Today, I’m upgrading the 30-amp power inlet connection on the RV to a SmartPlug. I’ve been wanting one for a while. I already have one installed on our boat, and they’re so much safer than the old twist lock style you see on a lot of boats and RVs.
Recently, my twist lock arced, so I replaced it with a cheaper one and ended up with a meltdown at the back of the RV. I was lucky I caught it in time, or it could have been a lot worse. That really motivated me to buy the much more expensive SmartPlug system for my 30-amp RV.
It comes with a 7-year warranty and has approvals from all the right organizations, including the American Boat and Yacht Council and the US Coast Guard. It gives you 27 times more electrical contact area than a standard twist connector, and it’s made in the USA. I got both the cord end and the inlet, and I think this setup will make my RV much safer.
First, I tackled the cord end. I slid the compression fitting on, pushed the cord through with a little isopropanol to help it along, stripped the jacket, and prepped the wires. The color coding matches perfectly with green for ground, black for hot, and white for neutral. I fed the wires in carefully, tightened everything down with the supplied Allen key, added the strain relief nut, and sealed it up with the rubber gasket and screws.
Then I did the inlet side the same way, connected it to my Progressive Industries 30-amp surge protector, and installed the cover. Once everything was in place, I powered it up and heard the relay click. The display showed 117 volts and 13 amps, and my surge protector confirmed the wiring was good.
To connect, I push the plug in until the butterfly clamps click solidly, and there’s even a little hook for extra security. It feels very secure and much safer than the old twist lock.
SmartPlug Upgrade Installation Video
![SmartPlug 30 AMP Inlet Female Cord Connector Combo - Stainless Steel [B30ASSYNT]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Y7hW9zisL._SL160_.jpg "SmartPlug 30 AMP Inlet Female Cord Connector Combo - Stainless Steel [B30ASSYNT]")
Product Links:
30 Amp SmartPlug Stainless Combo Kit
PI Surge Protector
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Source: RV 30A Power Connection Upgrade – SmartPlug Combo Plug/Receptacle
