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k6ncx's avatar
k6ncx
Explorer
Jan 08, 2016

Resetting GFI in 1998 Coachmen Santara Class C

I have a 1998 Coachman Santara 302SA Class C. Silly me. I tested a GFI outlet. It cut off, as it should. As did all the other GFI outlets.

The manufacturer's manual says to push the reset button on the outlet. It shows a picture of an outlet with a reset button. But the outlets I have do NOT have a reset button.

The fact that they all went off indicates that there is a central interrupt. So does the fact that when it tripped, I could hear the sound from somewhere other than that outlet. So where is it? how do I reset it?

It's not the breaker. I already turned all breakers off and back on.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Jan 08, 2016
    How did you test that GFI if it didn't have buttons?
    Usually there is a GFI outlet and then ALL outlets downstream on that circuit are protected by that outlet.

    GFIs will NOT reset unless 120V AC power is available.

    GFIs reset at outlet or via a GFI Circuit Breaker.
    You have to find the Main GFI outlet, have AC power to it and then reset it

    Bathroom, Kitchen OR AC Power Panel
  • Joe417's avatar
    Joe417
    Explorer
    Jan 08, 2016
    There's usually 1 GFI with the other outlets daisy chained on to the GFIs output. The outlet should have a reset next to the test button.

    I'm sure I haven't seen every design, but I've never seen one that didn't have a reset.

    Post a picture.
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Jan 08, 2016
    Always good to know the GFCI location before you test the circuit. It is well hidden on some rigs - One was inside a cabinet behind the TV.
  • KD4UPL's avatar
    KD4UPL
    Explorer
    Jan 08, 2016
    You tested with a plug-in checker I assume?
    You tripped a GFCI outlet somewhere that does have a reset button. Now the fun part is to find it. Check you exterior storage doors, around the kitchen sink, inside the cabinets, and in the bathroom.
  • DrewE's avatar
    DrewE
    Explorer II
    Jan 08, 2016
    On my '98 Coachman Santara (315QB), the actual GFCI outlet is in the bathroom on the sink cabinet, and it does have the usual test and reset buttons. The other GFCI protected outlets all have little stickers proclaiming that fact (as I think the NEC requires, at least for those that are in locations where GFCIs are required).
  • k6ncx's avatar
    k6ncx
    Explorer
    Jan 09, 2016
    Ding ding ding ding, we have a winner. Or several. Thanks.

    The "normal" GFI outlet in the bathroom. Slight mystery there, because the one where I tested is right by the circuit breakers. So apparently there's a wiring run from there to bathroom and back. Shrug.

    All good now, and I know a little more. This unit belongs to friends (I have it and am going to use it and might or might not buy it) who have not used it very much since inheriting it from parents.

    So, thanks everybody.

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