Forum Discussion

longdog2's avatar
longdog2
Explorer
Oct 12, 2013

Outlet/GFCI Issue

I have a 2009 Jayco 5th wheel. I have a GFCI outlet in the bedroom which controls outlets on the passenger side of the 5th wheel (near bathroom sink and over the counter in the kitchen. The outlets over the counter test out fine with the 3 light plug-in testor. Sometimes I can use them for several days without a problem (usually for percolator) but then the GFCI will pop. Reset the GFCI and then use the testor again and they are fine. Noticed last time that GFCI no longer lights up. Microwave and fridge on same side but neither are affected so I assume not on GFCI. What might the fix be?
  • Mandalay_Parr's avatar
    Mandalay_Parr
    Explorer
    Oct 12, 2013
    Maybe the percolator is at fault. Try a different pot.
    Your tester will probably not indicated such a fault.

    Call me. Maybe I can help.
  • doughere's avatar
    doughere
    Explorer
    Oct 12, 2013
    Does the GFCI feed an outside outlet (mine does)? If so, check for water infiltration there.

    Doug
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Oct 12, 2013
    Are you plugging in any three wire devices?
    The GFCI is not showing green LED could indicate that it is failing.
  • tenbear's avatar
    tenbear
    Explorer
    Oct 12, 2013
    Sometimes a GFCI just gets old and tired. If you can't find any problem, replace the GFCI and see if it works ok.
  • longdog2's avatar
    longdog2
    Explorer
    Oct 12, 2013
    Don't think that percolator is at fault as it works elsewhere. There is an outlet in the bay below the bedroom but there is no water getting in there. And Texas has been in a drought most of the time as well. The GFCI doesn't show red when it trips although I know it used to but I don't ever remember is showing green. Is a GFCI any different for an RV than for a house or could I get one at Lowe's or Home Depot?
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Oct 12, 2013
    The GFCI receptacle is the same as residential.
    You can get them most hardware stores. Don't go cheap! get a good quality one. Most now have a green LED for idicating the circuit is good and the red for a tripped unit.
    Make sure you get one that is a "feed-thru"
  • tenbear's avatar
    tenbear
    Explorer
    Oct 12, 2013
    A GFCI is a GFCI. They come with wires or screws. Be sure to get the same kind.
  • Bobbo's avatar
    Bobbo
    Explorer II
    Oct 12, 2013
    I once replaced a full size upright deep freezer for well over $1,000.00 only to discover that I only had a bad GFCI outlet. Since then, I replace GFCI outlets anytime I even think one may be bad.
  • ktmrfs's avatar
    ktmrfs
    Explorer II
    Oct 12, 2013
    doughere wrote:
    Does the GFCI feed an outside outlet (mine does)? If so, check for water infiltration there.

    Doug


    x2. And GFI's do occasionally go bad. I've had to replace more than one in the house. RV GFI's are the same as in the house.
  • Mandalay_Parr's avatar
    Mandalay_Parr
    Explorer
    Oct 13, 2013
    longdog2 wrote:
    Don't think that percolator is at fault as it works elsewhere. There is an outlet in the bay below the bedroom but there is no water getting in there. And Texas has been in a drought most of the time as well. The GFCI doesn't show red when it trips although I know it used to but I don't ever remember is showing green. Is a GFCI any different for an RV than for a house or could I get one at Lowe's or Home Depot?


    Don't be misled because your percolator works in a regular outlet. It can still have a ground fault. Believe me. I know.

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,191 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 19, 2025