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RottenRalph · 07-19-2022, 07:24 PM

I have a problem with an overheating adaptor.

My 5er is 50Amp. The power supply for my RV docked at my stick house is 30Amp. To reach my RV with power, I run a typical 25' 30Amp cord to a typical 25' 50Amp cord using a 30 to 50Amp adaptor. I am running the fridge and 1 15,000BTU AC. I do this occasionally prior to a trip and not full time.

The 30 to 50 amp adaptor is getting hot to the point of smelling like burning electric/plastic and the yellow adaptor is turning brown.

Is this too much draw or is there a better adaptor out there?

Thanks

Old-Biscuit · 07-19-2022, 07:29 PM

LOOSE/Dirty connections cause resistance===HEAT

Sounds like the adapter is problem.

THenne1713 · 07-19-2022, 11:37 PM

One of the MALE/ FEMALE connections either has an electric arc TIT keeping the contacts from properly mating, or simple spring tension is gone from the female clamp? Sometimes, the WIRE strands/connections start to break, which causes good wires to overload/ heat. REPLACE THE DOGBONE before things melt. YOU are doing things properly, monitoring for heat. If you can determine which part has the issue, you might want to use a replacement part? Then you will have a spare.

twinboat · 07-20-2022, 04:55 AM

If the adaptor is a short thing with both plug and outlet together, get a dogbone type with a foot of wire between the plug and outlet.

Rockwood27 · 07-20-2022, 05:19 AM

Is your RV plugged in to keep the batteries charged, while stored? If not, your converter will come on as soon as you plug in to charge the batteries. The converter will draw around 10 amps until it settles down. Between the converter, A/C and fridge (all running fully for a while), you'll be pushing the 30A capability of 30/50A adapter.

Sent from my SM-A515U using iRV2 - RV Forum mobile app

RottenRalph · 07-20-2022, 08:43 AM

Thanks folks. I'm gonna agree with either dirty connection or weak spring in the female portion of the 30A cork. I was using the dogbone style adaptor that was cooked pretty good. I replaced the female end and the adaptor. All is good now.

Thanks again.

**Camp CA** · 07-20-2022, 09:54 AM

What adapter do you use and what is its wat rating at 125v? Look for a heavy duty adapter with a rating of 125v/3750 watt.

tom92 · 07-27-2022, 09:19 AM

Do you have an electric water heater? If so be sure to turn it/breaker off. That could be adding another 10+ amps of current draw.

shootist · 07-30-2022, 01:26 PM

You're going to melt down any adapter until you control the current draw. Also check your voltage under load at the camper breaker panel. Your air conditioner is in the biggest danger under low voltage conditions.

stallsmi · 07-30-2022, 02:20 PM

I use the same connections you described to attach my 50 amp trailer to a 30 amp connector I had installed on my garage. It has worked fine for years now. I run one A/C, fridge and water heater with no problems. So I am assuming, as was said, your connector or wire(s) may be bad or dirty.

Persistent · 07-30-2022, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shootist

You're going to melt down any adapter until you control the current draw. Also check your voltage under load at the camper breaker panel. Your air conditioner is in the biggest danger under low voltage conditions.

If you plug a 50 amp 240 volt split phase RV into a 30 amp 120 volt outlet, you should not melt anything. Connectors may get warm when under heavy load.

Failures as post above are possible. However, the 30 amp 120 volt outlet almost certainly has its own circuit breaker. The breaker is designed to trip before any circuit components melt.