Forum Discussion

John_S2's avatar
John_S2
Explorer
Jun 30, 2014

How can I avoid over tightening a 30 amp replacement plug

I got a replacement plug for my 30 Amp shoreline cord and I must have over tightened the screws holding the wires in place as the grounding plug came out (fell out) of the plastic housing. I guess the tightening screw pushed too hard against it.

What is a good way for tightening the screws so they definitely hold the copper wire ends in place without overdoing it? Obviously I overdid it the first time.

I now have a replacement for the replacement plug and I do not want to make the same mistake again.

Any good tips would be appreciated.

Thanks
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Jul 02, 2014
    The wire is screwed to the pole.. The Pole is simply stuffed in a hole in the plastic "Body" of the outlet and can easily fall out.. Just shove it back in and apply the "Back cover" which holds it in place.
  • AllegroD's avatar
    AllegroD
    Nomad
    Jul 02, 2014
    Isn't the wire screwed directly to the pole? This is metal to metal. How can it fall out? Are you sure you over tightened? Sounds more like a defective adapter or not tightened enough.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Jul 01, 2014
    I have continued thinking on this... On most every 30 amp plug I have worked on the ground pin, which is round or "U" shaped.. Is very easy to pull out of the plug body.

    The HOT and NEUTRAL can also be pulled but not nearly as easy.

    This is due to the shape of the pin,, It is not a design feature or flaw..

    But the solution, as I posted above, is to put the cover on the plug (The back cover) as this holds ALL THREE pins in place.
  • Wayne_Dohnal's avatar
    Wayne_Dohnal
    Explorer
    Jul 01, 2014
    There's always the chance you had a defective plug. A few months ago I had an electrician installing a 50 amp generator inlet, and on one of the screws he hardly applied any torque and it was stripped. I think he's tightened at least few thousand similar connections and probably has the feel of it down.
  • RJsfishin's avatar
    RJsfishin
    Explorer
    Jun 30, 2014
    I'd ask, how do you tighten them too tight, just curious ? Them electrical plugs are perdy tough.
    No offense, but if you don't have a feel for tightening screws before they are ruined, I'd get a friend.....or other person to show you.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Jun 30, 2014
    I routinely snap grade 4 quarter inch bolts when I over tighten and I hold the wrench with my thumb over the head of the wrench.

    I have not ever overtightened teh screws on a 30 amp plug, Do not think I can.

    If the ground pin fell out, then one of two conditions exists

    1: MOST LIKELY the pin is held in place by the cover, which was off since it covers the screws you were tightening

    2: Not very likely: Defective.

    Solution

    Tighten as tight as possible, insert pin back in plastic, apply cover.

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