Another shore power question...

[concorde mike]

I replaced a 30 amp shore power inlet this weekend with a Marinco (plastic square type)
The first had a defective screw that wouldn't tighten on the negative wire so I took it back to West Marine and traded it for another. The 2nd had a screw that wouldn't tighten on the green ground wire. It was the last one they had so I installed it that way. How important is it for the negative wire to be screwed tight? It is firmly into the hole and cannot back out.

 

[David M]

Providing you don't plug anything into the shore power connector you just replaced it doesn't matter if the wires are dangling like a loose jock strap. Now if you want to use it......

It cannot back out? You sure about that? You willing to sacrifice a classic like your Concorde on a wire. I'd go back to WM, get the other shore power connector and make a single functioning unit out of the two then return the non-functioning unit. I wouldn't feel bad about it either. They had the unmitigated gall to sell you two broke units costing you gas and time to try and get it right.

 

[TJM]

Definitely return it, the "best" conductivity a cable has is the first day that you use it.

From there, it corrodes over time and it being the "green wire" you will never know how much you need it until you "REALLY NEED" it.

 

[pdecat]

loose connections are a major cause of fires due to local heating.

 

[concorde mike]

Thanks to all who confirmed what I already thought. Is it possible that I was loosening the screws too much at the connection where the wires attach? I find it hard to believe 2 units could be defective.

 

[Capt. Bill1]

quote:

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Originally posted by concorde mike

Is it possible that I was loosening the screws too much at the connection where the wires attach?

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Yes it is possible. Just back the screw off till you feel resistance. If you go to far you can strip the threads and/or back the screw out of the tab.