Right angle cord

klassic · 01-14-2016, 09:24 PM

A new 50 amp cord with a 90 degree twist lock is just too darn expensive, and no one makes a right angle twist lock replacement end to put on the end of a cord.
I opted for the cheaper way...this will twist lock to my existing cord and stay attached. I wish it wasn't so heavy. It's making an already heavy cable heavier

TxTwoSome · 01-15-2016, 03:34 AM

I am having the same trouble I want a 90 twist lock end for my existing 30 amp power cord I can't find one anywhere.

I have the twist lock changeover for the trailer but all I can find is a new cord with the 90 degree on it.

I do not need a whole new cord just want the 90 degree end for the old cord.

I think it is all a plan to get RVERS money!

**norty1** · 01-15-2016, 08:02 AM

Be very careful using one of these, especially the 50a model. I know 3 people who have had problems with then burning open.
Personally, I think part of the problem is they have a twist lock and a screw on locking ring and if you are not pro-active, you may forget to lock it down properly causing poor connections and heat. Just my theory.
I have a Camco model that I use and Marinco also makes one, I have seen both damaged by heat.

Another danger to using plug in couplings in a rv is a condition called a "Wild neutral". This is where for some reason the neutral goes open between the pedestal and the campers breaker panel which puts 220v ac. This can cause all kinds of weird problems in a rv.
An RV is not wired the same as a stick and brick house. The power company gives you two hot wires and a neutral wire (that is also tied to ground at the pole). We wire separate circuits out of this grounded supply. The voltage on any black wire coming into the home is regulated by grounding the neutral at the source transformer.
So, you will not get 240volts on a circuit in the house if a wire comes loose at the house.

Below is a description of this condition by a forum member: eldermike

In 50amp camper service you have 2 hots that are tied to two neutrals and two grounds and tapped at 2 places to yield 2 separate 110volt circuits.
As long as the neutrals in the system remain bonded both hots remain at 110volts. But through time and heat cycles screws get lose and wires under strain pull out of place. It's a math problem based on which side of the service is now best grounded. You could have 220volts at one outlet and zero at the other. That's not going to happen in your house. The power company took care of that for you.

klassic · 01-15-2016, 08:03 AM

There was a long thread on rv.net about the 90 degree twist lock end and no one was able to find one including some commercial electricians.
Someone mentioned they saw a supplier ad in an old RV magazine.
It's hard to believe it's not an available part.

klassic · 01-15-2016, 08:09 AM

Thanks for the heads up norty.
I wish a factory made cord wasn't so expensive.
Maybe in the long run it, looking at your picture, it's not so expensive.

**norty1** · 01-15-2016, 09:57 AM

It sure is!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C5N3A4S

klassic · 01-15-2016, 10:20 AM

Norty you've made me want one of these even more now.
If the neutral goes out after the post then a surge protector at the post won't stop it???

Progressive Industries RV Surge and Electrical Protection industry lea

klassic · 01-15-2016, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by norty1

It sure is!

Amazon.com: Marinco 30RPC50RV 30' 50A Right Angle Cord: Automotive

Now add 45% to that price for me in Canada

**norty1** · 01-15-2016, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klassic

Norty you've made me want one of these even more now.
If the neutral goes out after the post then a surge protector at the post won't stop it???

Progressive Industries RV Surge and Electrical Protection industry lea

My understanding of the condition is, Yes it will stop it if it occurs before the EMS. Afterwards not.
We have a friend who had this happen and it caused a small fire in a small portable surge protector. We have decided not to use those small power strips that have built in surge protectors in the rv. In his case, it overheated and caught on fire.

RedHorse1 · 01-15-2016, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by norty1

It sure is!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C5N3A4S

Yow! that's almost $12.50/ft. Price of copper and all that but, YOW!

eldermike · 01-15-2016, 04:19 PM

Power strips with built in surge protection can catch fire if the MOV's (metal oxide varistors) are held at an over voltage condition. I will not use them in my camper.

SoCADesertRat · 01-15-2016, 10:01 PM

Been using this one and an external surge protector since May of 2011 with zero problems.

http://www.amazon.com/Marinco-1RPC50...gree+connector

klassic · 01-15-2016, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCADesertRat

Been using this one and an external surge protector since May of 2011 with zero problems.

Amazon.com: Marinco 1RPC50RV Right Angle Locking Adapter: Automotive

Would your surge protector detect an open neutral down line at the adaptor/cable connection if for some reason the neutral pin melts?
That was my concern and thought the built in Progressive unit would be the only protection.
I found a place selling them for $300, over a hundred dollars cheaper than anyone else.

Did your adapter cable ever straighten out? Mine seems to be perma-curled.

**norty1** · 01-16-2016, 07:07 AM

These right angle connectors have caught on with rv'ers and everyone wanted one. In all the years I had my present rig, I had no problems with it pulling away with the original provided cord. I just bought one cause everyone was talking about what a great idea it is!

Hype only maybe.

It introduces another possible trouble location IMO current opinion.

Grumpy · 01-16-2016, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by norty1

Be very careful using one of these, especially the 50a model. I know 3 people who have had problems with then burning open.
Personally, I think part of the problem is they have a twist lock and a screw on locking ring and if you are not pro-active, you may forget to lock it down properly causing poor connections and heat. Just my theory.

Probably a very correct theory as well. I used the MARINCO one for 6 years with the MH and didn't have any proiblem. I know I maxed out the amperage since we did all electric, even in the winter, heat pump and space heaters and had the water heater on elec.

SoCADesertRat · 01-16-2016, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klassic

Would your surge protector detect an open neutral down line at the adaptor/cable connection if for some reason the neutral pin melts?
That was my concern and thought the built in Progressive unit would be the only protection.
I found a place selling them for $300, over a hundred dollars cheaper than anyone else.

Did your adapter cable ever straighten out? Mine seems to be perma-curled.

Don't have answer for you on the surge protector question. My right angle adapter cable has never been a problem with not being straight. Your comments are appreciated. Thanks.

poohbear · 01-17-2016, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCADesertRat

Been using this one and an external surge protector since May of 2011 with zero problems.

http://www.amazon.com/Marinco-1RPC50...gree+connector

I have been looking at several brands & suppliers of these & the few that will give specs all show 10ga wire on the 50 amp, so I won't buy.Is this one 10 or is it larger?

SoCADesertRat · 01-18-2016, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poohbear

I have been looking at several brands & suppliers of these & the few that will give specs all show 10ga wire on the 50 amp, so I won't buy.Is this one 10 or is it larger?

I sent an email to MARINCO asking for the gauges of wires in their 50 Amp 90 degree adapter and here is their reply --

Our 50A, 125/250V right angle adapter has 6 ga wire for all 4 conductors.

David Freeman
Technical Service
800.307.6702 direct
262.293.0952 fax

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