Troubleshooting GFCI Tripping by RV

[GStream40]

After a member had a problem tripping a GFCI when his RV was plugged into it and some good info was posted on "how to" troubleshoot and locate the culpit circuit by two members, I decided to compile it into one easy to "copy/paste" post for other members so it could be printed for future reference. Hopefully no one will ever need to use it, but if you do be very careful as the procedure descibes the danger of electrical leaks and shorts.
Ron

Troubleshooting GFCI Tripping by RV

1) Turn off ALL breakers in the RV including the main.
2) Plug in the trailer cord to the GFCI, if the GFCI doesn't trip then..
3) Turn on main RV circuit breaker, if okay then...
4) Turn on each individual breaker one at a time until the GFCI trips,

When the GFCI trips, then you have isolated that one circuit that is the cause.

When the culprit circuit is located, you will have to measure for an electrical path to ground. A GFCI trips because the current flowing in the return white neutral lead does not match the current flowing in the black power lead. The only alternative path for that current to have traveled is to green ground.

Not to unduly alarm you, but this is a potentially dangerous condition as well (which is the reason for GFCI). Your unit frame is isolated from earth ground by rubber tires. If the frame, door & step handles, compartment handles are touched while standing on the earth outside, you could complete a better path to ground than the one through the cord to the power pedestal.

You, or service department MUST find out what is going on and correct it. It is not safe.

While you are at the house, do you have the option of plugging into a non-GFCI source? You could do that with all RV circuits off. YOU stay inside while someone else turns your housebreaker on. Follow the top procedure of operating everything, one at a time to determine if the housebreaker trips. That will show you if you have a "short", or if you have the very dangerous "leakage" path to ground. If the NON-GFCI breaker does not trip, then have your assistant turn off the breaker while you exit your unit.

The phone call to your dealer should be to remind him of the liability he risks if he doesn't correct the situation or finds someone understands the problem & can fix it.

BTW, you are under no personal danger running your generator because the generator ground (& RV frame) is not tied to earth outside. No current will flow through your body if you touch both.

Procedure Compiled by Gstream40 & RJ82much [/b]

Disclaimer: The writers of this procedure assume no responsbility as to the users safety.