Twist-lock connectinos

[ngranneman]

All new to this RV stuff. Was looking up connections to convert my 30 amp hookup to 15 amp hookup to house for basic stuff and have learned through this that some of these plugs have twist locking feature and on some reviews if not twisted it seemed to have "caused damage to the RV." Upon learning this I found out that my main 30 amp hookup to the RV itself is twist locked but I haven't twisted it the 2 times I have had it hooked up. I didn't have AC or anything running, only used it for light use and slide out function. Would I know if damage was done and what kind of damage could this do?

 

[regval]

I think you need to identify the connector type that you have before someone can provide some assistance. There are many types of twist-lock connectors and it's important to know if the connector(s) you are referring to are installed on the RV by the factory or user installed and the same applies to the connector at the house side.
Here's a link that may help you identify the types of connectors you are using:  https://www.apc.com/salestools/SADE-5TNRML/SADE-5TNRML_R2_EN.pdf

 

[Lou Schneider]

The main thing twisting a twist-lock connector does is engage a mechanical lock so the plug and socket connection won't come apart if someone pulls on the cord.

Depending on the design, the twist may also increase the contact area between the plug and socket, but as long as you didn't run a heavy load like the air conditioner there's little chance you did any damage to the connection.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Why do you need a twist lock for a 15A connection?  The twist lock is at the RV end, not the plug end, right?    Just get a 30A-->15A adapter for the plug end of the shore cord.  Something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Female-Electrical-Adapter-DogBone-Converter/dp/B00QQYWJD0

The damage from not turning the twist connector tight comes from sideways tugs on the cord & connector, e.g. somebody trips over it or yanks it out of the way.  It can bend or loosen the  pins. It's usually pretty obvious if bent or loose, so I wouldn't worry if it still works ok.  Make the habit of turning it to the lock position, though.

 

[ngranneman]

The twist lock is only the 30 amp that connects to the RV itself. I already have a 30 to 15 connector and that is what I was running it off of the couple of times I didn't lock it. Was just wanting to make sure there wouldn't be any damage that I should be keeping an eye on from not twisting it the 2 times I have used it. Was in my driveway and shouldn't have had any sideways tug on the cord and don't see any bents.

You are correct as stated above, the 30 to 15 connector doesn't have a twist lock it was just upon looking at further reviews I came across some that states it blew something inside the RV because it wasn't "twisted" and short circuited or something. That really doesn't make sense to me, but was just curious on everyone thoughts.

Also, are the RV hookup sites when you plug in just regular plug in or do you need a cord that will twist lock into the hookups?

 

[regval]

The twist lock is only the 30 amp that connects to the RV itself. I already have a 30 to 15 connector and that is what I was running it off of the couple of times I didn't lock it. Was just wanting to make sure there wouldn't be any damage that I should be keeping an eye on from not twisting it the 2 times I have used it. Was in my driveway and shouldn't have had any sideways tug on the cord and don't see any bents.

You are correct as stated above, the 30 to 15 connector doesn't have a twist lock it was just upon looking at further reviews I came across some that states it blew something inside the RV because it wasn't "twisted" and short circuited or something. That really doesn't make sense to me, but was just curious on everyone thoughts.

Also, are the RV hookup sites when you plug in just regular plug in or do you need a cord that will twist lock into the hookups?

Once you plug the twist lock connector into the RV, you have electrical connection whether you twist it or not. As others have mentioned, the twist action locks the connector (plug) into the receptacle to prevent the connection from being disrupted accidentally or partially disconnected.

 

[ngranneman]

Can anything crazy happen with a partial connection besides you just loose power? Suspect the amazon review person was incorrect, maybe didn't have surge protector or something and blew stuff inside RV from that

 

[SeilerBird]

Can anything crazy happen with a partial connection besides you just loose power? Suspect the amazon review person was incorrect, maybe didn't have surge protector or something and blew stuff inside RV from that

You do not get a partial connection with a twist lock. It is either all or nothing. The twist has nothing to do with electricity, it is just a mechanical connection.