Forum Discussion

boxy1999's avatar
boxy1999
Explorer
Jun 06, 2017

GFCI

We have a 36' Fleetwood discovery. The unit now kicks out the house gfi when it is plugged in. Through trial and error, we found the 2 circuits on the breaker panel that trip it. It's the one for the inverter /converter and the one for a pair of outlets (Fleetwood calls them 'portable appliance'). Those outlets don't appear to be on an RV gfi. Also, when the unit is plugged in and that 'portable appliances' breaker is switched on (for the few seconds before the house gfi goes), those outlets don't work when tested with a nightlight. the nightlight comes on dimly, then goes out. It is strange, and I don't understand what the connection is to the inverter circuit.

Any ideas?
Class A

10 Replies

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  • hohenwald48's avatar
    hohenwald48
    Explorer
    Jun 09, 2017
    The burnt wire in the picture looks to me like it was overloaded at some point. Remember, GFCI outlets do not provide overcurrent protection. GFCI circuit breakers do.
  • rockhillmanor's avatar
    rockhillmanor
    Explorer II
    Jun 08, 2017
    crasster wrote:
    pianotuna wrote:
    I also see the nasty stab connection that is causing the issue.


    Yes, this! Anytime you make any electrical connections folks be sure it is a SOLID connection using ALL the wires on the proper rated cable! :)


    This was a GFI installed at factory! The only reason I found it is I kept smelling burnt wires every time I walked down the hallway. Took me awhile to find where it was coming from. Never a dull moment RV'ing. :C
  • crasster's avatar
    crasster
    Explorer II
    Jun 07, 2017
    pianotuna wrote:
    I also see the nasty stab connection that is causing the issue.


    Yes, this! Anytime you make any electrical connections folks be sure it is a SOLID connection using ALL the wires on the proper rated cable! :)
  • rockhillmanor's avatar
    rockhillmanor
    Explorer II
    Jun 07, 2017
    George Beggs wrote:
    Instead of a night light use a Outlet / Receptacle Tester. Check all of your outlets.


    X2 on using one of these!

    It not only tells you if there is power it tells you if there is anything wrong with the wiring.

    I actually leave one of these plugged in at all times into the outlet above the sink. That way I can tell if something changes with the shore power provided to the coach etc.

    Here is a close up of all what it will alert you to.


    Also GFI's just get tired. The buttons will still work on plate but still trip breakers.

    Here is a picture of the wiring behind my GFI. And the buttons on the plate 'still' worked. :R




    See the pretty burnt wires? :(
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Jun 07, 2017
    Hi box71999,

    I have intermittent problems with my Magnum and shore power gfci. It works with some, and not with others. Directly plugging in the RV shows no faults.
  • boxy1999's avatar
    boxy1999
    Explorer
    Jun 07, 2017
    Thanks for the suggestions. I think I will start with the fridge and then move on to the water heater and outlet checks.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Jun 06, 2017
    It is possible that the refer and/or the water heater could be on the circuit.
    Go outside and un-plug the refer from the outside access. The electric element could be going to ground or the ice maker is causing the tripping.
  • Masscamper's avatar
    Masscamper
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2017
    I have a similar issue I posted last week.
    http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/29311310.
    I'm still chasing the solution, it's been raining forever up here in the northeast

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