How to Inspect an Outlet

Faulty shore power connections are one of the leading causes of marine fires. It’s important to always keep a close eye on the condition of your connections and to take the necessary safety precautions.

Do A Safety Check Often

It’s time to update and replace your electrical connection if you notice any of the following:

Signs of Melting or Discoloration

Don’t ignore any signs of burning or melting. This is a red flag something is overheating and needs to be addressed before it leads to fire. Be sure to inspect your inlet and plug, as well as the inlet on the dock.

Corrosion

Have you ever dropped your shore power cord into the water, shook it off, then plugged in any way? We’ve likely all done it at one point As the water dries out, salt crystals remain and cause corrosion. Corrosion in the electrical circuit will lead to overheating and potentially fire.

Loose Connections

It’s imperative to maintain a solid connection between your cord plug and inlet. If the connection is loose, motion can cause the plug to move and compromise the connection which can lead to overheating and potentially fire. A loose connection also leaves your plug open to the elements which can lead to corrosion, overheating and more.

Before you head out to start the boating season, make sure to carefully inspect your boat and shore power connection. If it’s time for a replacement, check out SmartPlug. SmartPlug offers a full lineup of marine products which are safe, easy to use, and most importantly –secure. If you have questions, feel free to contact our team here.

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