Just returned from a short trip of 4 nights. The second night, I woke up about 3 AM and the power was off. I had been running the AC and also the electric water heater. When I got up the next morning the breaker was tripped AT THE PEDESTAL, not inside the MH. This had happened before at another campground earlier this year. My question is, why would it trip the breaker at the pedestal and not inside the MH? Any ideas? How would I go about checking for potential problems?

Too much amperage draw is the only reason.

Hi,Pedestal breakers take a beating. As they age they may tend to trip more easily. If your water heater is 1200 watts, air 1200 watts (but 2400 start up), converter 100 watts, and fridge 300 watts are all active it can exceed the 3600 watts available on the pedestal. It gets worse if there is much voltage drop in the camp ground. My comfort level is 109 volts or above.kill-a-watt watt meterOutlet tester.outlet tester

I had the same thing happen when running. I don't think there is any problem with my unit.

None of the RV circuits were over loaded, but the combined load was more than the Pedestal circuit breaker was rated for.

It overloaded for some reason.I would suggest going through your 120 volt ac electrical panel. Turn off all 120 AC power. Look closely and tighten all electrical connections. Pay special attention to the neutrals(white wires) on the terminal block in the back of the panel. Look for any discolored or melted insulation.A joint that isn't tight enough or is corroded can increase the resistance on the circuit.

Electrical problem | Good Sam Community

WyoTraveler
Explorer
Jun 23, 2013
With both A/Cs on I can't run much else even on 50 amp breaker.These RVs are maxed out.
enblethen
Nomad
Jun 23, 2013
It overloaded for some reason.
I would suggest going through your 120 volt ac electrical panel. Turn off all 120 AC power. Look closely and tighten all electrical connections. Pay special attention to the neutrals(white wires) on the terminal block in the back of the panel. Look for any discolored or melted insulation.
A joint that isn't tight enough or is corroded can increase the resistance on the circuit.
rv2go
Explorer II
Jun 23, 2013
None of the RV circuits were over loaded, but the combined load was more than the Pedestal circuit breaker was rated for.
workhardplayha1
Explorer
Jun 23, 2013
I had the same thing happen when running. I don't think there is any problem with my unit.
pianotuna
Nomad III
Jun 23, 2013
Hi,

Pedestal breakers take a beating. As they age they may tend to trip more easily. If your water heater is 1200 watts, air 1200 watts (but 2400 start up), converter 100 watts, and fridge 300 watts are all active it can exceed the 3600 watts available on the pedestal. It gets worse if there is much voltage drop in the camp ground.

My comfort level is 109 volts or above.

kill-a-watt

watt meter

Outlet tester.

outlet tester
donn0128
Explorer II
Jun 23, 2013
Too much amperage draw is the only reason.

Forum Discussion

Electrical problem

About Motorhome Group

Related Content

Electrical problem

Electrical problem

Electrical problem

Slide problems (electrical)

electrical problem Help