Forum Discussion

Land_Yachters's avatar
Land_Yachters
Explorer
Nov 01, 2020

GFCI outlet is popping when I plug in coach

So, picked up our Tiffin 33aa from dealer for some various service issues. Went home and plugged in to same outlet I have been plugging into for a year outside. A 15 amp, exterior GFCI outlet that I just use for charging the batteries. I typically turn charger off when I plug in because I figure it’s a good idea to limit variables. I typically hear a “pop” at the surge box and then turn on charger and hook up trick L start for chassis battery. Today, as soon as I plug coach in, the outlet GFCI from the house pops. (the outlet I plug into outside). I checked power at outlet, extension cord, charger setting etc. and plugged in again. POP, the GFCI pops every time I plug coach in. Turn off batteries, check outlet with hair dryer and nothing I do can keep the outlet from popping. Start generator…all good. See GFCI in coach in bathroom popped. OK, I reset it thinking somehow that had something to do with issue. Shut generator off and plug in again. GFCI pops again that I am plugged into. (Also, GFCI in coach pops.) OK, I turn main 50 amp breaker in box OFF, thinking I could turn on circuits until I find one that pops outlet. Still, the outlet GFCI I am plugged into pops. I check charger/inverter breaker and it’s ok. No breaker on Surge Gard.

What am I missing?
  • cavie's avatar
    cavie
    Explorer
    Nov 01, 2020
    turn of the GFI in the RV.some GFI's don't play nice in series. Just can't use the GFI circuit.
  • wgriswold's avatar
    wgriswold
    Explorer
    Nov 01, 2020
    Land Yachters wrote:
    OK, I turn main 50 amp breaker in box OFF, thinking I could turn on circuits until I find one that pops outlet. Still, the outlet GFCI I am plugged into pops. I check charger/inverter breaker and it’s ok. No breaker on Surge Gard.

    What am I missing?


    I had this same problem. It turned out to be where the cord is connected to the trailer system in a junction box. One of the twist on connectors had come loose and the wire insulation was burned. I fixed that the the problem was gone.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Nov 01, 2020
    You posted:
    OK, I turn main 50 amp breaker in box OFF, thinking I could turn on circuits until I find one that pops outlet. Still, the outlet GFCI I am plugged into pops

    Your issue is between the GFCI Outlet and your MAIN AC Panel

    Adapters, Extension cords, main power cord, AC REEL (if equipped) ATS

    Anyone of those could be 'leaking'....only takes a few milliamps on Ground circuit to trip a GFCI

    Leave RV Main 50A CBs OFF
    Reset the GFCI
    Then plug in each item (adapter/cords etc) one at a time
    IF it only trips when you plug in RV Main Power Cord then you will need to check cord, REEL (if Equipped) and ATS more closely

    Could try replacing the GFCI Outlet ...they do get weak



    ***Did Dealer do ANY electrical repairs/work???
    If YES....recheck that work
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Nov 01, 2020
    Circuit breakers even the 50 amp main
    Only open the hot leads, not the neutral
    Everything ok on generator
    Seems like you have a neutral to ground leak , between the automatic transfer switch and the RV 50 amp male, could be the doggone adapter for your shore cord, could be the shore cord 50 amp male plug
    Could be a loose connection from shore cord at the ATS
  • houstonstroker's avatar
    houstonstroker
    Explorer
    Nov 01, 2020
    GFCI units (RVS) do not like to be plugged into GFCI outlets. My motorhome has GFCI breakers,. I turn these off while plugged in at my storage unit. Also GFCI outlets weaken over time. Leave your GFCI breakers or outlets off and plug in again.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Nov 01, 2020
    Check your neutral and ground bus in the RV are separated and only grounds to ground and neutrals to neutral. Check for similar issue in your transfer switch. Keep the 50 amp breakers off. If there is no visual issue you will need to start disconnecting components to isolate the issue. Divide and conquer.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Nov 01, 2020
    What did the dealer do on your various service issues?
    The GFCI is indicating fault in rig. Some items that could cause issue is grounded 120 volt element in refer. Try unplugging it. Try it again.
    Grounded water heater element. disconnect wiring to element and try again.

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