08/12/03

This directory contains a series of photos of a "20 amp to 30 amp" adaptor
cord, purchased at Camping World in Nashville, TN a couple of months before.

this adaptor was connected between a 20 amp fused, 10 gauge cord and a 30 amp
connector on our motorhome.  The only load operating in the motorhome was the
air conditioner.  Mild day, in the mid 80's.  The breaker had never tripped so
I know that the circuit was not operating near its limit.  

I found this condition today when I went to move the MH.  The adapter was
inside the wire box for protection from weather.  The rubber was gooey soft,
to the point I was afraid to attempt to disconnect without tripping the
breaker.  Both the 20 amp and 30 amp connectors were stuck together.  The 30
amp socket shows much less damage than the 20 amp plug but the male prong on
the RV plug was discolored and the molded plastic part of the plug was soft to
the touch.

This adapter appeared to be a quality product and is clearly labeled for 30
amp service, yet it slagged at under 20 amps of current.  I suggest that
anyone using one of these give careful thought to continuing use.  

John DeArmond
johngd (at) bellsouth.net