Previously in this thread I made an attempt to clarify terminology. Maybe you missed it. But it is confusing…..
I love irony. Technically speaking, the second”it” in this rant speaks to your attempt to clarify terminology.
Previously in this thread I made an attempt to clarify terminology. Maybe you missed it. But it is confusing…..
Not replacing a standard shore power cord based on one report of a failure in the absence of a definitive explanation of its failure would not be a mistake I would want to make given the risks. This type of reasoning is not uncommon amongst humans. We humans are very poor judges of risk, it is one of the many cognitive biases we humans share.I have in the past been tempted to change my boat over to a SmartPlug, but after reading this and a few other threads, I no longer feel the urge. I'm on my 2nd "normal" cord in 18 years or so, and the boat-side male connector is original. Nothing's ever been even warm and no scorch marks. Our boat is plugged in 24/7 when at the slip, and I guess the black spin ring keeps the majority of the rain out.
I've read the article before, a few times, as well as several others. I'll give it another look, of course. I think not replacing your existing equipment which is functioning properly over a long period of time is probably the default behavior that most of us follow. Perhaps the reason we've never had a problem is just because we have a very low electrical load (no A/C, only a small [new] fridge that isn't left running). Most days, the AC cord is just running a battery charger.Not replacing a standard shore power cord based on one report of a failure in the absence of a definitive explanation of its failure would not be a mistake I would want to make given the risks. This type of reasoning is not uncommon amongst humans. We humans are very poor judges of risk, it is one of the many cognitive biases we humans share.
Read this article and look at the number of failures, the explanations of why the failures occurred, and the consequences of potential failures and rethink your reasoning. I have no interest in promoting safer electrical connections other than they are safer.
Shore Power - SmartPlug vs. 1938 - Marine How To
SmartPlug vs. 1938 In today's day and age it is far and few between that I come across products that: #1 Do as they say. #2 Are built to an exceptional standard. #3 Redefine what great is. The SmartPlug is onemarinehowto.com
We've been in one (375 boat) marina for 18 years now here in Maryland. I wouldn't swear there hasn't been a boat fire in our marina, but I'm not aware of one, and they're really good about keeping us informed by email and facebook. I wonder if the majority of fires might be the result of using the shore power electrical systems at near their capacity limits, as you'd expect to happen in colder climates when using resistive heaters onboard?The last few fires in the marina were smart plugs. I do not know the details. Over time with my last four boats over the decades and my grandfather’s boat, (I’m 70), we have always had old style. My procedure is and always has been is to plug the connector to the boat and twist until stops. During the twist, cinch down with ring snugly. I’ve never had a hot cord even during liveaboard years..I know people get lazy plugging cords in and the result is loose connections.
Switched to a smart plug several years ago; one of the best upgrades that I have done.No device is fail proof. It is more important to look at rates of failure and consequences of the failure.
I swapped over to a Smart Plug years ago and have no intention to go back to 1938 technology.
ditto! I made the change when it first came out because the design is a huge improvement over 1938.... I worked with very high current 3 phase that still used the hubble - many problems. When I removed the standard boat receptacle the hidden black wire was burned about an inch out from the socket with no visible issues in the exposed side of the connectorNo device is fail proof. It is more important to look at rates of failure and consequences of the failure. The design of the Smart Plug is much better than the original 1938 plug and it appears the smart plug failure rate is lower than the traditional plug. Although, that may in part be an artifact of the lower numbers of the Smartplug being in service.
I swapped over to a Smart Plug years ago and have no intention to go back to 1938 technology.
"Rate" takes into account the number in service, in statistical terms. Perhaps you meant "number of failures?" But I get your point.failure rate is lower than the traditional plug. Although, that may in part be an artifact of the lower numbers of the Smartplug being in service.
Be that as it may, it doesn't negate my observation.However, the low numbers might not represent a proper sample set meaning the resulting statistics may be skewed.