Sacrificial power cord end?

**KyDan** · 07-19-2018, 12:03 PM

While touring the northwest recently we stayed in 21 different campgrounds. Some had good voltages and good power post sockets and some didn't.
Somewhere in the mix I discovered one prong on the male end of my 30 amp cord had overheated. I think it's ok but it's discolored and very slightly melted the plastic around it's base.

I wonder about some sort of short sacrificial pig tail I could plug into questionable worn sockets in order to protect my expensive main cord.

Any ideas??

**Bama Rambler** · 07-19-2018, 02:59 PM

Camco makes one and I'm sure others do as well.

Camco 18" PowerGrip Extender

**KyDan** · 07-19-2018, 07:22 PM

Thanks!! There are tons of "adapters" but an actual 30 to 30 was hard to find.
Once I found the camco 55205 number I googled and found it at Wal-Mart for 10 bucks with free ship to store. That's cheaper than a replacement cord end. And a burned cord end could have left us in 100 deg heat without AC!

**KyDan** · 07-20-2018, 06:48 AM

Bama, thanks again! Donno how you found it. There are 20A to 30A
50 to 30, 30 to 50, 4 prong genny to 30A and on and on..... finding a true 30 to 30 was like finding that needle in the haystack!
I know it's just another accessory that most won't feel the need for but I saw a LOT of worn, loose, burned power post sockets on my recent NW trip and this is going to be my 1st line of defense against a fried power cord plug.

We found so many 30 amp sites that had low voltage I was thinking we needed to pay for 50 amp sites just so I could have enough power to run the AC in my little 30 Amp rig....

BandJCarm · 07-20-2018, 07:03 AM

One prong? Which prong?

I realize this is 100% different, being 30 amp..........but a friend had the neutral prong on his plug go loose (50 amp trailer) and had a fire.......and his portable EMS didn't see it of course, being past that location. I realize his was caused by the short between L1 and L2 and you don't have that problem.

Still..........I think I'd take that plug end apart and see what MIGHT need replacing before I'd simply plug a new one onto the end of it. I'm not very electrical smart, and maybe that doesn't matter. Others can chime in.

**KyDan** · 07-20-2018, 07:43 AM

Can't take my cord end apart to "check" as it's a molded on cord end.
My EMS is in the trailer so it should kick out if there's an issue.
In fact it did kick out in 2 or 3 different campgrounds when voltage was very low.... like I said, I felt like I needed to pay for a 50 amp site just so I could get usable 30 amp service in a couple of places.

BandJCarm · 07-20-2018, 07:56 AM

Yes, a hardwired EMS situation would not encounter that issue. Good to point that out.

I was just thinking outloud.......that maybe that cord is compromised in some way. I know I'd wonder about that.

Davidg · 07-20-2018, 07:59 AM

Dan, my only thoughts are that you are adding, yet, one more connection point. No problem while its all new, but as things age and tarnish, each connection point adds resistance which means heat...leading to further degradation. Were it me, I would just repair/replace the original connector. Good luck.

rsdata · 07-20-2018, 08:06 AM

worn and/or corroded ends can be a problem
even on worn connections this chemical stuff can help...
I carry a can of this stuff with me and frequently spray my electrical ends and sockets even on my TV trailer wiring...

Quote:

CAIG DeoxIT D5S-6 fast-acting deoxidizing solution cleans, preserves, lubricates, and improves conductivity on all metal connectors and contacts. Use as a general treatment for all conductive metal surfaces, and on non-critical metal surfaces with severe oxidation and corrosion. New 60th anniversary can includes Perfect-Straw applicator attached permanently to the spray nozzle to prevent loss.

cheapest place I find to get it is...

https://www.parts-express.com/caig-d...straw--341-200

**Bama Rambler** · 07-20-2018, 08:32 AM

The good thing about using the extension is that if you do burn up a blade you can cut it off and replace it with a new plug a couple of times if you want to. Of course a new plug is only a dollar less than the extender.

Keeping the plugs clean is a good idea. I use dielectric grease very sparing on my plugs.

B and B · 07-20-2018, 08:34 AM

I use these all the time on 50 amp, the 30 to 50 acts as the same. Last thing i would want to do is have to replace the lug on my power reel as the space is tight for a larger plug in there.

JayArras · 07-20-2018, 08:35 AM

I use a pigtail that actually is a voltage regulator.

**KyDan** · 07-20-2018, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davidg

Dan, my only thoughts are that you are adding, yet, one more connection point. No problem while its all new, but as things age and tarnish, each connection point adds resistance which means heat...leading to further degradation. Were it me, I would just repair/replace the original connector. Good luck.

I agree that the pig tail is nearly the same price as a replacement 30 Amp plug.
I still like the molded on end which has a blue led to indicate power built in.

My plug gets my OK since it is not even warm when plugged into a GOOD tight outlet with my AC and HW heater both on at the same time. My EMS in the trailer was indicating 28 amps and the cord end was not warmer than the surroundings.

As far as it getting worn later- I plan to leave the main cord plugged into the pigtail all the time so that connection will not be subject to much wear.

And finally like mentioned- if the pig tail plug gets fried I can install a replacement male plug probably 2 or 3 times all while saving my main cord from calamity.
At least that's the plan!

**RedLdr1** · 07-20-2018, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KyDan

As far as it getting worn later- I plan to leave the main cord plugged into the pigtail all the time so that connection will not be subject to much wear.

Not a bad plan.... I just ordered one off Ebay for $12.00 with free shipping. I'll pay $2.00 to stay out of the local Wally World collision, I mean parking, lot.

I've seen way too many worn out 30Amp connectors on power pedestals. Quite often I use a 30Amp to 50Amp dog bone to avoid using the 30Amp receptacle. This adapter will work when there isn't a 50Amp option available...

Davidg · 07-20-2018, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bama Rambler

The good thing about using the extension is that if you do burn up a blade you can cut it off and replace it with a new plug a couple of times if you want to. Of course a new plug is only a dollar less than the extender.

Keeping the plugs clean is a good idea. I use dielectric grease very sparing on my plugs.

I just don’t see this as a good solution. The assumption is that the plug will always get hot at only one end. Adding another connection point just adds another potential problem location. If one knows how to replace a plug, just carry a spare. I carry spares for both ends.

Jay2504 · 07-20-2018, 10:56 AM

KyDan I like the idea of a short sacrifice cord. I am going to buy a 50 amp to 2 30 adapter. That way I can test both legs of the 50 amp plug to see which side is higher. I figure that most 50-30 amp adapters use the same leg of the 50 amp service. The other leg might be higher. How low did the voltage get? I was on a site that got to 106.8 volts and I was very unhappy. I shed loads to get the voltage up. Jay

Davidg · 07-20-2018, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KyDan

I agree that the pig tail is nearly the same price as a replacement 30 Amp plug.
I still like the molded on end which has a blue led to indicate power built in.

My plug gets my OK since it is not even warm when plugged into a GOOD tight outlet with my AC and HW heater both on at the same time. My EMS in the trailer was indicating 28 amps and the cord end was not warmer than the surroundings.

As far as it getting worn later- I plan to leave the main cord plugged into the pigtail all the time so that connection will not be subject to much wear.

And finally like mentioned- if the pig tail plug gets fried I can install a replacement male plug probably 2 or 3 times all while saving my main cord from calamity.
At least that's the plan!

Sounds like a plan. Just one tip; never leave a plug/socket together all the time. The action of plugging-unplugging helps keep the contact surfaces burnished and clean, especially when moisture is present. Just my experience.

**KyDan** · 07-20-2018, 12:29 PM

I had low voltage at least 3 different places. One was so low I could only use our microwave to make tea in the morning and could not use the roof AC at all.
I complained heartily at the office but the girl was clueless and it was the 4th of July and there were no other options anywhere around me.
I'd have loved to use the 50-30 adapter but my power post only had a 30 amp socket. They didn't offer me any refund either.
That was my problem with low volts. Each time I had only one socket to use....no 50 amp option.

I got down to 103 several times and the EMS shut me down.

bshort · 07-20-2018, 12:54 PM

I've had low voltage at a few places. After that, I bought one of those Hughes Autoformers, but have never come across another instance to try it out.

rmoore0852 · 07-20-2018, 07:08 PM

When available, I always get a 50 amp site and then use my 50 to 30 adapter. Every time I have had any kind of power issue, it has always been on a 30 amp post. Sometimes loose, melted outlets. Frequently low voltage alarms. Always when connected to 30.

If 30 is the only thing available, I keep the fridge and water heater on propane. Propane's cheap.

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