GFCI keeps tripping. Why??
I have a (new to me) small Class 'C' Chateau Citation. The Norcold Model N611LT trips the GFCI every time I plug it into 120V. The fridge works fine when I bypass the electrical receptacle behind it...
Forum Discussion
My guess (and I am pretty good at this) the electric heating element in the refrigerator is grounded, or at least starting to short to ground.
If you keep running the refrigerator on 120 volt, you risk it shorting out further, and perhaps arking, and creating a hole in that expensive to replace refrigerator. Of course if it catches fire, then the expensive to replace RV too.
Just leave it on propane.
IF you are handy with tools, then consider taking out the electric heat element (ONLY IF it slides out easy, do not pry on the ammonia filled tubing) ! and replace the electric heat element. This will save you a couple of dollars on propane on each trip, but in reality, I would not recommend it.
I had a 1985 RV that had 'problems' running the refrigerators on electric, and a recall a couple of times (a recall, then a recall on the replacement 'safe' parts). SO I only ran it on gas. I only needed to fill the 10 gallon propane tank every 4 weeks while full timing in the RV! So no big deal, and that was both refrigerator, water heater, and whatever cooking we did that summer trip.
The tripping GFI is indicating a problem with the refrigerator. I would hate to have you explaining to the firemen who came to your campground that you bypassed the GFI to save $1 in propane!
GOod luck.
Fred.
If you keep running the refrigerator on 120 volt, you risk it shorting out further, and perhaps arking, and creating a hole in that expensive to replace refrigerator. Of course if it catches fire, then the expensive to replace RV too.
Just leave it on propane.
IF you are handy with tools, then consider taking out the electric heat element (ONLY IF it slides out easy, do not pry on the ammonia filled tubing) ! and replace the electric heat element. This will save you a couple of dollars on propane on each trip, but in reality, I would not recommend it.
I had a 1985 RV that had 'problems' running the refrigerators on electric, and a recall a couple of times (a recall, then a recall on the replacement 'safe' parts). SO I only ran it on gas. I only needed to fill the 10 gallon propane tank every 4 weeks while full timing in the RV! So no big deal, and that was both refrigerator, water heater, and whatever cooking we did that summer trip.
The tripping GFI is indicating a problem with the refrigerator. I would hate to have you explaining to the firemen who came to your campground that you bypassed the GFI to save $1 in propane!
GOod luck.
Fred.
