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Topic: SmartPlug 50-amp connectors (Read 782 times) previous topic - next topic

SmartPlug 50-amp connectors

There have been some recent electrical discussions and we were just sharing that getting rid of our round twist Hubble-style 50-amp shore cable connector was about the most important safety modification we have made.

Hard to believe it has been over 5 years since we installed SmartPlug.  It has strong positive connections that never move or come loose.  Electrical connections between male and female brass parts seem to be much larger and burning or pitting is no longer an issue.  Our round connector used to back off a little causing Hubble to overheat.  We never had to deal with electric reel issues, as our coach was built with round Hubble-style twist plug for our 50-amp shore cable.

SmartPlug has 3 positive latches that keep female cable end secure in the male inlet.

Here is our installation notes with photos:

SmartPlug 50 Amp Shore Power Cable Installation

Re: SmartPlug 50-amp connectors

Reply #2 –
My shore power cable plugs directly into another plug that then goes to my manual transfer switch.
I am planning on putting in a glenndining shore power reel and want to eliminate the plugs between them. Thinking of putting in a waterproof box with a blue sea system 65 amp terminal block. And some water Tite connectors. On a boat I can see why you would need the smart plug but not sure why on the coach? But I agree it's a great plug, better than the standard plug.
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired

Re: SmartPlug 50-amp connectors

Reply #3 –
Bob & Julie,

your new setup will be nice.

The great safety value of SmartPlug is in the poor design of the Hubble-style twist plug.

Twist plug can overheat with high amp draws when twist does not sat fully twisted, as they can un-twist or relax a little causing contacts to heat up.

Re: SmartPlug 50-amp connectors

Reply #4 –
Just installed a smart plug on our 1990 GV. Purchased from TechnoRV - $224. Fast shipping and it was a fairly easy install.
1990 36' U280 Grand Villa
Cat 3208T/Allison MT643

Re: SmartPlug 50-amp connectors

Reply #5 –
Just like 4 years ago I'm still confused about the problem or problems encountered with the 50 amp set that comes with the coach. 10 years and zero problems, what are you doing to make your cable/connector unsafe ? ?
88 Grand Villa 36' ORED 3208 (throwaway)Cat.
 Build # 3150
Happiness is the maximum agreement of reality and desire.

Re: SmartPlug 50-amp connectors

Reply #6 –
It's more like the smart plug has a better connection,is easier to plug and unplug,the old style may be ok but the smart plug is better.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: SmartPlug 50-amp connectors

Reply #7 –
One of the issues with common Hubble twist is that the plug may rotate and even a small turn from full lock may allow less copper contact allowing high amp draw to overheat the plug. Just stepping on the shore cable as it lay on the ground between coach and campground pedestal could cause Hubble to rotate.

Hubble is also known as having minimum copper contacts, while Smartplug has larger copper contacts and a positive multi-point locking system.

Smartplug is very popular in boat marinas, with some marinas converting to Smartplugs at their pedestals.

We find converting to Smartplug to be one of the best safety mods we can make.
 

Re: SmartPlug 50-amp connectors

Reply #8 –
Our twist connector became loose- it wouldn't seat properly.  I would twist as tight as possible and then still had to jiggle the plug to get power. The last time I jiggled it, there was a surge which flashed and caused the battery charger to smoke. I cut the power, researched here and ordered the smart plug.  As others have said- it's very secure.  Thankfully no damage done, as far as I can tell, from that surge.
1990 36' U280 Grand Villa
Cat 3208T/Allison MT643