Question on power cord

[tadam]

Reading the manual on our 2015 Jayco 38FLSA, it says to completely unreel the power cord before plugging into the power source and to also trip the main breaker in the breaker box. What are the ramifications on not doing those tow things before plugging in?

[33 RLDS]

Heat build up in the cubby storage location and perhaps fire?

As for the breaker, prevent arcing at the plug?

[Danno]

Originally Posted by tadam

Reading the manual on our 2015 Jayco 38FLSA, it says to completely unreel the power cord before plugging into the power source and to also trip the main breaker in the breaker box. What are the ramifications on not doing those tow things before plugging in?

If there's a short in the cord and you plug it into a live outlet, it could potentially fry the plug tangs and shoot molten copper spark on you. By plugging in then turning on the breaker, if there's a short, the sparks(if there are any) will be contained within the breaker. As a tradesman, this is common practice when dealing with high voltages. We also look away when plugging in to shield any potential hazard away from our face.
As far as unreeling all the way, it could be so that you'll be able to see if there's any mechanical damage to the cord, IMO.

[Loosenuts]

I have read that the reason to flip the main breaker is just so that you don't plug in and have a large load on the plug so it doesn't arc when you plug it in. Also if you plug it in partially and it slips back out and you catch it and plug it back in you don't get one of those power on/off/on type of things that TV's and things don't care for.
My GFI always pops if I don't turn off the breaker before plugging in so there might be something to that!

Not sure about the unreeling. Maybe they don't want you making a giant magnet

[abarkl]

From what I understand a large coil of energized cord can heat up and cause a fire.

[tadam]

Thanks to everyone for the good and quick advice!

[bansai]

I never do either of those 2 things before plugging in. Guess I should start!

[Jagiven]

Coiled wire, creates an induction coil. Which creates heat, magnetic fields, and with ac power you can wirelessly transfer a small amount to other nonshielded wires.