A Testimonial from the Co-Founder of Camp Addict, Marshall Wendler SmartPlug September 10, 2019 5:29 pm At SmartPlug, our goal is providing the best quality products with customer satisfaction that can’t be beat. We’re happy to share another wonderful review from SmartPlug customer, Marshall Wendler, Camp Addict Co-Founder: “As a full-time RVer since April 2014, and the co-founder of Camp Addict, I’m always on the lookout for RV related products that can make my life easier. If the product is that much of a game-changer, then I want to shout from the hills about it. The SmartPlug is one of those products I love to spread the word about – it’s really that much better than the traditional twist-lock power plug that RVers have been stuck with for decades. The twist-lock style of RV power cords is what RVers are used to using, but it has a few flaws. The whole process is a major pain. You have to line up the L-pin, make sure you twist the connector enough so that you are making a solid connection with all three prongs, and then align the lock rings threads so you can tighten it down. Argh! I converted my twist-lock connector to a SmartPlug over a year ago and haven’t looked back. The SmartPlug allows for simple, one-handed connecting of my shore power cord to my travel trailer. I know for sure it’s connected correctly each time. No more concern regarding if there is a good electrical connection – it just happens. Disconnecting is incredibly simple as well – just squeeze the two side levers and pull. I first heard about the SmartPlug’s marine application before I started RVing. When I found out they offered an RV version I knew I had to have one. The process was fairly simple to convert my existing shore power cord and RV receptacle to the SmartPlug system. Every RV should have a SmartPlug installed. It’s the safest and easiest way to connect a shore power cord to the rig.” Thank you, Marshall, for sharing your Smartplug experience! If you’d like to see Marshall’s video on converting to SmartPlug, check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vnrp9Lhoif0 We love hearing from our customers! Tell us about your experience and we’d be happy to feature it on our blog. Contact us here.

Installing an ELCI Prevents Electric Shock Drowning! SmartPlug September 1, 2019 5:51 pm Anyone who’s come in contact with even a mild jolt of electricity knows the muscle spasms it can generate. Complete immersion after falling or unknowingly jumping into water that’s been electrified by a boat’s faulty wiring can trigger total body immobility and even stop a heart, tragically resulting in a drowning fatality. The cause is typically stray AC current exiting the boat and traveling back to its source on shore via the water instead of the ground wire. Fortunately, there are measures that can be taken to help prevent such occurrences, the centerpiece being an equipment leakage circuit interrupter or ELCI. SmartPlug Systems, pioneer in shore power safety, explains the importance of this critical piece of equipment and the simplicity of adding one by the average DIY boat owner. An ELCI is similar to a residential GFCI (ground-fault circuit-interrupter). The circuitry inside the device measures the incoming and outgoing current flow. If it senses a problem with the ground, whether due to a damaged or severed wire or an incorrectly connected piece of equipment, it shuts off the power within a fraction of a second. Some safety-minded marinas have installed GFI devices on their power pedestals, but many have not. This is why the American Boat and Yacht Council, the organization that sets boat manufacturing safety guidelines, mandates the inclusion of an ELCI solution on all new boats using Shore Power. For owners of older boats familiar with marine wiring, installing an ELCI requires attention to detail but is straightforward. Connecting six wires is all it takes. Alternately, ABYC-and NMEA-certified electricians are eminently capable of undertaking the task and can also test the entire electrical system. What the ABYC doesn’t address, however, are the shortcomings of a twist-type shore power connector. Working in tandem with the ELCI, the SmartPlug provides over 20 times the metal-to-metal contact of a traditional plug and inlet—a design that hasn’t changed in over 80 years. This maximizes the electrical transfer, and reduces the arcing, resistance and resultant overheating that leads to fire. SmartPlug Systems’ ELCI solution consists of two components, a ground fault sensor used in tandem with a UL-489 listed circuit breaker with built-in shunt trip and auxiliary switch. This combined package provides power and fault status indicators and identifies between a ground fault versus a short circuit trip. The trip level of the sensing device is <30mA (27mA nominal) with a trip time of <100mS (60mS nominal) to meet ABYC’s E-11 Standard. The package is available in 30A and 50A versions. Contact SmartPlug Systems, 2500 Westlake Ave N., Ste. G, Seattle, WA 98109-2262. 206-285-2990; Fax: 206-285-2981. Sales@sp2024.10web.cloud; www.sp2024.10web.cloud; Facebook; Twitter.

Best RV Campsites on the East Coast SmartPlug August 8, 2019 9:00 am Summer is not over yet and you know what that means… time for a vacation! In these summer months, take advantage of the high temperatures and beautiful sunshine. Pack up the RV and hit the road. Don’t want to travel too far? Here are some of the best campsites to visit along the East Coast. South Carolina: Ocean Lakes Family Campground Ocean Lakes Family Campground is located in Myrtle Beach, and is the largest campsite along the East Coast. The campgrounds are a family friendly vacation spot that offer extra park features such as a water park and nearby golf course. Everything you need is on site, making it easy to never want to leave this vacation spot! Acadia National Park, Maine: Blackwoods Campground Looking to experience a real camping trip? Make sure to check out the jaw-dropping parks in Maine. Campers venture to Acadia for its picturesque scenery, historic sites and recreational activities, including hiking, biking and canoeing. With Acadia’s glorious outdoors there are countless activities and opportunities that will leave you with many stories to bring home. Maryland: Assateague State Park Imagine waking up to the sound of water crashing along the shore, with a slight breeze brushing against your face as you step gently onto the warm sand beneath your feet. Now throw a horse into the mix—yes, a horse! Wild horses roam along the beaches and campsites of Assateague State Park, making this destination spot one to remember. Key West, Florida: Bluewater Key RV Resort The Florida Keys are where the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico meet offering crystal clear waters excellent for many water activities. Each campsite offered along this private resort is one of a kind. Some are situated as close to the water as you can get, while others aren on-waterfront sites. Both sites have endless adventuring, and beautiful views. New York: Lake George Escape Need a kid-friendly getaway? Lake George Escape campsite offers daily activities to keep the kids busy while the adults take time for themselves. Family activities are also offered such as mini golf, tubing, tennis and wagon rides. This is an ideal location for families with children who are looking to travel. While preparing for your next excursion, make sure to travel safely with the safest electrical connection: SmartPlug. SmartPlug replaces the problematic twist-type design that most RVs use today and will ensure you have a memorable and safe vacation. Enjoy the rest of Summer! If you have another favorite RV destination on the East Coast, we’d love to hear about it –tell us in the comments!

SmartPlug Featured on Embassy PRL Class B SmartPlug August 3, 2019 1:52 pm No Comments We’re thrilled to share another great vehicle equipped with SmartPlug!This is an Embassy PRL Class B RV. This RV featured an exclusive rear porch with a tent option, which is unlike any other Class B of its kind! Check out this awesome design: Nice work, team! We love to see our products in use! If you have a SmartPlug product and would like to be featured on our blog, please contact us!

SmartPlug Featured on Nomad Vanz SmartPlug July 25, 2019 9:00 am No Comments We love seeing how our customers use their SmartPlug. It is such a rewarding experience to hear feedback and know we’ve made someone’s RV experience safer and easier. We’re excited to share an awesome van designed by Nomad Vanz that features SmartPlug! Introducing the latest Nomad Vanz showcase van, Yabba Dabba Do, a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2019 VS30 2WD Cargo Van 2500 High Roof 144 WB. This beach house on wheels gives you the freedom to soak up the sun, ride the waves, and feel the ocean breeze! Check out this incredible design: Nicely done, Nomad Vanz! If you have SmartPlug and would like to be featured on our blog, please contact our team.

RV Safety Tips from Mike Sokol SmartPlug July 11, 2019 9:00 am No Comments Summer is in full swing! It’s the season of RV adventures, camping and cookouts. At SmartPlug, we’re all about safety. We thought it’d be the perfect time to share some safety tips before you head out on your next excursion. Mike Sokol is the nation’s leading authority on RV electricity. He is the author of “No Shock Zone,”a guide to learning about the electric in your RV and how to avoid being shocked. Recently he conducted a survey with RVTravel.com to see how many readers had been shocked by their RV. More than 1,100 readers responded with 21% reporting they have been shocked by their RV. Some readers even claimed to have been seriously injured –wow! We’re not here to scare you, but instead would like to share helpful tips on how to avoid being shocked by your RV. The first rule of staying safe from electrocution is to keep your heart out of the current flow. Follow these tips: Use only one hand to plug or unplug any power cables Turn off breakers in the pedestal before plugging or unplugging campsite power Never stand or kneel on wet ground while making electrical hookups If you feel a shock from the doorknob of your RV, do not get into your RV. Shut off the pedestal circuit breaker immediately and alert the campsite manager. Mike Sokol teaches clinics and seminars to helpRV enthusiasts follow safe electrical practices. In his lessons, Mike recommends SmartPlug as the safe choice for electrical connection. SmartPlug replaces the outdated and problematic twist-type design that most RVs use today. It’s intuitive to use and provides greater protection against loose connections and corrosion –the leading causes of electrical connection failure and fires. If you’d like more safety information or would to see Mike at one of his upcoming seminars, please follow him here.

SmartPlug Makes RV Air Conditioning Safer SmartPlug June 24, 2019 11:24 pm No Comments Once considered a luxury, air conditioning is now commonplace in RVs. Whether it’s a motor-home’s duct system, rooftop unit on a trailer or portable model cooling a pod, they’re invariably plugged into shore power. Their massive, spiking power draws place a serious burden on outdated, twist-type connectors that can overheat Safety-minded RVers are increasingly replacing these devices with the state-of-the-art SmartPlug. It’s the singular upgrade that provides the peace-of-mind needed to thoroughly enjoy a cool night’s rest. The original shore power connector was designed in the 1930s, back when the electric fan reigned supreme. And while it served RVers well, its design has serious limitations, namely, thin curved metal blades. The innovative SmartPlug, in contrast, utilizes a thick pin and clip that provide 20 times the metal-to-metal contact. It’s this increase in connectivity that lessens the resistance that is a leading cause of overheating and resultant fire. Instead of the trial-and-error method of aligning the L blade in a twist-type connector and then spinning the retaining collar until it finally threads, the SmartPlug pushes straight in. Large, easy to operate clips hold it securely in place. And because it’s asymmetrical, plugging in is easy and foolproof. RV owners across the US and Canada have placed their trust in the SmartPlug. It’s simple and quick to install using common household tools. The 30A/125V or 50A 125/250V inlet is offered in four versions: white, grey and black polymer, and stainless steel. Matching phone/TV/data inlets are also available. Contact SmartPlug Systems, 2500 Westlake Ave N., Ste. G, Seattle, WA 98109-2262. 206-285-2990; Fax: 206-285-2981. Sales@sp2024.10web.cloud; www.sp2024.10web.cloud; Facebook; Twitter.

RV Summer Preparation Checklist SmartPlug June 13, 2019 9:00 am No Comments Adventure season is here! For many RVers, the season is just beginning and it’s the perfect time to do a routine check on your camper. Before you head out, be sure to follow along with this handy checklist to avoid problems on the road: Do A Safety Check– Do you have smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, LP gas detectors, fire extinguishers and a first aid kit on board? These are all essential to a safe adventure. Check Fluids – It’s important to check all fluids on board. If levels are low, this may indicate a problem or leak. Flush Your Water System– De-winterize your system by flushing out the water tanks and sanitizing them. Be sure to check for leaks before you refill. Check Your Electrical Connection– If your shore power connector shows signs of rust, melting or burning, it’s time for an update. SmartPlug is the safe, simple and secure choice of updating your electrical connection. Inspect your Appliances– If you use propane to run your appliances, it’s important to conduct a leak test and gas pressure text to ensure your system is operating safely. Also, propane does expire so make sure to check the expiration date on your tanks too. Check Tires– Check the air pressure and look for signs of tread wear and cracking. The last thing you need when you hit the road is a blowout. Inspect Seams & Seals– Inspect your camper for any signs of cracks, openings, separations or signs of damage. If you notice any problems, you may need to seal or resurface. Check Batteries– Batteries lose energy during storage. Ensure your batteries are fully charged and have the correct water levels to avoid problems in the future. Don’t leave your safety to chance. Make sure to take the time now to ensure everything is in place for a safe and fun RV season! Happy Summer!You can rate here: [ratings]

Onboard Air Conditioning Is Safer with SmartPlug SmartPlug May 29, 2019 9:00 am No Comments As summer draws near, many boaters are planning overnight cruises. To sleep comfortably, they’ll rely on factory installed or portable air conditioners. These appliances, however, can put tremendous electrical loads on outdated, twist-type shore power electrical connections, leaving owners wide-eyed awake wondering if their older plug is going to overheat. Using the revolutionary SmartPlug not only greatly improves onboard safety, but allows cruisers the worry-free rest they need. The amperage draw of an air conditioner can be substantial. Whether the power is 30 or 50 amp service, as the unit cycles off and on, sharp peak loads are generated. This is on top of other appliances, lighting, pumps, toilets and all the other sundry items plugged in throughout the boat. Traditional shore power plugs have thin blades with just enough metal touching to make an electrical connection. Age-related corrosion reduces this contact further. This causes resistance, resulting in overheating and the potential for arcing and fire, especially as those massive, sudden loads from A/C units are placed on it. A common symptom that this is happening is a slight browning of the plastic around the pins in the boat-side inlet. SmartPlug Systems’ approach is different. Its revolutionary shore power plug and inlet is a robust pin and clip design with over 20 times the metal-to-metal contact than old fashioned connections. The unique design easily—and safely—accommodates the large power loads placed on it. Unlike clumsy twist-type connectors that require aligning both the L blade and threading the locking collar, the waterproof SmartPlug pushes straight in and clips in place. It’s asymmetrical, so it’s foolproof to use, even in dimly lit conditions with one hand. Installing the SmartPlug is an easy DIY project with common household tools. It has the same cutout and mounting hole pattern as older, twist-type inlets. With a Retro-Fit Kit, owners can save some money by using their existing cable. The SmartPlug meets or exceeds all current certification requirements and is available in 30 and 50 amp. The inlet cover is offered in stainless steel, or non-metallic white, grey or black to match any boat décor. A matching 30 and 50 amp Equipment Leakage Circuit Interrupter is available, as is a phone/TV/data inlet. Contact SmartPlug Systems, 2500 Westlake Ave N., Ste. G, Seattle, WA 98109-2262. 206-285-2990; Fax: 206-285-2981. www.sp2024.10web.cloud; Facebook; Twitter. Rate Here: [ratings]

Your Spring Boat Repair Checklist SmartPlug May 13, 2019 9:00 am No Comments With Spring officially underway, that means people are taking their boats out of winter storage and prepping them to head into the water for a fun-filled boating season. As you get your boat ready this Spring, be sure to follow this repair checklist to avoid future problems during the season: Check belts, cables, and hoses as they can become brittle and may crack during winter storage. Inspect the fuel system for leaks or damage including fuel hoses, connections and tank surfaces. Inspect your electrical connections to ensure they are secure with no signs of corrosion or overheating. Check all fluid levels including engine oil, power steering, power trim reservoirs, and coolant. Inspect propellers for dings, pitting, cracks and distortion. Check the hull for blisters, distortions, and cracks. Inspect the battery and connection. Check all helm switches to be sure they are operational. Ensure all lights are in working order. Replace the batteries on all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Check all cleats, rail fittings, and deck fittings to ensure they are tight and secure. Many of these items require simple fixes. Don’t leave your safety to chance –take the time now to ensure everything is in line for a safe boating season.Rate Here: [ratings] Happy boating!