30 Amp RV Plug End

[houstonstroker]

Wiring on a new 30 AMP plug. This is 10 gauge wire and I'm trying to find the best way to get the wire under the screw and washer. It seems too big to fit twisted in one bundle, so I split each end into 2 strands. Then I stuck each strand under each side of the screw and washer and tightened it down. Is this the way you do it?

[stevenal]

Great quote in your signature, SoundGuy. You've got the colors wrong, though. "Red" should be in green text and so on.

[SoundGuy]

houstonstroker wrote:
Wiring on a new 30 AMP plug. This is 10 gauge wire and I'm trying to find the best way to get the wire under the screw and washer. It seems too big to fit twisted in one bundle, so I split each end into 2 strands. Then I stuck each strand under each side of the screw and washer and tightened it down. Is this the way you do it?

If you read the instructions that should have been included with that plug you'd know that's exactly how the manufacturer recommends you do make the connections.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

I solder #6 spade (forked) terminals onto the wire ends and then lay into the screw to tighten. I got tired of flaky wire crush/time/heat issues and ended one and all with this method. Some vendors even offer the #6 spade terminal for 8 AWG conductor. Some plugs and sockets have connections with screws that have built-in free turning resistance. On important connections, I remove the OEM screw and replace it with a #6 X 3/8" Sems Phillips screw. "Sems" means the screw has its own captive external star washer.

[j-d]

Last one I did had steel screws I replaced with stainless. For washers, I used some that came off electrical equipment. Either Intermatic Timers or Water Heater Thermostats, I forget which. But they were cupped about 2/3 of the way around (that held the wire from spreading) with an opening at the other third (that let the wire under the washer). That setup worked really well.

[houstonstroker]

I think those 10 gauge wires are too thick to wrap around the little screw clockwise, so I did the split method.

We are drying out but rain is in the forecast again for the next few days. We were supposed to camp last weekend in San Marcos, TX but canceled our trip due to flooding concerns. Glad we did the campground flooded and 29 trailers were submerged.

[Canadian_Rainbi]

ScottG wrote:
It will work fine but normally the wires are stripped long enough to be wrapped around the screw in the clockwise direction.

"clockwise" is the key word.

Just replaced both ends on our 30A extension. Not an easy job for old arthritic fingers!

[2oldman]

By the way, are you drying out down there?

[houstonstroker]

Thanks for the link, I just ordered one from Amazon.

[Chris_Bryant]

I highly recommend the replacement connectors by Progressive Industries, like this 30 amp model- they have "captive" connections for the wire (not sure of the term), where you put the wire in a cage and tighten the set screw. I *hate* the simple screw type- very hard to get a perfect connection.

[Bumpyroad]

tough job but easier than if you had a 50 amper.
bumpy

[ScottG]

It will work fine but normally the wires are stripped long enough to be wrapped around the screw in the clockwise direction.

[2oldman]

Looks fine. That's not a job I enjoy.

Yours looks a lot like one I tossed in the garbage because the screws were too small. I ended up with the big yellow plug made by Camco, but I had to cut off the grab handle to fit it through the hole.

[BB_TX]

Looks good. That should give you a very good connection.