Posted 2019-04-25 8:10 AM (#172345) Subject: living quarter power cord question
New User
Posts: 2
Location: Havana, IL
I am currently using a 30 amp power cord when I plug in but have noticed one of the prongs has been hot and is discolored. I am going to buy a new cord but my question is should I buy the same 30 amp cord or should I go up to the a 50 amp. Where we camp all the time has both 30 and 50 amp power supply. Since the 30 amp cord looks like it over heated at some point in time does that mean I was pulling too many amps and I need to go up to the 50 amp?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I normally rn the air conditioner, refrigerator and then the lights inside the living quarters of course. I am pretty diligent about shutting off the air conditioner before say running a hair dryer.
Posted 2019-04-26 8:10 AM (#172348 - in reply to #172345) Subject: RE: living quarter power cord question
Elite Veteran
Posts: 801 Location: Tenn/Ala.
Is your cord detachable, or hardwired? If it is detachable, which end shows the discoloration? The 2 cords are not interchangable by the way, as the 30 amp is a 3 conductor, the 50 amp has 4 conductors.
On a 30- it is easy to overload one with a newer trailer. Between the converter, AC, microwave and so on, you can see steady state draws close to 30, and surges over that. In fact, in the old days there were some RV Cos that had a A/B switch, that would let you operate the A/C OR the microwave, but not both at the same time. Reality, it generally isn't a problem, but sometimes the cords show some sign of it. Also, be sure and turn off the AC before unplugging. Plugging in with a large draw present causes an arc, that can cause the same burn look. Also- if it isn't a tight fit in the receptacle, can cause an arc and then a burn.
Posted 2019-04-26 9:56 PM (#172349 - in reply to #172345) Subject: RE: living quarter power cord question
Expert
Posts: 2957 Location: North Carolina
The problem may have been the last camp site you were at. If the receptacle / plug was not clean and tight, the connection heats. If you notice the plug slips in too easily, be aware and check it for heat after heavy use.
living quarter power cord question
