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By Boat US 

BoatUS Reports On Fires; SmartPlug Responds

 

February 1, 2018

PROTECTION -- According to a 2017 BoatUS Foundation report (Foundation Findings #55 - Boat Burn Lessons Learned, http://www.boatus.org/findings/55/), "Electrical faults are the No. 1 cause of boat fires". Faulty shore power equipment can be one of the culprits, as it feeds a boat's entire AC system and transmits the full power load. The revolutionary SmartPlug System is the best defense a boat owner has to protect against the inadequacies of traditional twist-type shore connections.

According to a 2017 BoatUS Foundation report (Foundation Findings #55 – Boat Burn Lessons Learned, http://www.boatus.org/findings/55/), "Electrical faults are the No. 1 cause of boat fires." Faulty shore power equipment can be one of the culprits, as it feeds a boat's entire AC system and transmits the full power load. The revolutionary SmartPlug System is the best defense a boat owner has to protect against the inadequacies of traditional twist-type shore connections.

SmartPlug's 30A system offers over 20 times the metal contact than outdated twist-type plugs. This is especially important during cold weather when continuous high amperage loads from heaters can cause electrical connections to overheat and may result in fires.

Aside from the archaic, 80-year old design of twist-type connectors, other factors are involved. Over time, metal corrodes and wears-especially around saltwater-creating even less contact. Screws holding wires within the plastic housing can loosen as melting occurs. Often, boaters misalign the L-shaped blade, inadvertently damaging the device as they try to twist it into place.

The SmartPlug system overcomes these issues. Its unique pin and clip design pushes straight in. The plug is asymmetrical, so there's never an alignment issue, making it easy to do even in darkness. Spring-loaded stainless steel side locking clips hold the connector securely in place. A triple seal keeps moisture out.

It's important to inspect the interior of an inlet to see if there is any yellowing or discoloration around the pins. If there is, it's advised to have an electrician check the shore power connection.

Easy to install, the SmartPlug uses an industry standard cut-out and mounting hole pattern. Common household tools are all that's needed.

30 and 50 amp versions are offered. Inlet covers are available in stainless steel, and non-metallic black, white and grey.

Contact local dealers or SmartPlug Systems, 2500 Westlake Ave N., Ste. G, Seattle, WA 98109-2262. 206-285-2990; Fax: 206-285-2981. Sales@smartplug.com; http://www.smartplug.com; http://www.facebook.com/SmartPlug; twitter.com/smartplugs

 

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