replacing worn out female shore power connector

[romanservices]

My shore power receptacles are inside a protected cabinet on my aft deck, normally I would advocate to replace the whole cable if they are directly exposed. Now I'm thinking in this situation what would be the harm in just replacing the plug?

any issues I should be aware of?

Thanks

 

[fwebster]

Nothing, if you have Marinco cables and use their replacement plugs. I don't know about other makers but Marinco plugs are designed to be water tight when installed following their procedure.

 

[JVM225]

I've replaced Marinco plugs several times over the years. It's a quick, simple, and effective fix. But, the replacement plugs aren't cheap. If your cables are older, really dirty looking, the male end isn't looking to good either, or may be compromised in any way, you may want to look at just getting a new cable. The price difference between a replacement plug and a whole new cable isn't astronomical.

 

[sbw1]

Even older, dirty cords can be cleaned up nicely with toluene. The solvent cuts through lots of grime but does not soften the cord and make it sticky.

 

[Quint4]

I just replaced a cord and the receptacle. They were showing signs of heating up...not good.

Best to keep an eye on them and replace when needed.

 

[JVM225]

If you decide to replace just the plug, make sure you cut back the wire to where it is nice and clean before attaching it to the new plug. If the plug, or wire, is burnt like in Quint's picture above, I would change the receptacle it plugs in to on the dock too and check those wires carefully when you do it.
Quint's photos are of the boat receptacle and boat end of the cord. His receptacle needs replacing as does his female end of the cord. I'll bet that when he inspects the wire behind that plug and receptacle he will find that it's burnt as well. He'll likely be able to cut back the cord a few feet to get to clean wire, but might have to replace the wire between his boat's receptacle and 110 panel.
That burning is often caused by a bad, loose, or oxidized connection between the plug and receptacle. Using the locking ring, and a light coating of a product called "No-Ox" that you can get in Home Depot will reduce the risk of burning.
If the dockside receptacle is like mine and doesn't have provisions for a locking ring, then mounting a hook to hang the heavy cord on to reduce the strain on the twist on connection will help to keep a good tight connection.

 

[romanservices]

For now I replaced the plug, I'll be replacing the receptacles and lines over the winter. I got to looking at the smartplug™ style connectors and plan to switch over, looks much easier to deal with and if i'm replacing might as well make it better.

https://www.amazon.com/SmartPlug-B3...9094950&sr=8-6&keywords=shore+power+smartplug

 

[Black Valkyrie]

Replace everything with the smart plug system. You also get a discount on your insurance for it.

 

[JVM225]

For now I replaced the plug, I'll be replacing the receptacles and lines over the winter. I got to looking at the smartplug™ style connectors and plan to switch over, looks much easier to deal with and if i'm replacing might as well make it better.

https://www.amazon.com/SmartPlug-B3...9094950&sr=8-6&keywords=shore+power+smartplug

Looks nice! What do you do with the male end that plugs in to the dockside receptacle? I guess you leave the regular twist lock plug on it......
It's great that you swapped out the female plug on the cord, but I would replace the burnt receptacle and burnt section of wire behind it too in order to avoid a hazardous situation.

 

[romanservices]

Looks nice! What do you do with the male end that plugs in to the dockside receptacle? I guess you leave the regular twist lock plug on it......
It's great that you swapped out the female plug on the cord, but I would replace the burnt receptacle and burnt section of wire behind it too in order to avoid a hazardous situation.

That wasn't my receptacle in thed image above. Mine is just fine right now