duty male plug that might solve it?

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, I would consider something like this:

[RLS]

Bob, that looks just like what I need. Thank you,