Smart Plug -install

[Jim Seamans]

Went to install my Smart Plug inlets yesterday and got a surprise. The 10/3 wires were just long enough for the current installation. Couldn't get an extra inch out of it. The manufacturer did not waste a half inch installing the wires. Now I've got to get some butt connectors and wire and add say 4 inches to complete this.

Jezzzz

 

[seadaddler]

OMG

Are going to show some photo's like you usually do on your web site.
How the hell are you doing OLD MAN.
I think I will be heading up north at the end of June or so not sure of the date yet but maybe stop by for a sail on that old boat with you and Joan.
I do need to be in NY for my sister's July 4th BBQ.
Nick

 

[Ken Cross]

I'd try to avoid splices in un-fused wire. How far is it to the breaker? It could be better to replace the run of wire. Otherwise be sure to use high quality splices with insulation support and a quality crimper.
Ken

 

[Jim Seamans]

Hi Ken, The breakers are about 3 ft from the thru hulls but is protected behind a glued in shell. Didn't try to pull out the breakers to see if I could get to that side of the connection.

Will be using good quality wire and shrink type butt connectors with the right crimper and more shrink over that. I do listen to Mainesail when it comes to this stuff

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

I Went Through Eactly ....................

................ the same thing three days ago, and I don't mean almost.

I had to remove the existing #10-3 wire and replace with another piece of #10-3. Fortunately, the old wire was able to come out freely.

You're right in using only the very best, cast iron, bomb proof, connectors money can buy on this one. Much easier than trying to remove the glued in shell.

Don't know which old receptacle you're replacing, but I was replacing a Marinco receptacle. I found that the side and bottom landings for sealing were getting pretty narrow (about 1/8") with the new SmartPlug and decided to discard the rubber gasket which came with the receptacle. I used butyl rubber instead and applied a little heat using a hair dryer to squeeze out the butyl from the wider parts. Having extreme OCD, I then coated the prongs with Super Lube and finally wiped down the cord with Meguiars Vinyl Rubber Cleaner & Protectant.

If that doesn't last for at least 100 yrs, I'll be somewhat ticked.

 

[seadaddler]

Shell Cover

I don't think the shell cover is glued real good because mine came off one time
with out trying to remove it and it just popped off working on running wires up the arch and think I used silicon to glue it back on but not sure what I used as
glue.
Nick

 

[Jim Seamans]

Will be working on it today. Have the necessary parts.
Pictures to follow....

 

[Jim Seamans]

Pictures in album

http://forums.hunter.sailboatowners.com/album.php?albumid=3243

Not happy how the sequence of pictures turned out in the album. Anyone know how to re-arrange them?

Install went well, no problems. The wire length from the power plugs to the circuit breaker were cut to the 1/10 of an inch. could not pull the circuit breaker out enough to remove that side. So I was reduced to installing the shrink butt connectors to lengthen the mess, but that was minor. The new Smart Plugs installed just like they said they would.

No Worries Mate

 

[WayneH]

Finally got my smart plug installed yesterday. I had to do some glass work to the hole in the boat because Tartan cut a hole just big enough and the smart plug was just a bit taller. Stuck the mounting bolts through the gasket and placed the gasket over the hole. Yes, the mounting bolts lined up. Used a black marker inside the gasket to show where to take off glass to get the plug to fit. Maybe ten minutes of filing with a half round file and we were done.

I sure can sleep better without that charred lead on my old Marinco plug attached to my boat.