pacamper
Andreas, Pa
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Joined: 11/04/2003
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Hey all,
What could cause a little melting around the prongs of my shore connection plug ??
pacamper
2000 F150 4X4 5.4V8
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z_i_m
alabama
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Joined: 06/02/2008
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lightning strike near by...........or a short in the system itself.............any storms recently?
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bsimonds
Winnsboro, TX, USA
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A worn out receptacle giving a poor (high resistance) connection heating up the plug.
Bill Simonds
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Fishinghat
Western Washington, USA
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The 30 amp plugs will get hot when used at or near their amperage limit. The plastic used in manufacture melts.
I bought a yellow plug at Camping World that uses a plastic with a higher melting point. (I needed an adapter plug to go from 30 amp to 50 amp, but the principal is the same.)
Holiday Rambler Navigator DP, Mustang Convertible, and Honda VT1100C Shadow.
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Bearnkat
Fort Worth, Texas
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On our cord plug, there has been signs of "arcing" and poor conductivity as well. Before our next trip I'll probably be replacing our plug.
Some of the receptacles at the campgrounds are pretty old and have been used a lot. When I can I always use the 50amp outlet (with a "dog bone") since the 50amp plugs are normally newer and less used.
Chuck & Terry
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Dixonmatco
Santa Rosa, California
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Bearnkat wrote:On our cord plug, there has been signs of "arcing" and poor conductivity as well. Before our next trip I'll probably be replacing our plug.
Some of the receptacles at the campgrounds are pretty old and have been used a lot. When I can I always use the 50amp outlet (with a "dog bone") since the 50amp plugs are normally newer and less used.
EXACTLY! This is a very common problem with older RV parks. Using the 50A adapter is a way to avoind this. Also, it is very wise to have a volt meter plugged into one of your outlets at all times to monitor voltage. That resistance also causes low voltage and this can damage appliances.
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big dave
Soldotna, Alaska, USA
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A poor connection combined with high usage is THE cause for the plug around the prongs to melt. It is usually started when you plug into a bad outlet, and then once your plug is pitted and burned, it will start the process in the next outlet you plug into. (kind of like catching the flu, and passing it along).
The first sign that an outlet is worn out is that it offer's little resistance to insert or remove the plug. A tight fitting plug is usually a good sign.
Dave & Rose C
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TXiceman
(Near) Houston,TX
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Usually it is worn and loose recepticle or worn plug. Also if the connections in either part of the plug are loose, it will generate excess heat and melt the plastic. You should get a new male plug and repalce the end before it hurts someone.
When you plug into a campsite, inspect the plug first and DO NOT use it if it is not in good shape, show signs of heat of smoked.
Ken
KE5DFR
Vintage 1979 Silver Streak Supreme Rocket toted by a 2002 F350, crewcab dually, 7.3L,4.10 axle,SCMT. Travel with two miniature Schnauzers and one African Gray parrot. Practicing for retirement!
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tvman44
Southwest Louisiana
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Worn out loose receptacle will cause heat.
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pete42
Jamestown, Ohio
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Two things
one like others have said if the female receptacle is loose the plug won't make tight contact and heat is produced.
two plugging into or unplugging from the campground's power pole with something on in the trailer Like the fridge or even the converter.
When unplugging a spark will jump from plug to receptacle.
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