Did my surge protector fail?

[hockeytownmom]

I had the surge protector connected, E0 everytime I checked it. Went to disconnect the MH cable and I couldn't get the plug to come out. After much pulling and wiggling it gave way and the plastic at the prong was melted. We never lost power, protector never tripped.

[DSurette]

I wouldn't say that your surge protector failed. It looks to me like one of your legs had a less than optimal connection and overheated.

[Timex]

I would say that you might not have had the plug twist locked in place enough. I am also a firm believer of making sure the prongs are clean and shiny and have a good film of dielectric grease on them.

I also wind up with some grease on me too!

[hockeytownmom]

Is this an easy fix?

[Timex]

Originally Posted by hockeytownmom

Is this an easy fix?

First of all, you need to determine why the plug melted.

Was it twist-locked properly?
Were you drawing too many amps?
Was the power supply adequate for what you were demanding?
Was the power cord snugly plugged into the surge protector?
Were the pins bent so as to not make a proper connection?
Was the pedestal receptacle poorly maintained?

You will have to get the piece out of the MH receptacle by disassembling it somehow(doesn't look too difficult) and most definitely either put a new end on the cord(by a qualified person) or better yet, buy a new cord. I know, I know, these things are expensive but that's what money is for.

[hockeytownmom]

Everything from the receptacle looked good, watts from it was good. I was on a 50 amp site running 30 amps with a dog bone. I would bet money the connection was poor because my husband has no patience to make sure the twist lock is threaded properly.

[clr]

I would say that you had a light (poor) connection at the melted location. You will need to purchase a new connector and cut the old connector out and re terminate the wires properly. If you are not comfortable doing this have a professional do it for you. Clean the contacts in the future and make sure they are tight and you should minimize this happening.

[northstar1960]

for sure replace that cord end . no need to buy a whole new cord . that would be a big waste of money and the plug ends cost enough as it is . easy replacement for most anybody that can operate a screw driver and are not color blind . that was caused by a bad connection . arching was going on and caused the heat to melt the plastic

[lbrjet]

You may have been pulling more than 30 amps and you MH breaker didn't trip. This is the breakers job and not the surge protector. I would have that breaker looked at when you are replacing everything else.


2010 F250 5.4L 3.73
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
Equal-i-zer 4pt 12K

[Mrpsyko]

Looks to me like it was a poor connection either at the receptacle or your plug, I would just replace the plug, it is very easy to do.

[hockeytownmom]

I got a quote from a local RV shop. 300.00 total for the plug, cord and labor. I went to Camping World today and bought both for 100.00 or so. I'll install the new plug myself. I also bought the lubricant.

[Timex]

Originally Posted by hockeytownmom

I got a quote from a local RV shop. 300.00 total for the plug, cord and labor. I went to Camping World today and bought both for 100.00 or so. I'll install the new plug myself. I also bought the lubricant.

Good deal!

[hockeytownmom]

I fixed it on Thursday and camping in it today. It was very easy!