Tripping GFCI

[Don_in_LA]

I have a 2006 Crossroads Cruise 5th wheel. I have a GFCI that is tripping and killing the circuit. The breaker does not trip and the fuse does not blow. I changed the GFCI and I get the same result. After filling the circuit and changing the GFCI, the circuit worked with a moderate load for about 30 minutes then the GFCI tripped again. I attempted to reset the GFCI and it immediately tripped again. The circuit was showing the same symptoms previously and then started working normally and then, again, started tripping. The GFCI seems to be the 1st in the circuit. There is a hot line coming in and a load line going out of the box. All other circuits function when the GFCI trips. The only other anomaly is occasionally the 12v lights will dim briefly. Any thoughts?

[motorcycle_jack]

A GFCI works by comparing the current in the return leg of power to the ground leg's current. If any item is working correctly the ground carries NO current, all current is in the hot and neutral legs. So Something is shorted to ground and allowing current to flow through it. Start by having everything on and as you turn off breakers check the GFCI to see if it will stay on. When it does, the last circuit you powered off has the fault. If you have everything off and it still trips then it is a weak GFCI and needs to be replaced. It could be as simple as one of the devices YOU plugged in (BUT it must have a three prong plug to be involved, two prongs do not use the GFCI) or in installed item (water heater, refrigerator, microwave or even the surge protector or the inverter for your battery charging). Good luck with finding it. Can you use the trailer with it off? Yes but something will not be working when it should.

[ScottG]

This is often caused by the fridge when it's heater contacts chassis. Try it with out the fridge (maybe use an extension cord to power fridge).

[riggsp]

Had that happen one time and it nearly drove me crazy...check the water heater element...if you turned power on to the water heater with no water in it, the element will burn out and cause a ground fault.

[You_can_t_take_]

Is this an inside GFCI or an outdoor one? I've had an outside one do something similar if it had been raining or if the trailer had recently been washed. It was water getting into the receptacle. Try unplugging everything that is plugged in downstream of the GFCI receptacle and reconnecting one item at a time to try to narrow it down.

[You_can_t_take_]

Don in LA wrote:
PS: If I kill the circuit by turning off the breaker, will it be safe to use the other circuits until I can get it fixed?

Thanks,
Don

Yes

[Don_in_LA]

Another PS: The tripping GFCI occurs whether connected at my home or at parks. I use a surge protector which has indicated proper incoming voltage.

Thanks again,
Don

[Don_in_LA]

PS: If I kill the circuit by turning off the breaker, will it be safe to use the other circuits until I can get it fixed?

Thanks,
Don