23E059 – Cracked D-ring in 30-Amp Inlet May Cause Failure – SmartPlug 30A Shore Power Inlets

August 1, 2023 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 23E059000

Cracked D-ring in 30-Amp Inlet May Cause Failure

A D-ring that cracks or fails may allow wires to loosen, causing electrical arcing and increase the risk of a fire.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E059

Manufacturer SmartPlug Systems, LLC

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Potential Number of Units Affected 1,248

 

Summary

SmartPlug Systems, LLC (SmartPlug) is recalling certain 30A Shore Power Inlets, part number BM30xx manufactured From June 1, 2023, to July 21, 2023. The manganese bronze D-rings may crack or fail when properly tightened.

 

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the SmartPlug 30-amp inlet as needed, free of charge. SmartPlug Systems notified customers August 15, 2023. Owners may contact SmartPlug customer service at email [email protected]

 

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

 


Please be reminded of the following requirements:

You are required to submit a draft owner notification letter to this office no less than five days prior to mailing it to the customers. Also, copies of all notices, bulletins, dealer notifications, and other communications that relate to this recall, including a copy of the final owner notification letter and any subsequent owner follow-up notification letter(s), are required to be submitted to this office no later than 5 days after they are originally sent (if they are sent to more than one manufacturer, distributor, dealer, or purchaser/owner).

Please be reminded that under 49 U.S.C. § 30112(a)(3), it is illegal for a manufacturer, to sell, offer for sale, import, or introduce or deliver into interstate commerce, a motor vehicle or item of motor vehicle equipment that contains a safety defect once the manufacturer has notified NHTSA about that safety defect. This prohibition does not apply once the motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment has been remedied according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

As stated in 49 U.S.C. § 30118(f), submission of eight consecutive quarterly reports followed by three annual reports is required. As described in 573.7, submission of the first of eight consecutive quarterly status reports is required within one month after the close of the calendar quarter in which notification to purchasers occurs. Therefore, the first quarterly report will be due on, or before, 30 days after the close of the calendar quarter. The first of three consecutive annual status reports will be due on, or before, 1 year after the eighth quarterly report was submitted.

 


7-24-23

Dear SmartPlug Aftermarket Partner:

On Friday, July 24, 2023, we were alerted to a part in the field that did not meet our performance expectations. Upon further inspection, and an audit of the production line and component inventory, we concluded that the Mfging process used by one of our vendors to manufacture our D-rings, could cause a stress build up within the part. This build-up can lead to cracking and /or the failure of the D-ring. We determined that this issue is significant enough that we are requesting a complete recall of any and all product that was built with the suspect part.

Please note: This return only impacts 16A and 30A inlets, BF16 and BF30 cords plug kits and any SKU that contains those items. SEE ATTACHED SKU LIST.

In addition, any product from this list you shipped to customers in the last 30 days should be called back and sent to SmartPlug as part of this re-work.

This requires immediate action on your part to remove any of the following SKU from your inventory and ship back to SmartPlug (using our UPS account) with much urgency.

We have developed a re-work and re-ship plan that should get product back to you in a few weeks. An RGA will be issued to you for return of these items, and we will re-ship the product to you once it is again to spec. Customer Service will be contacting you for directions and paperwork requirements to make this a smooth transaction.

SmartPlug is committed to quality products and stands behind everything we sell. This material shortfall was not anticipated and will drive additional QC actions from us and our vendor community in the future.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this pressing matter. Please contact me or Ron Bailey if you require additional information.,

 


Chronology :

On July 17th we received a warranty call from a consumer who had purchased an inlet and was installing it on his RV. During the installation he noticed the D-ring failure. He called our warranty line and spoke with one of our tech’s. On July 20th we received and email from AirstreameBay logo stating that they were seeing failures on their production line. After reviewing the photo’s from both the consumer and AirstreameBay logo we decided to pull the product from the shelf and ran a series of tests. The initial tests did not show the failures that we saw at airstreameBay logo or with the consumer. We next set up a series of accelerated testing. During this testing we discovered the failure that we saw in the photos. We put all 30A Products on hold, quarantined all products until we completed further testing. The additional testing showed more issues which lead to the decision to recall all product that used the Manganese-Bronze D-rings. The initial tests completed were a series of excessive torque tests. in these tests we increased the torque in increments reaching a maximum torque of 100 in -Lbs. The parts were left under load and examined after 24 hours. After that was completed the parts were then subjected to accelerated test that consisted of freezing and quenching parts to simulate years of performance in extreme weather conditions. These tests were run starting July 20th.

 


1 Affected Product

Equipment

BRANDPART NO.PRODUCTION DATES
SMARTPLUG30A SHORE POWER INLET

 


6 Associated Documents

Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-23E059-5668.pdf 749.483KB

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)

RCMN-23E059-7264.pdf 272.088KB

 


Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-23E059-1178.PDF 214.853KB

 


Recall 573 Report – 8/3/2023

RCLRPT-23E059-1846.PDF 214.778KB

 


Recall 573 Report – 8/8/2023

RCLRPT-23E059-9030.PDF 217.502KB

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – List of RV Aftermarket

RCMN-23E059-6111.pdf 181.894KB

 


Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=23E059&docType=RCL

 


 

Bestseller No. 1
20A 125V AC Port Plug,12AWG Heavy-Duty RV Shore Power Inlet Plug with 5-in-1 T-Blade Adapter & 16'' Extension Cord,Waterproof AC Power Inlet Socket Outlet Box Integrated Outdoor Electrical Receptacle
  • 【5-IN-1 AC Adapter】The Female Side is compatible with NEMA 1-15P / NEMA 5-15P / Nema 5-20P / Nema 6-15P / Nema 6-20P. Pay for one plug, get five adapters.Meet your different needs. NOTE: Your devices need to accept WIDE VOLTAGE RANGE from 110V to 250V in case of using 6-15 or 6-20.
  • 【20 AMP丨125 VAC丨16 INCHES】Made of high-quality copper and black nylon plastic. Rated at 20-amps with heavy-duty 12 AWG copper wiring for maximum power flow and conductivity.A 16-inch extension cord allows connecting directly to any power source, electrical connection, shore power, or extension cord.
  • 【Weather Resistant】Waterproof AC electrical power inlet receptacle featuring a pressure fit rubberized cover rated for outdoor use and protects against the element, snap-fit watertight cap well protects the plug against all the snow, ice, freezing rain. Even works well in winters.
  • 【Plug-N-Play】A simple flush mount flanged power inlet that's easy to install, requiring zero cable modification or hand wiring, and mounts into a 2-inch hole size.
  • 【Multi-scene & Wide Use 】Widely Compatible for RV, Golf Cart, JeepeBay logo, Car, Bumper, Boat, Marine, Truck, Trailer, Pickup, Garden Shed, Cabins, Industrial and electrical applications.
Bestseller No. 2
Heavy-Duty 20A 125V AC Port Plug, 12AWG RV Shore Power Inlet Plug with Dual 5-in-1 T-Blade Adapter, 17" Cord AC Power Inlet Socket Plug for RV Trailer Boat Outdoor Electrical Receptacle
  • 🚀 Dual 5-in-1 T-Blade Adapters, Double the Convenience: Power up two devices simultaneously or be prepared for any outlet, anywhere. Unlike standard single inlets, our system features TWO independent 5-in-1 T-Blade Adapters, each with its own 17-inch cord. Seamlessly connecting to NEMA 1-15P, 5-15P, 5-20P, 6-15P, and 6-20P outlets. This means ultimate flexibility for complex setups in your RV, boat, or at the worksite. Never choose between appliances again!
  • 🔥 Superior Power Delivery & Heavy-Duty Build: Feel the confidence of instant, high-speed power. Engineered with premium 12 AWG thick copper wiring, our inlet plug ensures minimal voltage drop and maximum conductivity, effortlessly handling 20A/125V loads. The generous 17-inch heavy-duty cord gives you the extra reach you need in tight spots, eliminating the hassle of an additional extension cord. Power your high-demand appliances with absolute peace of mind.
  • 🌧️ All-Weather Warrior, Built to Last: Don't let rain, snow, or blistering sun interrupt your journey. Crafted for the tough conditions, this unit features a fully waterproof AC inlet and a secure, rubberized sealing cap that locks out moisture, dust, and debris. From freezing winters to scorching summers, it stands unwavering. Invest in relentless durability that protects your power, season after season.
  • 🚀 Flush-Mount & 5-Minute Installation: Your time is precious—we value it. Say goodbye to complex wiring and hours of labor. Our streamlined flush-mount design fits standard 2-inch holes perfectly. With a simple, straightforward process, you can be set up and powered on in just minutes. No modifications, no headaches. Just plug, play, and start your adventure faster than you ever thought possible.
  • 🛡️ Versatile Application & Certified Safety: Your peace of mind is our top priority. Designed for RVs, trailers, boats, and industrial use, its core is protected by heat-resistant, flame-retardant PVC coating that resists overheating and potential short circuits. We've built in the safety so you can focus on what matters: enjoying your home on wheels, securing your worksite, or relaxing on the water, all with a safe, stable, and reliable power connection.
SaleBestseller No. 3
JacEnergy RV Shore Power Inlet Charger Plug 15 Amp AC Port Plug 125 Volt Power Inlet Socket and Waterproof RV Electrical Outlet Receptacle Box Integrated Outdoor Extension Cord for Trailer Plug.
  • POWERFUL AC PORT PLUG: RV Shore Power Inlet Charger Plug125-volt power inlet socket with an integrated 16-inch outdoor extension cord ,waterproof ac electrical power inlet receptacle featuring a pressure fit rubberized cover rated for outdoor use and protects against the elements,especially replace rv electrical outlet
  • WIDELY APPLICATIOIN: This Design shore power plug widely used in car, boat, marine, truck, trailer, pickup, RV, industrial and electrical applications,designed for various uses, including onboard battery chargers, bumpers for engine blockeBay logo heaters, outdoor electrical outlets, and more Enclosed trailer accessories
  • EASY TO INSTALL: Just need a 2-inch drilling hole, simply flush mounted with 3 screws 16" integrated extension cord offers plenty of flexibility for your application, directly connecting the cord to the existing power source
  • WEATHERPROOF: The snap-fit watertight cap well protects the plug against all the snow, ice, freezing rain and even works well in Western Colorado winters, waterproof ac electrical power inlet receptacle featuring a pressure fit rubberized cover rated for outdoor use and protects against the elements compatible car adapter for plug outlet
  • Premium Quality SAE Connector Cable and Maintenance Service - 24/7 Free Technical Support Service,100% Customer Satisfaction . 2 Years long Time , Any Issues about the quliaty questions, we will take the issue for you via Replacement or Refund
Bestseller No. 4
Ficstar 30 AMP Twist Lock RV Shore Power Inlet 125V/120V,RV Shore Power Inlet with 3 Stainless Steel Pins and Screws,NEMA L5-30P,ETL Listed,Black
  • 【Authoritative quality certification】 The Ficstar 30amp shore power inlet has been certified by ETL,3 poles,4 wires,Our 30 amp shore power inlet is safe and reliable,so your family and you can use our products with confidence!
  • 【Easy to install】 The Ficstar 30 amp RV power inlet has easy-to-wire terminals inside,so you can easily lock the cord into the inlet without any looseness or wobbling for ease of operation.
  • 【Specification and Size】 NEMA L5-30P 125V/120V 30 amp twist lock RV power inlet.3.7""length X 3.3""wide X 3.2"" high and with 4 x 8 Pan Head Stainless Steel Screws in the product.Heavy duty construction.
  • 【Reasonable safety and durable design】 The Ficstar 30 amp RV receptacle with twist-lock design and waterproof cover to protect against extreme weather such as rain,snow,heat,etc.
  • 【Considerate service】 If you have any after-sale problems with the products you received,you can contact us directly and we will solve your problems until you are satisfied!
Bestseller No. 5
PAULINN 15 Amp Flanged Inlet 125V, NEMA 5-15 RV Shore Power Inlet Plug w/Waterproof and Back Cover, 2 Pole 3-Wire AC Port Plug, Generator Male Receptacle for Marine Boat RV Shed Electrical Extension
  • 15 Amp, 125 Volts, 2-pole, 3-wire weatherproof flanged inlet with covers. Wiring Gauge 12-18 AWG, Cord Grip for use with No. 12-3 through No. 18-3 cords
  • Premium nickel coated copper and tough black nylon resist damage of uv, impact and abrasion. Rugged and durable for outdoor use.
  • Wire up as you wish. 2” hole size needed; see-thru wiring block & color-coded positive crimp lock wire clamps make it easy to install.
  • ETL approved. Integrated cover to protect contacts from the rain storm, snows, dust and even works well in Western Colorado winters while plug is not in use
  • Designed to be hardwired directly to charger. Widely used in trailer, campereBay logo, RV, car, boat, marine, block heater, home, bumper, recessed outlet box, etc

Last update on 2026-05-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


 

This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.

 


Leave a Comment

Share to...