Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Discussions => Topic started by: John44 on August 05, 2019, 03:14:59 pm

Title: Smart Plug
Post by: John44 on August 05, 2019, 03:14:59 pm
Anyone out there using the Smart Plug electric outlet and plug? I know a couple of us are,was wondering how its holding up,thinking of getting one.
Title: Re: Smart Plug
Post by: turbojack on August 05, 2019, 03:37:31 pm
Barry Beam is a firm believer in them. When he sees this post I am sure he will chime it.
Title: Re: Smart Plug
Post by: Don & Tys on August 05, 2019, 04:50:46 pm
I wonder if you are referring to a SmartPlug connector for shore power (https://www.amazon.com/SmartPlug-Systems-LLC-B50ASSY-Combo/dp/B008JH1TGA?SubscriptionId=AKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q&tag=duckduckgo-osx-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B008JH1TGA) Like Barry & Cindy? If so, I like the system but the expense of retooling all my various shore power connections is a bit too high for my taste. Still I might revisit the issue at a later date when higher priority items have been addressed on our coach.
Don
Anyone out there using the Smart Plug electric outlet and plug? I know a couple of us are,was wondering how its holding up,thinking of getting one.
Title: Re: Smart Plug
Post by: John44 on August 05, 2019, 05:18:00 pm
That's the system I mean Don,all you have to retool is the receptacle and the plug to go into the receptacle,if you want a second
cord just get another plug for the cord,everything on the source end stays the same.
Title: Re: Smart Plug
Post by: floridarandy on August 05, 2019, 05:35:13 pm
We installed SmartPlug when we bought our coach. I liked the idea that the connection does not require a "twist"of the fitting or a locking ring to hold it in place.  So far in the 2 years we've had ours the entire connection seems to seal from dirt and water to virtually eliminate the need to clean and lubricate the blades. 

We also like our manual reel which eliminates electrical connections within the reel.

Yes, SmartPlug is expensive but I feel like it will easily last the remaining life of the coach.
Title: Re: Smart Plug
Post by: Don & Tys on August 05, 2019, 05:53:32 pm
John, I have three of the Hubble style plugs that I use routinely. One on the cord reel and two pigtails, a 30 amp and 15 amp. So although I would need only one inlet, I would need at least three of the plugs. However, I plan to put a manual 50 amp transfer switch in the utility bay at some point so I can hardwire the cord reel and still utilize separate pig tail adapters on the inlet so then I would only need one extra plug if I was to change from the Hubble style connectors.
Don.
That's the system I mean Don,all you have to retool is the receptacle and the plug to go into the receptacle,if you want a second
cord just get another plug for the cord,everything on the source end stays the same.
Title: Re: Smart Plug
Post by: John44 on August 05, 2019, 06:18:53 pm
Were pricing now,may wait till "Q" and see if they have a show special,they did 3 years ago.
Title: Re: Smart Plug
Post by: Barry & Cindy on August 05, 2019, 09:51:39 pm
Most important safety feature medication we have made to our coach.

SmartPlug 50 Amp Shore Power Cable Installation (http://beamalarm.com/Documents/Modifications/smartplug-50-amp-shore-power-cable-installation.html)

Just do it, don't wait for twist plug failure causing electric problems or fire
Title: Re: Smart Plug
Post by: Barry & Cindy on August 11, 2019, 07:21:44 pm
Here is another discussion about how important SmartPlug is for all of us with twist-type plugs on the motorhome end of their shore cable.

No reason to read further if you have an electric reel with a fixed motorhome cable end.

Shore cable motorhome plug (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=30639.msg266350#msg266350)

SmartPlug works very well, very secure, with 3-point latches. Plug does not move a drop after plugged in.

Twist-type plugs are not securely attached, and just think about a shore cable laying on the ground that gets stepped on causing the twist-plug to un-rotate a drop. Twist-plugs do not have any extra copper contacts and when both air conditioners are running, kicking on the microwave and or Aqua-hot or electric water tank heater element contacts can overheat and cause issues including, not often a fire.

SmartPlug has tight big brass contacts that are always fully engaged.

Really a good idea for safe electric 50-amp connectors. I think SmartPlug is very big in the marine area and later entered the RV arena.

Barry