Responses to Questions From Site Visitors

Each day I receive an incredible number of questions from people who visit the site.  Thanks for taking the time to send me a question, and for the occasional feedback about the site. 

When I review the questions, there are some that I set aside as more of a 'project' type of response and will develop an e-book and/or DVD to cover it.  Other, less complex questions will be developed into an article for the site.  The more simple questions will be answered on this page.

Remember - if you need assistance with something "right now" - I offer a personal consulting service via telephone, e-mail or personalized wiring diagram..  Click here for more information on this service.  I've helped hundred of people this way!

Problems With a Tripping GFCI on an RV

Q:  We are in our summer home, a 1 year old 38' 5th wheel with all the bells and whistles, parked in one spot year around.   During a rainstorm, the GFCI keeps going off and/or will not come back on.  As tight as this rig is, I cannot imagine why this happens so often and so readily.  Any idea what I can look for as to why this is happening?  I am on 50 amp and my line is plugged into a surge guard which in turn is plugged into the RV park system.  Thanks.- DW

A:  Given that the GFCI will reset once dried out, it is most likely that you have water leaking into one of the outlets.  Check your RV manual to determine which outlets are protected by the GFCI. 

Some R.V.'s have one GFCI receptacle that also protects up to 5 receptacles fed downstream of the actual GFCI outlet connected to the 'load' terminals.  In my new truck camper, the GFCI in the kitchen feeds the bathroom, and the outside receptacle.  It takes very little moisture to cause enough current leakage for a GFCI to trip. 

Also, check out what you have plugged into these protected outlets.  For example, if you have something plugged into the outside outlet, it could be that (appliance, landscape lighting, etc.) getting wet in the rain causing the GFCI to do, essentially, what it is designed to do.

Terry Peterman, the 'Internet Electrician'