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Old 08-04-2018, 07:53 AM   #1
DorothynJon
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50 Amp Electrical Issue

When unhooking this morning, the cord did not want to come out of the socket on the RV. Once I got it apart, I saw that one of the electrical prongs had melted. I’m sure I will have to replace both the cord end and the RV socket. Biggest concern is what caused it? Can anyone shed light? TIA.
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Old 08-04-2018, 08:02 AM   #2
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Arching is usually a sign of a loose or poor connection. I'd suspect the female connector.
If there was an abnormal amp draw inside the trailer it would/should have blown a fuse.
Replacing the connectors should do the trick.
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Old 08-04-2018, 08:07 AM   #3
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Disassemble the receptacle on the RV, you may find a loose connection on that terminal. It is the common cause of heated connections.

At minimum you will have to replace any defective (burnt/discolored) wire on the RV and the receptacle plus the end on the power cord will have to be replaced.

If under warrantee you might contact the dealer.

Post pictures when it is disassembled.
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Old 08-04-2018, 08:12 AM   #4
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3 wire 50A? That female socket is broken and needs to be replaced. Who wired that? That is not a 30A or a 50A RV plug. First step is to replace with the proper electrical connectors. If you have 50A panel in the camper then you most likely are missing the ground connection and you are living very, very dangerously.
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Old 08-04-2018, 08:17 AM   #5
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3 wire 50A? That female socket is broken and needs to be replaced. Who wired that? That is not a 30A or a 50A RV plug. First step is to replace with the proper electrical connectors. If you have 50A panel in the camper then you most likely are missing the ground connection and you are living very, very dangerously.
That is a 50amp rv plug, just like mine. Ground is on the side. Terminals are 2 hot and one neutral. Loose connection some where. OP will have to locate it.
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Old 08-04-2018, 08:21 AM   #6
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Looking at it on a larger screen I see what you have is a 50 amp MARINE connectors. Since you need to replace it I would suggest replacing with RV connectors which are more economical and you can buy whatever accessories like a dog bone that you may want or need in the future.
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Old 08-04-2018, 08:23 AM   #7
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Originally Posted by flybouy View Post
3 wire 50A? That female socket is broken and needs to be replaced. Who wired that? That is not a 30A or a 50A RV plug. First step is to replace with the proper electrical connectors. If you have 50A panel in the camper then you most likely are missing the ground connection and you are living very, very dangerously.
Slow down... the ground is the connector on the outside edge. This is the new standard. They do this to ensure the ground is made before any hot connection.
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Old 08-04-2018, 08:30 AM   #8
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This is what came from the factory.
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Old 08-04-2018, 08:38 AM   #9
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Yeah, same connector (more ore less) that's on my 5th wheel... still doesn't change the fact that there is most likely a loose connection.... could be in/on the trailer side or the pedestal side.. problem is.. how much got hot... Exactly why I use an EMS


On a similar note... always make sure the breaker is turned off before connecting or disconnecting the cord... saves a lot of headaches..
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Old 08-04-2018, 10:20 AM   #10
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[QUOTE=Javi;300458]Yeah, same connector (more ore less) that's on my 5th wheel... still doesn't change the fact that there is most likely a loose connection.... could be in/on the trailer side or the pedestal side.. problem is.. how much got hot... Exactly why I use an EMS


On a similar note... always make sure the breaker is turned off before connecting or disconnecting the cord... saves a lot of headaches..

Totally agree!
If you don't have a surge protector/ems, GET ONE ASAP!
Next time that could be your fridge, water heater air conditioner or any number of electronics on board that gets fried.
ALWAYS turn the breaker OFF BEFORE plugging in or disconnecting!!!
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Old 08-04-2018, 11:42 AM   #11
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For my own enlightenment, what is that 50A connector called? I've never seen one nor can I find one. I did find a 3 prong marine 50A adapter with 3 prongs on one side but it went back to 4 prongs at the cable. Does it only have the little spring contacts as the only source of ground? For 100 amps? That doesn't seem adequate.
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Old 08-04-2018, 02:00 PM   #12
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For my own enlightenment, what is that 50A connector called? I've never seen one nor can I find one. I did find a 3 prong marine 50A adapter with 3 prongs on one side but it went back to 4 prongs at the cable. Does it only have the little spring contacts as the only source of ground? For 100 amps? That doesn't seem adequate.
Twist lock...

https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories...A10-50FDT.html
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Old 08-04-2018, 02:04 PM   #13
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First for me. I've seen the marine 50A that's similar. Guess I need to visit the RV show more often.
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Old 08-04-2018, 02:19 PM   #14
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The metal tang on the perimeter of that setup is the ground. The three center flat terminals are L1-L2 and neutral. Very common setup for generators, welders etc. if wired correctly, correct size wire, should be fine. Looks like a loose connection.
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Old 08-04-2018, 02:41 PM   #15
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Thanks! I've seen a lot of 3 conductor twist lock cables but none that were 50A that I know of. Interesting. Do we think those little spring tabs look robust enough to carry 100A if they needed to....or would they melt/burn up? Of course, I am sure the design has been studied and approved and they are in use so that's probably irrelevant but it makes me wonder. Just trying to get a better idea of them in the event I choose a new trailer with that kind of connector.

And yes, the OPs problem does look like a loose connection.
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Old 08-04-2018, 04:08 PM   #16
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And I did forget to mention it’s the same on my 2016 sprinter.
Just FYI, if the threaded locking ring on the cord side doesn’t get threaded on, the heavy cord will cause the connections in the cord to open and not spring back over time. This causing a loose connection at the cord terminals. It’s very common on any extension cord of all types. 120v up to 600 plus volt 3 phase. That threaded ring on the RV cord is a strain relief to take the strain off of those connections.
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Old 08-04-2018, 11:13 PM   #17
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One thing I would like to mention is the use of Permatex Dialectric Grease on your shore power connectors. Prevents corrosion and helps with preventing high resistance connections that causes arcing. I use it on both the 50A and 5th wheel hitch connectors.
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Old 08-05-2018, 04:45 AM   #18
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Learn something new on here every day. As always, never a dull moment.Click image for larger version

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Old 08-05-2018, 08:57 AM   #19
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One thing I would like to mention is the use of Permatex Dialectric Grease on your shore power connectors. Prevents corrosion and helps with preventing high resistance connections that causes arcing. I use it on both the 50A and 5th wheel hitch connectors.
X2! I've always used this on the 7 pin connector, don't know why I never thought to use on the shore connection.
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Old 08-12-2018, 07:37 AM   #20
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I am real suspicious of the connector on the RV. More than likely the wires are loose and burnt on the inside. When you redo the cable make sure you redo the connection on the RV or you are wasting your time. Also use the grease than someone already mentioned.
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