Marinco 32amp shorepower plug, insecure connection

[Skylark]

My shorepower lead is 8 years old and it’s increasingly difficult to consistently secure power aboard. It now seems to take a few attempts at jiggling, twisting and locking the plug in place before connection is made.

I know that the boat electric pros don’t heap praise upon this widely used connection but does anyone know if the plug cover can be removed to check the contacts? Any other way to improve first-time success?

I may simply replace the plug but a quick Google search shows them to be pretty expensive, hence I’m posing the question.

 

[ash2020]

I would try spraying some proper contact cleaner on the pins first. Such as. RS PRO 400 ml Aerosol Electrical Contact Cleaner | RS Components
If it's a standard blue 16A plug they come apart easily by undoing the 2 screws.

 

[Daverw]

I would be a little cautious of using it, I’ve heard reports of overheating leading to fires with these plugs and sockets

 

[ash2020]

Sorry, I just read the title and saw it was a Marinco 32A

 

[savageseadog]

I've seen one of these melt due to poor connection

 

[Dodgy Diver]

ok as a electrician please dont use the lead and plug you have , im assuming its a 3 pin 32a plug and socket
if the connection is poor it can heat up and potentially cause a fire

id replace it with a std 3 pin 32a either panel mounted plug and socket or wall mounted . thats what I have on my boat , cheap as chips and just works well they are the industry std

 

[Laysula]

David. Buy expensive and buy twice

 

[rotrax]

Our last two boats have had Marinco plugs at the boat end of the shorepower cable. I took both in bits, remade the internal connection ans sealed with silicone grease.

The previous boat had a little connecting problem a bit as you describe. By cleaning the male spade terminals, especially the 'L' shaped one with 1200 grade wet and dry and spraying contact cleaner into the female part it became trouble free. Saltwater had got onto the socket at some time by the look of the greeny blue deposits found before cleaning. I did bend them a tiny bit to ensure a tight fit.

Good Luck.