A warning if you've got a Camco 50 amp replacement male plug

[waltbennett]

Nothing wrong with the Camco product itself, BUT if you aren't careful about not just securing the strain relief part, AND watching to see if the outer sheath pulls out, you are looking for the same problems I've had. I replaced my original plug about three years back and the Camco plug worked fine until a week ago. My fault entirely for not checking it out, but the anaconda jacket must have shrunk a bit and pulled out of the clamp. This left all the weight of the cable on the screw connectors inside the plug, and the cables one by one pulled loose (save the ground). While the damage could have been really catastrophic, I had surge protectors on all the entertainment equipment (40" tv, Blu-ray, surround sound, Dish receiver) and only those surge guys fried. The AC, hot water heater, refer are all fine. The microwave is the only thing that will need work, and since it's really an LG with a Dometic label, I can get parts.

Bottom line, the strain relief clamp MUST be tight on the outer jacket of your anaconda cable or you're going to have a lot of trouble.

[time2roll]

I would have a Hubbell brand plug if spending money.

[Me_Again]

waltbennett wrote:

Me Again wrote:
With delayed start surge protectors that should not be an issue with the contacts.

NO one with 50 amp service should be without a good surge protector like the PI unit. I suspect the OP did not have one?

For those that do not understand the issue. If you loose neutral on a 50 amp unit, you put 240 volts across all of your AC devices.

One of the first things we did last year on our new 5th wheel add a hard wired Progressive Industries unit with remote panel.

Got one.

Before or after you fried all your electrical items?

[waltbennett]

Me Again wrote:
With delayed start surge protectors that should not be an issue with the contacts.

NO one with 50 amp service should be without a good surge protector like the PI unit. I suspect the OP did not have one?

For those that do not understand the issue. If you loose neutral on a 50 amp unit, you put 240 volts across all of your AC devices.

One of the first things we did last year on our new 5th wheel add a hard wired Progressive Industries unit with remote panel.

Got one.

[Chris_Bryant]

I would have to say this applies to any brand connector- make sure the strain relief is tight.

[Charlie_D_]

My outside sheath began pulling out of it's original head and I wrapped it with rubber tape that bonds to itself. Sticks to itself and has to be cut off. Seems to have stopped any further pulling.

[Me_Again]

With delayed start surge protectors that should not be an issue with the contacts.

NO one with 50 amp service should be without a good surge protector like the PI unit. I suspect the OP did not have one?

For those that do not understand the issue. If you loose neutral on a 50 amp unit, you put 240 volts across all of your AC devices.

One of the first things we did last year on our new 5th wheel add a hard wired Progressive Industries unit with remote panel.

[donn0128]

Just a reminder to go along with that. Be sure to NOT hot plug in. Shut off the pedistal breakers before plugging in. This helps prevent burning the contacts, which then would require a new plug.

[rockintom]

Good info. Thanks. Here's a very good video link to a proper procedure to install the Camco 50 amp male plug. Camco 50 Male Plug

[Jay_Pat]

Any images?
Pat