Community Forums

Skrewball · 03-20-2017, 12:16 PM

HELLO,

We recently purchased a used 90 H.R. Monitor. We've been tuning our power from an external source but yesterday the plugs melted. We purchased new ones and they are getting warm, it not melting. We also replaces all of our internal breakers with new ones. What is causing this?

Also we finally got our generator running and yesterday near the rear breaker box I kept hearing a relay constantly tripping. Could this become an issue?

96 Wideglide · 03-20-2017, 12:30 PM

Looks like you are trying to draw too many amps, from a 20 amp outlet.

Nwcid · 03-20-2017, 12:32 PM

Yes, pulling more amps then the plug is rated for.

I have had this issue in a few non-RV situations. Keep in mind that continuous use is typically rated at 80% of amperage listed. So the 15a plug pictured is only rated for 12a continuous.

okcnewbie · 03-20-2017, 12:35 PM

Get new plugs/cords and make sure to keep the Amps below 20. Get yourself one of these meters from harbor freight to help out. You should be able to run one AC if everything else is off IMO.

"Kill A Watt"™ Electric Monitor

Skrewball · 03-20-2017, 12:48 PM

My main cords going out are 30s and I have that adapter than converts to 15 but my roomate plugged that conversion into a 30a wall socket in the house. Should I move it to a 20a?

Skrewball · 03-20-2017, 12:49 PM

We got new plugs and cord's yesterday. Is it because we are running 3 little space heaters and our tv?

Nwcid · 03-20-2017, 12:55 PM

What do you mean plugged "into a 30a wall socket in the house"? Unless it is wired properly for an RV that could be a huge problem.

Your plug does not convert 30a to 15a, it allows you to plug into a 15a plug. You can only use the rated amount of the circuit and power cord you are plugged into.

Yes, 3 space heater is WAY over 15 amps. Very lucky you did not have a major fire. At maximum 15 amp is only 1800 watts. Read the labels on your heaters and see what the draw is.

2 Stroker · 03-20-2017, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skrewball

We got new plugs and cord's yesterday. Is it because we are running 3 little space heaters and our tv?

One space heater is about the max you can have on 15A, not 3.

2 stroker

jfran304 · 03-20-2017, 01:06 PM

You also need to use a higher rated extension cord (yellow one) than the one in the picture. Also use the the shortest one that will reach.

Something like this (you can buy them in longer lengths if needed): https://www.lowes.com/pd/Utilitech-2...n-Cord/3203697

Jon

Skrewball · 03-20-2017, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nwcid

What do you mean plugged "into a 30a wall socket in the house"? Unless it is wired properly for an RV that could be a huge problem.

Your plug does not convert 30a to 15a, it allows you to plug into a 15a plug. You can only use the rated amount of the circuit and power cord you are plugged into.

Yes, 3 space heater is WAY over 15 amps. Very lucky you did not have a major fire. At maximum 15 amp is only 1800 watts. Read the labels on your heaters and see what the draw is.

What I mean is- the wall outlet in the garage is on a 30a circuit. Our cords from our mh is a 30a 30' ran into a Wal-Mart 30a plug that is converted into a 15a standard plug(commonly sold at walmart). < That plug extension(15a rating) is currently ran to a garage outlet that is on a 30a circuit.

Does that make a little more sense?

Nwcid · 03-20-2017, 01:25 PM

That is why you circuit breaker did not trip.

You are limited by the rating of your cords. The wiring is not heavy enough to carry more then 15a and is melting because the heat has to go somewhere.

Again without seeing your heaters actual draw, you are pulling well over 15a on a cord only rated for 12a continuous, which is less then 1500 watts.

Dustinwaste · 03-20-2017, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skrewball

We got new plugs and cord's yesterday. Is it because we are running 3 little space heaters and our tv?

2 space heaters on low (750w each) or 1 on high (1500w) is all you can run off a decent extension cord

CJ7365 · 03-20-2017, 01:52 PM

Nvm

barmcd · 03-20-2017, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skrewball

What I mean is- the wall outlet in the garage is on a 30a circuit. Our cords from our mh is a 30a 30' ran into a Wal-Mart 30a plug that is converted into a 15a standard plug(commonly sold at walmart). < That plug extension(15a rating) is currently ran to a garage outlet that is on a 30a circuit.

Does that make a little more sense?

If you truly have a 30 amp circuit--a 30 amp breaker, attached to a 10 gauge wire, you need to use a 30 amp plug. It's like a chain, it's only as strong as its weakest link, in this case the 15 amp plug.