I have the wierdest issue and this is a new install but I believe it to be correct.I have an automatic switch that will default to shore power by default, and if there is no shore power available and the inverter is on it will use that.When the shore power is on everything works great the GFCI plugs test and reset fine.When I use the inverter power (Modified Sine Wave) 2000w when I test it, it won't reset.Funny thing is if it never trips the inverter works fine, I only found this in testing the gfci. I read somewhere that campers and trailers use crappy gfci plugs and that the voltage out of the inverter might not be enough to let it reset. Has anyone every had this issue with an inverter?

First step IMO is to replace the GFCI.

You probably know this already but what little I know about aGFI plug is the power has an In and out and it must be correct. Is it possible the inverter feeds form another direction than the shore power?

There's nothing wrong with the GFCI. This is the result of the electronics in the inverter, and how the GFCI reacts to it. It may be fixable by installing a jumper on the inverter, tying Neutral and Ground together, but that opens another can of worms. If it works, until it trips, I'd be inclined to leave it be.

Darryl&Rita wrote:There's nothing wrong with the GFCI. This is the result of the electronics in the inverter, and how the GFCI reacts to it. It may be fixable by installing a jumper on the inverter, tying Neutral and Ground together, but that opens another can of worms. If it works, until it trips, I'd be inclined to leave it be.So if I’m understanding this right, the output (of the inverter) white and green should ground together?

You just joined. You need to post Year/Brand/Model of RV and Brand and Model of the Inverter to get help.GFCI sense the balance between the WHITE(Neutral wire) and BLACK (Hot wire). When the current is balanced the GFCI transmits 120 power. When there is an Imbalance(You standing in water and have an electric appliance that would electrocute you) The current runs thru you and there is an imbalance of power between White and Hot. The GFCI senses this and trips. There is no such thing as Crappy GFCI's in RV's. Inverters will put out enough Voltage to power thru a GFCI, especially a 2000 watt Inverter. As another poster mentioned, you need to pull the GFCI and make sure the Power IN is connected to the Input of the GFCI and the Output is connected to the output of the GFCI. It will really help to know Model and Brand of your Inverter. Also, are you using the Inverter to power the complete RV when not connected to shore Power? Doug

When on inverter power GFCI won't reset | Good Sam Community

time2roll
Nomad
Apr 28, 2020
pcottrell81 wrote:
Any recommendations?
Go Power is working great for me but they have really changed their line up.
At this point if I was spending money on 2000 watts it would be Victron.
Flute_Man
Explorer
Apr 28, 2020
pcottrell81 wrote:
Flute Man wrote:
GFCI‘’s trip because of a grounding issue. Please make sure nowhere in your RV that you’re neutral touches the ground. Within the RV Neutrals and grounds must be isolated from each other. You may call me if you wish.

I am going to replace the inverter its definitely the culprit.

Unfortunately, my electronics deserve a better inverter anyways so they shall receive it haha.

I have had a modified sine wave 2000 W inverter for 16 years and everything plays very well with it. Never had any problems.
I have been a professional high-tech troubleshooter all my life. I would rather find the real problem rather than throw money and parts without doing a proper diagnosis. I certainly wouldn’t let my doctor t Do such thing. There has been a lot of good suggestions about the grounding aspect. If it was me I would do all those suggestions first. Like I said before you may call me. I can help you over the phone. I’ve done it before with good results.

Jerry Parr
602-321-8141
Arizona
Boon_Docker
Explorer III
Apr 27, 2020
Good idea getting a pure sine wave inverter, all of your equipment will thank you.
pcottrell81
Explorer II
Apr 27, 2020
Flute Man wrote:
GFCI‘’s trip because of a grounding issue. Please make sure nowhere in your RV that you’re neutral touches the ground. Within the RV Neutrals and grounds must be isolated from each other. You may call me if you wish.

I am going to replace the inverter its definitely the culprit.

Unfortunately, my electronics deserve a better inverter anyways so they shall receive it haha.
Flute_Man
Explorer
Apr 27, 2020
GFCI‘’s trip because of a grounding issue. Please make sure nowhere in your RV that you’re neutral touches the ground. Within the RV Neutrals and grounds must be isolated from each other. You may call me if you wish.
pcottrell81
Explorer II
Apr 27, 2020
Ductape wrote:
We experienced multiple GFCI false trips and refusals to reset with a Magnum MSW inverter. All original by the coach builder, and obviously it can work for many people. I did some research and turned up a white paper by a maker of GFCI outlets stating there were known compatibility issues with MSW.

Our inverter was replaced under warranty with a PSW, no problem since. And the microwave heats faster on PSW as well.

I am in the same boat. My electrician buddy said to swap out the plug see if that works, and it did, slight hum still. I tried another inverter and it worked too. My last few inverters were MSW, but never had this problem. I bought what I thought was a decent one however it looks like I'm wrong.

I will return it and get a PURE SINE, **** their pricy though. It sounds like its worth it.
MDKMDK
Explorer
Apr 27, 2020
Stop guessing. Get it to someone qualified, who can look at what you have, and sort it out, and make it safe, before you get electrocuted or start a fire.
pcottrell81
Explorer II
Apr 27, 2020
I swapped the GFCI plug to a new one, it still hums but it does test and reset.

However, I feel the inverter is producing dirty power because of the humming in the GFCI.

Any recommendations?
Bipeflier
Explorer
Apr 27, 2020
Suggest you hire a QUALIFIED electrician.
vermilye
Explorer
Apr 27, 2020
DrewE wrote:
The GFCI probably isn't liking the modified sine wave output of the inverter.

A GFCI does not need bonded ground and neutral at the input. In fact, using a GFCI is the only way I know of that the electric code permits installing a three prong outlet on an existing ungrounded circuit in an old building (that is, without running a ground wire and making it a grounded circuit). A GFCI will trip if ground and neutral are connected together somehow downstream from it.
I agree. In addition, some inverters can be destroyed by bonding the neutral to ground. If you insist on trying this, be prepared to let the magic smoke out...

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When on inverter power GFCI won't reset

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