30 Amp plug issue

[Lori Meyer]

When we connect the 30 amp power cord to our RV we can't push it in and twist it to lock it into place, it won't work.

We have to push it in just a little and let it hang there for it to work. There is a yellow burn mark on the one prong hole. Could that be the culprit?

[puttin]

Yes, it likely is. Try to look inside the female portion of it also (the part that sits in the round hole) to see if it's discolored and pitted also. With the power disconnected you could take some steel wool and try to clean up the contacts but if you have a pitted condition with black marks- you'll likely need a Dremel or similar tool to clean it up. Unless I can see a good close up of it- it's hard to tell what the best action would be but a complete replacement of both plug and receptacle sounds in order. I would hesitate using it as you are with it "hanging" to make contact. It can build up heat and make things worse. Since you might be replacing it, here's a good option as well:

SmartPlug Systems - Shore Power Products and Accessories

[Lori Meyer]

Here's a photo. I think this may be the problem

http://uploadpie.com/eq7mm

[rideandslide]

Yep ! Definitely a bad connection there !Check the male connections to see if they are burnt or show any sign of discoloring, if so , replace both !!!!

[Waiter21]

I would recommend replacing that connector.

[meganjoe]

Originally Posted by rideandslide

Yep ! Definitely a bad connection there !Check the male connections to see if they are burnt or show any sign of discoloring, if so , replace both !!!!

Yup.. replace both..

[RVGuy1966]

I am surprised you don't blow the pedestal fuse when you plug it in.

[austex]

And whenever you plug or unplug, turn off the breaker at the pedestal first, so there is no tendency to arc as you insert or pull your plugs. Since I added an inlet port on the side of the trailer, I find it all to easy to pull that plug before flipping the pedestal breaker - it was easier to remember when I had a direct-wired extension cord and only a pedestal-end plug to deal with...

[rideandslide]

Good point Austec, i always try to make sure the power is off when i hook up. Or at best ,camper first the power pole.

[wa8yxm]

Originally Posted by Lori Meyer

We have to push it in just a little and let it hang there for it to work. There is a yellow burn mark on the one prong hole. Could that be the culprit?

Yes.. It might be possible to fix but I would recommend a new Marinco Outlet (just the outlet you should be able to re-use the cover) (the cover is the yellow part).

[gazingm42]

Is it possible that discoloration was caused from arcing when you did not have a good connection, rather than be being the cause it was a effect?

[lynnmor]

I eliminated the troublesome connector in the sidewall and hard wired the cable. I just don't understand why anyone would want a fire hazard.