Forum Discussion

rozrob2000's avatar
rozrob2000
Explorer
Feb 21, 2015

burnt power cord plug and wires to it on cord

why would the power cord plug and wires to it melt and burn slightly while plugged in? did have 2 heaters plugged in. have done this for last couple winter with no problem.

16 Replies

  • Moving plug in and out = wear = loose connection = resistance = heat = burn.

    1500 watts X 2 = 3000 divide by 120 volts = 25 AMPS..... ON 30 AMP service breaker will trip at plus 30 AMPS

    Problem appears to be resistance not load.
  • Two heaters on high use 24 amps, from a 30 amp circuit
    That leaves 6 amps to power everything else, tv lights, charging, MW coffee maker ?
    Yes something has got to give
    And you see the results
    Time to turn off one electric heater and burn some propane for heat
    Or you will continue to have problems and burn up the new cord ends
  • Scott: I am new to this. Yes everyone has been helpful. When I posted on the other, I did not realize it went to Forum Technical Support. My mistake. I sincerely apologize to all for the inconvenience.
  • pianotuna wrote:
    Hi,

    Low voltage in the grid can cause you to draw more amps. Poor connections cause heating which makes the connection worse, which causes even more heating.


    True in cases of motors or any regulated item but not in a resistance space heater. Reducing the voltage to it results in less current, not more.
  • Hi,

    Low voltage in the grid can cause you to draw more amps. Poor connections cause heating which makes the connection worse, which causes even more heating.

    Replace the cord end.

    Also replace the female outlets in the RV that are being used for high wattage appliances.
  • The receptacle is worn to the point it can no longer carry that much current. Or, there is a failing connection inside your plugs head. Bad recept's are rather common with 30A receptacles though.

    Did you not like the answers you got on your other thread of the same thing?