Molded Plug over heating

[bobnjill410]

Yesterday we experienced an issue and would like input from others that may have experienced the same.
We are in SC and in the morning the pedestal breaker popped. I went out to investigate and found the molded plug end of the Motorhome electric cord “very. HOT”. I checked the temp with a heat gun and it registered 128 deg F. I also would like to report that the cord is plugged into a surge protector and both the plug end and Female end into the pedestal was not hot. ( 78deg F ). I talked to a electrical engineer that is a dear friend and he suggests it being the female receptacle of the pedestal . Before I begin to remove parts on the pedestal, I inspected the prongs of both the molded cord and the surge protector with no visible damage or pitting.
Now the reason for the post to the many “experts “ here , what would you do?
Thanks for your help. (In advance)

 

[bobnjill410]

Additional information; This morning I disconnected the surge protector and plugged in to pedestal direct. ( I know not a good practice.) After 3 hrs, the molded plug end is still very hot. (130deg F).

 

[Sealyn]

Sounds like a bad connection in the molded plug, replace it.

 

[Just George]

X2 what Sealyn said. Could have been a "weak" connection inside the molded plug all along that has shown up recently. I experienced a similar issue, in my case I think the winding and unwinding the power cord over time caused a twist in the conductors inside the cord / molded plug that eventually broke some wire strands. I cut it off and replaced the plug and problem solved. There are a number of replacement plugs available, I used the Camco 55255. The contacts can be taken out to connect the wires which makes the wiring job very easy. Following the strip lengths provided in the instructions worked perfectly.

 

[Texas Clodhopper]

I recently went through this at two different parks. My shore cord is plugged into the Progressive Industries EMS PT50X. My shore plug got hot enough that the molded rubber(?) around one of the hot legs (Y) melted enough that the blade was loose. I replaced the plug with the Camco. It lasted about 2 months and the exact same thing happened. This time it was not only the male plug but the female plug on my PI that got hot enough to melt some. Since PI won't warranty the unit if there is any damage to the female plug, I purchased another PI and replaced the male shore cord plug again. I've been monitoring the temp on the new plug and it has stayed cool. I'm convinced it was the female plug on the PI that was the root cause of my problems. BTW, it was the same hot blade (Y) on the male plug both times.

 

[bobnjill410]

Thanks for the helpful replies! I repositioned the cord at the pedestal (twisted a little) and temp is down considerably.(104 F). I ordered new plug to be delivered tomorrow (Tuesday). I will replace at that time. Again Thanks for the help.

 

[Bob K4TAX]

Best practice:
(a) When arriving, if the power post breaker is not OFF, flip it to OFF.
(b) Plug in your surge protector. Flip the breaker ON. Check to see if the indication on the surge protector shows all is OK. If not, notify the campground staff or office. Flip the breaker to OFF. Move to another location! If all indicates OK, proceed.
(c) Plug in your power cord and flip ON the breaker. Secure surge protector and power cord to power post.
(d) When departing, reverse the process. And leave the breaker OFF for the next occupant.

Connecting and disconnecting with the breaker ON can and will damage both the female contacts of the Power post receptacle and likewise, for your male connector.

Be safe, be courteous.