Forum Discussion

droflex's avatar
droflex
Explorer
Mar 27, 2014

Electrical outlets quit working

Hello everyone,

I have searched for an answer to this problem but no solution yet.

I have a 1990 Cobra Seven Seas class c motorhome.

It has been plugged in using an extension cord for the last couple years.

Everything electrical has worked fine.

Two days ago I unplugged the extension cord from the outlet in the barn for a few minutes to use the outlet for something else.

After I plugged it back in, the two outlets in the living room and the one in the bathroom don't work anymore.

The two outlets in the bedroom however, are still working. Refrigerator works. Stove fan works. Microwave works.

Breakers are not popped and fuses are not blown.

When I unplug and then replug in the extension cord on the outside of the rv, I can hear a clicking sound coming from inside the rv. I dont remember if it ever made that sound before because it's been a while since I plugged it in.

Any ideas on how to fix this?

Thanks!
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Bobbo wrote:
    Also, if you have any outlets powered by an inverter, my 2 entertainment centers are, I bet the inverter has GFCI protection on them.


    And I will bet the inverter does NOT have GFCI protection on it. Not required on an inverter. And for good reasons if you understand why they are Required on Mains you understand why they are NOT on an inverter or portable generator.

    What you often find on the inverter however is one or two circuit breakers.. Often hidden in the back where they are not easy to see.
  • Also, if you have any outlets powered by an inverter, my 2 entertainment centers are, I bet the inverter has GFCI protection on them.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    GFCI outlet is normally in bathroom, Though sometimes they are hidden elsewhere and SOMETIMES, there is more than one.

    It feeds the Kitchen, Dining room table, and patio as a general rule.

    A common issue is the last item on that list, (Patio) as if the seal goes bad it fills with rain and there is a very slight short... JUST enough to trip the GFCI.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Feel free to put the check in the mail...

    I would almost bet you have more than one... ANywhere you come in contact with water should have one of those installed by code...

    My kitchen receptacle controls the outside GFCI on mine...

    Roy Ken
  • droflex wrote:
    Hey thanks everyone!!!

    It was the GFCI outlet in the bathroom.

    I didn't notice it was one. It's the only one of that type.

    I pressed the button and now all the outlets work again.


    I love the happy feeling you get when you find out its not going to cost you anything to fix it!
  • Hey thanks everyone!!!

    It was the GFCI outlet in the bathroom.

    I didn't notice it was one. It's the only one of that type.

    I pressed the button and now all the outlets work again.
  • GFCI is a good possibility. Clicking might be coming from refrigerator trying to light the LPG since electric is off.
  • Check the GFCIs and test then reset them to make sure they were not tripped. Also reset the AC breakers even if they dont look tripped. I have had some that will trip and they switch never moves, the only way to tell is try to reset them.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Sounds like just a tripped GFCI Electrical Receptacle inside the trailer.

    you need to locate the GFCI Electrical receptacles in your trailer and make sure they are RESET.

    They will look something like this


    My 5th wheel trailer has three of these inside the trailer. One in the Kitchen sink area, One in the bath room area, and one near the wash up area in the bedroom.

    If tripped the push button will be out. Just press in to reset them.

    If it trips again as soon as you reset it is seeing a ground fault situation. Make sure where you are plugging in for 120VAC is using ALL THREE PRONGS. Perhaps the garage receptacle is damaged somewhat from poor connection of your extension cord... Should not see any BLACK BURN MARKS from bad connections.

    You will need to pick up one of these units (LOWES-WALMART) to test your 120VAC 15AMP receptacle in the garage area.


    If these simple checks doesn't find the problem then you may have to have a RV Electrician to look at it.


    Roy Ken