Waterlogged shore power inlet!

This is the first time I've seen water INSIDE of a twist-lock connector.... (Sept 2023)

From the Rockwood Facegroup Group…

We need help just getting our 2020 out of storage after not been used for two years got it home and are ready to plug it in and we open the door to plug in the power cord and there is moisture inside there? We’re not sure how because the latch was definitely closed on it we made certain of that, so we dried it out and now we can see moisture accumulated behind the little plastic guard on the prongs.

We are unsure as to how to get that moisture out of there much less how it got in there but obviously we are afraid to plug it in with that moisture in there. any help from our camping friends is appreciated. I think I’ll add a picture. If maybe you all are unsure what I’m trying to ask is it safe to plug that in with the moisture in there? - Susan CH

Dear Susan,

I believe it’s time to pull the twist-lock connector out of the side of your RV and get a better look at what’s actually going on. While there’s little chance of electrocution or a short circuit if you connect a shore power cord to this twist-lock inlet, that moisture is likely to cause oxidation (corrosion) of the brass contacts and copper conductors which could result in overheating and a possible fire.

Plus there’s likely to be some electrolysis production of hydrogen and oxygen gas when plugged into power, which could cause a tiny but surprisingly powerful explosion. And yes, I’ve seen this type of hydrogen/oxygen explosion in a small submersible pump up close and personal!

Properly dry and clean the contacts

There’s supposed to be a rubber seal on the back of this twist-lock connector, so if the seal is torn or improperly installed, it could allow moisture in. In addition, there’s probably a water leak in the RV roof or wall that needs to be found and repaired. But that’s another article…

Once you remove the twist-lock connector from the side of your RV it you can probably disassemble the connector, dry it out with a hair dryer, and use a good contact spray like deoxIT D5. Then carefully reassemble it paying close attention to properly torquing the terminating screws on the wires.

Check the label, but the Furrion 30-amp twist-lock connectors I’ve recently installed list 14-16 inch-lbs of torque. Read my article on how to properly torque terminating screws HERE.

Let’s play safe out there… Mike