50A Hubbell CS connectors vs. 60A Pin & Sleeve

[gatorbob]

I've got wiring sized for 100A out to the breaker box where my inlet is located. I currently have a 60A breaker in a box and connected a 60A pin and sleeve inlet. I have a short run of 6 awg Type W cord that has an ampacity rating of 84 A. The other side of that cord is hard wired to the MEP-803A.

Two problems a few years later.

First, these pin and sleeve connectors are really hard to disconnect. Maybe I should have used some dielectric grease? or maybe these connectors are just difficult to use? Last summer I needed to disconnect and was afraid the inlet box was going to get ripped off the wall. I likely should have put a post in the ground for the inlet box.

Second, I would like to wire in a receptacle on the MEP side instead of having it hard wired. I'd like the ability to move the MEP if needed. The problem is buying more pin & sleeve connectors will run me north of $400 at elecdirect. That's for the MEP side, one side of the cord, and a box to mount it.

I was thinking of swapping this out for Hubbell CS connectors that are rated for 50A and just change the breaker out to match.

My understanding is the MEP-803A can push more than 50A but I'm not sure if that's really true. Any opinions?

I am inclined to save the money and downgrade the breaker to keep things safe.

 

[2Pbfeet]

I've got wiring sized for 100A out to the breaker box where my inlet is located. I currently have a 60A breaker in a box and connected a 60A pin and sleeve inlet. I have a short run of 6 awg Type W cord that has an ampacity rating of 84 A. The other side of that cord is hard wired to the MEP-803A.

Two problems a few years later.

First, these pin and sleeve connectors are really hard to disconnect. Maybe I should have used some dielectric grease? or maybe these connectors are just difficult to use? Last summer I needed to disconnect and was afraid the inlet box was going to get ripped off the wall. I likely should have put a post in the ground for the inlet box.

Second, I would like to wire in a receptacle on the MEP side instead of having it hard wired. I'd like the ability to move the MEP if needed. The problem is buying more pin & sleeve connectors will run me north of $400 at elecdirect. That's for the MEP side, one side of the cord, and a box to mount it.

I was thinking of swapping this out for Hubbell CS connectors that are rated for 50A and just change the breaker out to match.

My understanding is the MEP-803A can push more than 50A but I'm not sure if that's really true. Any opinions?

I am inclined to save the money and downgrade the breaker to keep things safe.

How stiff is stiff, and is it the insertion or the ring tightening? If it is insertion, I would double check for debris or a bent pin. I have never seen one with dielectric grease, but if it were me I would reach out to tech support at whomever manufactured your connectors.

I would stick with the IEC 60309 connectors. It is what I use on my generators. I have and recommend caps for the connector and receptacles.

Try the auction site, or GP. The connectors come up for sale regularly and many are unused take offs or NOS, at a significant discount to list price.

Personally, I'm not a fan of the Hubbell CS connectors for wet area connections. I tend to need my generators under adverse, and often wet conditions. The IEC connectors are sequenced connections; ground, then neutral, then power.

All the best,

2Pbfeet

 

[gatorbob]

How stiff is stiff, and is it the insertion or the ring tightening? If it is insertion, I would double check for debris or a bent pin. I have never seen one with dielectric grease, but if it were me I would reach out to tech support at whomever manufactured your connectors.

I am using an Italian brand - Scame from elecdirect. I've reached out and am waiting to hear back. The problem was after I loosened the ring I could not get it to slide down and out easily. I need to take it apart and inspect.

I didn't think about the CS twist lock not being watertight. Great point.

I'll look around for used.

Thanks

 

[2Pbfeet]

I am using an Italian brand - Scame from elecdirect. I've reached out and am waiting to hear back. The problem was after I loosened the ring I could not get it to slide down and out easily. I need to take it apart and inspect.

I didn't think about the CS twist lock not being watertight. Great point.

I'll look around for used.

Thanks

I have some of the Scame connectors, and personally, I like the design much better than the Hubbell version, particularly in the cable assembly and strain relief implementation. I wonder if there is something is caught inside. For my limited use, the Scame seem to interchange with no issues, as expected.

All the best,

2Pbfeet

 

[DieselAddict]

Are you looking for something like this?

 

[gatorbob]

Are you looking for something like this?

That's one of the items I need. Will PM you.