Smart Plug install

[CHM]

After experiencing a scorched shore plug, a 30 amp receptacle fall apart and reading Maine Sail's article, I replaced my twist lock with a Smart Plug . The replacement was fairly straight forward. The most difficult part was replacing the female plug on my Marinco cord with the Smart Plug as the fit between the cord and the plug was very tight. I have some peace of mind with this and it seems to be a safer connection than the old one. . I purchased the kit from Defender for approximately $130.


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[Ostinato]

Same size whole?

[CHM]

Yes. Used existing screws also.


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[Stu Jackson]

Some other installation tips:

SmartPlug Install. A few tips..

[CHM]

Thanks Stu. I went with the retrofit kit to replace the existing female end of my shore cord. That was tough to do. The rest was very easy. I did not have to use the strain relief cap in my situation but it is easy to lose the tiny screw supplied if you're not careful.


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[Blue Crab]

There was a hassle on my install, I can't recall exactly, but I think I had to make the hole in my 40 yr old boat slightly larger. As boat projects go, it was no biggie. This was after my second Marinco burnt-out plug. I should buy stock in Smart Plug. Overpriced but well made. And another kudo to MaineSail.

[zboss]

I could not reuse my screws - they were too big. I ended up using #8 bolts and bolting all the way through for a tight fit.

[smac999]

the kits are crap. the plastic cord ends break so easy and pull off the cords. buy the pre made cords.


some boat insurance companys give you an insurance discount for having a smart plug that almost pays for the plug. so it's a free upgrade for some.

[CAELESTIS]

Big improvement over the 1930's fire starting design.