Smart Plug shore power connectors

[minaret]

Originally Posted by skipmac

Let me put that another way, if I had turned in a design like that when I was in engineering school I would have received a failing grade on the project. Maybe a pat on the back for the functional aspects but an F on the installation techniques required.

Lol! This product was developed by a friend from work.

[goboatingnow]

I still think IEC 60309 series connectors make better boat side connectors, Insertion and removal force can be a bit high , but the conductors are far more robust and the wiring and strain relief is better. Could never quite understand why the lock and turn Marinco style connector gained popularity.

Dave

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

I still think IEC 60309 series connectors make better boat side connectors, Insertion and removal force can be a bit high , but the conductors are far more robust and the wiring and strain relief is better. Could never quite understand why the lock and turn Marinco style connector gained popularity.

Dave

Yes, those are the plugs I mean. I think the US did not accept them because they are (started as) a European standard.

[s/v 'Faith']

I installed the kit on the Pearson 424 I have been sailing since November. I had no trouble with the install, and am very impressed with the design and quality of the product.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by minaret

Lol! This product was developed by a friend from work.

Oh gee. Hope I haven't insulted him too badly. But if you know the guy, do ask him why the screws that tighten the clamps that hold the wire in the plugs are so easy to over loosen causing the clamps to fall off into a sealed cavity. It's pretty easy to design/make a screw that is captive and won't come out of a socket without major force. I see that feature on some cheap home style AC connectors so can't understand why that wasn't done on the Smartplug, especially since the penalty for backing the screw out too far is a major pain.

Other than that I love the things. Well made, much larger contact area for the connectors, the plug on the cord locks into the deck socket. Just wish it was the standard for the marina side of the connections.

PS
If he wants to send me some free samples to test and correct any other design flaws I'm happy to help.

PPS
Did you ever get your new tender delivered from FL?

[minaret]

Originally Posted by skipmac

Oh gee. Hope I haven't insulted him too badly. But if you know the guy, do ask him why the screws that tighten the clamps that hold the wire in the plugs are so easy to over loosen causing the clamps to fall off into a sealed cavity. It's pretty easy to design/make a screw that is captive and won't come out of a socket without major force. I see that feature on some cheap home style AC connectors so can't understand why that wasn't done on the Smartplug, especially since the penalty for backing the screw out too far is a major pain.

Other than that I love the things. Well made, much larger contact area for the connectors, the plug on the cord locks into the deck socket. Just wish it was the standard for the marina side of the connections.

PS
If he wants to send me some free samples to test and correct any other design flaws I'm happy to help.

PPS
Did you ever get your new tender delivered from FL?

Not at all! Only see him at boat shows any more. Used to work in the same yard as me, long ago.


New tender is awesome! Got a little Lehr 2.5 propane outboard for it too. Twin rowing stations with tiller steering rules, almost as much fun as the sail rig!

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by minaret

Not at all! Only see him at boat shows any more. Used to work in the same yard as me, long ago.


New tender is awesome! Got a little Lehr 2.5 propane outboard for it too. Twin rowing stations with tiller steering rules, almost as much fun as the sail rig!

What a beautiful dinghy. Wish I had a boat big enough to carry one.

[minaret]

Originally Posted by skipmac

What a beautiful dinghy. Wish I had a boat big enough to carry one.

Only weighs 250 naked, 350 all up. At 12.5, same length and weight as the AB RIB I previously kept on the stern davits, if we include the outboard and some fuel. Which we usually did. Much happier with this. Fact is planing dinghies can't plane in any kind of chop, or with a crew as large as mine aboard. So for me, there's no point in having a RIB with a big outboard if I'm going to be reduced to going slow in it, especially when that makes me totally reliant on a finicky gas outboard with suspect fuel. The new rig has three modes of propulsion, all of them extremely reliable if not extremely fast.

[Blue Stocking]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

I'm just trying to change the world, nothing special

One sailor at a time Nic

Good report

[rower]

I also recall some difficulty in wiring a replacement Smart Plug connector (replacement also caused by coming home to a smoldering "traditional" connection). Although it took some time and salty language to get it right, I too have enjoyed the more robust connection and as a live-aboard feel that the improved safety was well worthwhile.

After a year, the weatherproofing on the retrofit cord seal showed obvious signs of wear. I reached out to the company via their web site and asked for a replacement part. I was extremely surprised when a replacement dual cordset arrived! More than two years on this cord shows no signs of any inappropriate wear.

Not only does Smart Plug have a great product, but they really stand behind it!