Question about 30 amp cord getting warm

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Question about 30 amp cord getting warm

July 30, 2009, 11:30:01 am

Yahoo Message Number: 104310

When the a/c is running, the cord plug and about a foot of the 30 amp cord gets rather warm - almost hot. The rest of the line is cool, and the line (12 gauge) it is connected to stays cool. We are plugged into a garage circuit that does not have anything else running on it.

Is this normal? Anything I should be aware of or do?

Thank you,

Helen, with sob

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Re: Question about 30 amp cord getting warm

Reply #1 – July 30, 2009, 11:53:49 am

Yahoo Message Number: 104312

Quote

From: Helen D.
To: lifewithalazydazerv@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, July 30, 2009 8:28 AM
Subject: [LD] Question about 30 amp cord getting warm

When the a/c is running, the cord plug and about a foot of the 30 amp cord gets rather warm - almost hot. The rest of the line is cool, and the line (12 gauge) it is connected to stays cool. We are plugged into a garage circuit that does not have anything else running on it.

Is this normal? Anything I should be aware of or do?

Thank you,

Helen, with sob

Helen,
The heat is caused by a high resistance connection as compared to the rest of the wiring. Due to the relatively high current through this resistive portion of the wiring, power is being dissappated at this point.
Some slight, but detectable warmth, may be acceptable, but what you are describing is not. Worst case, there is a fire risk, so you'll want to make sure there are no flammable materials near the connector.
It's is possible to replace the defective connector/s on extension cords.
The original ones may either be loose* or strands of wire at the crimp (inside the molded connector) may have broken creating a high resistance point.
* If the female portion of the plug is worn or loose, an ice pick or similar tool might be inserted alongside the connector (with the darn cord unplugged of course!) and the female connector pried closed a bit to more tightly hold the male portion of the plug.

bumper

Re: Question about 30 amp cord getting warm

Reply #2 – July 30, 2009, 11:58:25 am

Yahoo Message Number: 104313

Bumper,
Thank you - it's not the extension cord that is getting warm - it's the plug on my 30 amp rv cord.
I will look for a replacement plug for it on the way home. (No flammables near it.)

Thank you, Helen

Re: Question about 30 amp cord getting warm

Reply #3 – July 30, 2009, 02:03:35 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 104316

Quote

When the a/c is running, the cord plug and about a foot of the 30 amp cord gets rather warm - almost hot. The rest of the line is cool, and the line (12 gauge) it is connected to stays cool. We are plugged into a garage circuit that does not have anything else running on it.

Is this normal? Anything I should be aware of or do?

Before replacing the plug, the prongs have likely become oxidized. As they are a copper alloy, they should brighten up if abraded with steel wool. Make sure you remove any wool hairs before trying out the result. If the heating still occurs, then the internal connection from wire to connector prong may be what is failing, and the connector will need to be replaced. Note that 30A extension cords are not that expensive, and it may pay to get one, cut off the female connector, then use the cord to replace the original. Most replacement plugs are not weather-resistant.

Steve

Re: Question about 30 amp cord getting warm

Reply #4 – July 30, 2009, 02:13:03 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 104317

Thanks! Will try the steel wool first, then replacing if it doesn't help.

What gem this list is!

Cheers, Helen

Re: Question about 30 amp cord getting warm

Reply #5 – July 31, 2009, 10:38:41 am

Yahoo Message Number: 104343

Have you checked the voltage at the receptacle you are using? One time when I noticed my plug getting very warm, the voltage was dropping down below 110. If this is the case, you need to be careful about using the A/C, and especially using it at the same time as a microwave or other high voltage appliance.

The plug was fine at the next place I was at that had decent power.

Dave

Re: Question about 30 amp cord getting warm

Reply #6 – July 31, 2009, 11:23:10 am

Yahoo Message Number: 104345

Thank you, Dave, will check that out.

Helen

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