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Topic: 50 amp male end connector burned at pedestal (Read 684 times) previous topic - next topic

50 amp male end connector burned at pedestal

Left our SKP co-op park in Benson AZ today on Sunday. As always, I turned off the breaker then pulled the plug end from the pedestal.

I was very surprised to see the end connector melted.  We have a hardwired progressive EMS and it did not shut down power nor flag any issue. And if we lost one leg of power to the coach we didn't notice it. Both ACs wer running the night before I unpluuged  this morning.

 I'm posting this so folks with the same type of replaceable 50 amp male end connector will unplug, unscrew the cover, and check tightness of all screws and wiring inside the connector.  Check your connections before an issue pops up.

As a side note, I will be buying 2 new ends, so I always have one on hand in the coach. And I will be checking the connections every 6 months or so. 

Did a temp repair today, permanent fix as soon as I can find a new 50 amp male end (ordered one on Amazon sent to daughters house where we are headed, and looking for one tomorrow along our route (in Deming NM tonight)).

Besides the melted end connector, the black wire was heavly damaged in the final 6" or so, so I trimmed all wires back to remove the damaged insulation and wire portion.

Amazon.com: Camco Mfg 55252 50-Amp Power Grip Plug : Tools & Home Improvement is on order.





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Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: 50 amp male end connector burned at pedestal

Reply #1
Yep I'd say that leg had a loose connection, or the pedestal had a loose connection on that leg.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: 50 amp male end connector burned at pedestal

Reply #2
Yep I'd say that leg had a loose connection, or the pedestal had a loose connection on that leg.

I left a work order in the park for the pedestal to be checked for loose connections at breaker and receptacle.  Not sure if the issue was the pedestal, or my connector. 

I am surprised no flagging by the EMS system.  Had been plugged in to the pedestal for 31 days.  Hadn't thought about checking the connector at the pedestal in those 31 days.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: 50 amp male end connector burned at pedestal

Reply #3
The Prevost dudes have been using Hubble products

Re: 50 amp male end connector burned at pedestal

Reply #4
Thanks! Guess I better check mine.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: 50 amp male end connector burned at pedestal

Reply #5
Checking power cord connections/adapter connection is a routine part of RV'ing.

No question, a worn outlet WILL cause overheating (Resistance times amps= heat).
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: 50 amp male end connector burned at pedestal

Reply #6

I installed a new one today. Found one in stock Jimmy's RV in Deming NM, $49 w tax.  Ordered a spare from Amazon for $25.42.

I had trimmed back the electric wires, which was a pain with the improper tools I have on hand.  Hard to get lengths correct when starting from scratch with bad tools.  (3 lengths involved, and perfect length of each is critical). My diagonol cutters wouldn't cut the wires, had to use a hacksaw and butcher it. And I had no wire strippers that would work on this job - think the 4 wires are 4 gauge. Used a box cutter knife.

I just ordered upgraded tools for next time, and I will also redo what I did today for improved install (cleaner) when tools come in.

Klein Tools 63050 Cable Cutter, Heavy Duty Cutter for Aluminum, Copper, and...

HAUTMEC 8" Wire Cutters,Pro-High Leverage Diagonal Pliers,4 in 1 Multifunctio...

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Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: 50 amp male end connector burned at pedestal

Reply #7
The Klein cable cutter will serve you well; I've had one for a lot of years. It's also very nice for making a neat cut on all kinds of tubing, stranded wire, and the frozen popsicles in plastic tubes.  :D  Wipe it in oil after cutting popsicles.......

TOM
SOB (Some Other Brand) division
1995 Wanderlodge WB40
8V92 :D

Re: 50 amp male end connector burned at pedestal

Reply #8
The yellow Camco plug is a very poor quality replacement, sort of OK as a temporary repair, but not as good as other brands.
David & Emma Roche
Dino (Golden Doodle)
1999 U270 WTFE 36' Build # 5534
Xtreme "Lights, Stripes & Roof"
Motorcade# 18321
Dayton, Ohio
Towd: Jeep Grand Cherokee
Two Townie Electra Bikes

Life is made to enjoy, the Foretravel helps!

Re: 50 amp male end connector burned at pedestal

Reply #9
The yellow Camco plug is a very poor quality replacement, sort of OK as a temporary repair, but not as good as other brands.
What do you recommend instead? Link?
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

 

Re: 50 amp male end connector burned at pedestal

Reply #10

The cheap ones do not hold the cable properly and have a tendency to heat up when under a good  load.
I cannot remember what  brand I bought, got it from an electrical supply house, was up there on price. It was for another RV that I no longer have, so I cannot check it.
May have been this one: Hubbell HBL9452C Plug, Angle, 3 Pole, 4 Wire, 50 amp, 125/250V, 14-50P:...

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David & Emma Roche
Dino (Golden Doodle)
1999 U270 WTFE 36' Build # 5534
Xtreme "Lights, Stripes & Roof"
Motorcade# 18321
Dayton, Ohio
Towd: Jeep Grand Cherokee
Two Townie Electra Bikes

Life is made to enjoy, the Foretravel helps!