Smart Plug -- Wow!

[jmschmidt]

Looks like a great product. See this link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tn7A7zu0Two

The reason the other product(s) mentioned is pretty worthless when mounted on the exterior of the boat and exposed to the weather is the phony ring and boot do not keep moisture out very well, for very long, if at all. If mounted on a slightly sloping surface, moisture will pool behind the rubber boot until it reaches the contacts, then watch out.

However, I'm way to cheap to buy this cool smart plug set, I just get (got 15 years ago) a 30A twist plug from Home Depot ($12) with no weather seal, rubber boot or any other accoutrements to make you think it is weather proof and I leave the whole thing exposed to the weather. I made the electrical connections and poured the whole cavity of the plug with thinned out epoxy putty before screwing the plug together. Actually an old salt told me (showed me) this. Never had a problem with it.

The old salt told me that rain water keep it clean (fresh water does not conduct electricity) and the sun dries out any moisture quickly here in Hawaii even if a small amount pools due to the sloped surface. If it does ever shorts out it's in plan view, not hidden behind a rubber boot and metal ring like the other product(s) mentioned.

[Baba Buoy]

Checking your old connection with a temp gun for possible overheating is good idea.

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

I picked up a 30 amp Smart Plug while I was in the States over Christmas.


Wow! What a piece of kit! I read a lot of good things about these devices, but I was unprepared for the extraordinary high quality of this thing. The socket part is actually machined metal with heavy chrome plating, the gaskets are really elaborate, the parts fit together like parts of a fine gun.



They are really expensive, but now after seeing one, I wouldn't say the cost is ridiculous, especially considering the high cost (at least 50%) of the horrendously bad Marinco connectors, which have nearly burned up a couple boats of mine.



Really pleased and looking forward to getting it installed.

It is really nice to hear a positive review of a product. At one time it was a satisfied customer told 3, a dissatisfied told 8 Today the three is probably a constant the 8 who knows?

[Boatyarddog]

Originally Posted by transmitterdan

If you parallel 2 inlet connectors I am pretty sure that is a safety code violation. It would effectively create a Jesus cord/connector by exposing the mains to fingers.

Those parallel connections, are insulated within a sheathed Conduit.
Not sure how they would be exposed, unless they've not been installed properly.
Haven't seen anything in the ABYC manual that's described as a code violation.
SV Cloud Duster

[406Columbia]

are you folks putting in the 30amp or 50amp and why? I am thinking my little boat doesn't need much power to run things aboard so 30amp should be fine. Just curios if there was any other benefit.

[rbk]

One of the very first things I did was install a smart chord and a galvanic isolator . The old one was brown and a disaster waiting to happen.

[rbk]

Originally Posted by 406Columbia

are you folks putting in the 30amp or 50amp and why? I am thinking my little boat doesn't need much power to run things aboard so 30amp should be fine. Just curios if there was any other benefit.

30 here, but that’s pleanty to start a fire or kill someone.

[IslandHopper]

Sounds like a nice piece of kit, where do you get the app from and how good is it?

[LoudMusic]

You want to be able to run everything on board AND recharge the batteries at the same time. If the boat has substantial systems it takes a lot of power.

[406Columbia]

thanks guys, going to get myself a 30amp version. Just bought a nice stainless marinco but will return it and get a smartplug

[Maka]

" fresh water does not conduct electricity"


Nothing could be further from the truth.
Why do you think GFI outlets are required by code, with in 3 feet of a water source?
ie kitchens and baths

[jewt]

Another fan, waiting a tax return to equip my "new to me" Morgan with a couple!

jewt
S/V Bifrost (8) New Bern, NC
back home after hurricane repairs

[transmitterdan]

Originally Posted by Boatyarddog

Those parallel connections, are insulated within a sheathed Conduit.
Not sure how they would be exposed, unless they've not been installed properly.
Haven't seen anything in the ABYC manual that's described as a code violation.
SV Cloud Duster

The unused connector has pins sticking out. If they are hot then that is a safety hazard.

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by transmitterdan

The unused connector has pins sticking out. If they are hot then that is a safety hazard.

Agreed. Issue could be resolved by a lockout so that only one can be live at a time. Otherwise there is the potential to hook up two cords to the same panel and that is contrary to ABYC.

[unbusted67]

Originally Posted by BigBeakie

But don't you have to have a marina that has the corresponding receptacle for the Smartplug? If so, which is my understanding, there are very few marinas that offer that plug to plug into, and none that I have heard about in Australia.


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

Actually anyone know if they make a female fixed end with a male cable end? I was just down on the dock today fixing my kiosk because my 30 amp plug corroded and over heated. Anyone know if they make a kiosk side?