Forum Discussion

noleakman's avatar
noleakman
Explorer
May 03, 2013

GFI tripping!

I have a 06 National Sea Breeze and when I go to start the gemerator or plug in 50 amp service the bathroom GFI is tripped! When I reset it it is ok and works fine till next time I plug in again or turn on Generator! I have replaced the GFI! When it trips the fridge stays on gas or you will notice when there is no night light! reset and everything is fine till next time ! Any ideas??
Class A
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    May 04, 2013
    No, chnging to a higher rated device will not help.
    There is a problem in your system. It sounds like a neutral issue.
    You might be able to verify by using a 30 amp adapter.(could drop down to 15/20 amp) This should tell if it is a high resistance joint in neutral. If the GFCI doesn't trip, it is a neutral issue somewhere between tranfer sitch and AC panel in rig.
    SMkettner: I think he is talking about changing GFCI receptacle in the rig.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    May 04, 2013
    Yes plug the main cord into a 20a GFI. Just to run the fridge and charge the battery. Keep the big stuff off and see what it does.

    Doing different things helps eliminate possibilities.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    May 04, 2013
    Neutral is white, bare or green is ground, red or black is hot.

    I would look in the transfer switch. Also common for the fridge heat element to get grounded. Does the GFI trip if fridge already running on utility power when you start the generator?

    Have you tried plugging into a 20a GFI outlet?
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    May 03, 2013
    I would start by checking the neutral in your 120 volt AC power distribution panel. Disconnect from shore power and have genset off. Remove cover from 120 volt circuit breaker panel. Look in the back for the neutral buss. Look closely at the insulation on the wires. Get some electrical grease, disconnect each neutral one at a time, clean the copper wire making sure it is not dark. Apply liberal amount of electrical grease on conductor and re-terminate. Do each conductor including the main larger one coming from the transfer switch.
  • rgatijnet1's avatar
    rgatijnet1
    Explorer III
    May 03, 2013
    If you have already changed the GFI, I would look at the other end of the wire feeding that circuit, or a circuit protected by that GFI, looking for a loose connection. Sometimes a loose connection will cause just enough current leak to trip the GFI. If the wires are just pushed in to the back of the outlets, strip the wires and bolt them to the sides. Intermittent electrical problems are the toughest to find. Make sure all power is off before you do any repairs and contact an electrician if you do not feel comfortable messing with electrical circuits.

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