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Pakinsteel · 01-23-2022, 05:44 PM

When I connect 15 amp line to plug on rv , “using adapters “gfi on extension cord kicks every time, last time I tried without gfi , seem to work ok , any ideas or is this normal ?
( Was not using generator and did not have 30 amp shore power , just wanted power for heat at night . )

Unplanned Tourist · 01-23-2022, 05:56 PM

Many RVs have kinky wiring that will kick out a GFI. I have stopped using one for our rig when I plug it into a 15 amp outlet while in storage.

alank · 01-23-2022, 06:07 PM

Get a min. 14 ga extension cord w/o GFCI. Many coaches report having the GFCI tripped when plugging into a circuit with one. I've always suspected it had to do with a built in surge protector, if you have one, but no proof.

Solo_RV_Guy · 01-23-2022, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pakinsteel

When I connect 15 amp line to plug on rv , “using adapters “gfi on extension cord kicks every time, last time I tried without gfi , seem to work ok , any ideas or is this normal ?
( Was not using generator and did not have 30 amp shore power , just wanted power for heat at night . )

GFCIs work on the principle that the same amount of current should be on the line (hot) and neutral conductors. An imbalance of 5mA or more will trip them. Leakage is cumulative - 3 appliances or devices each leaking 2mA will not trip a GFCI unless are are plugged in (and possibly, in use) at the same time. But some devices and appliances can leak current simply by being plugged in...

Chances are one of, or the combination of your adapters is creating a current leak sufficient to trip the GFCI.

The other possibility is that something in your RV (or a combination of them) is creating a current leak sufficient to trip the GFCI..

Or the answer D) All the above.

If possible, try to borrow some other dogbone adapters and see if the GFCI tripping stops. If not, it will be time to start unplugging things in the coach to see what is leaking current.

Good luck and let us know what you find out.

Pakinsteel · 01-23-2022, 06:31 PM

using 12ga extension cord, 50’

egwilly · 01-23-2022, 07:31 PM

Start simple....try another cord first.

BigEvi · 01-24-2022, 06:10 AM

If your batteries are low when you plug it in the charger will come on at full charge and immediately pop the gfi. Also if you use an inverter for house power...that causes transients on the line in and pops gfis. I have these same problems at my dad's house when I'm plugged into his 15a outlets.

-E

Pakinsteel · 01-24-2022, 06:32 AM

Thank you everyone for the input, I found this site to most helpful resolving most of my issues.

ArtJoyce · 01-24-2022, 07:21 AM

I found that it only trips the plug servicing the rv. If I use a non gfi plug all is good.

I think the issues is the breaker box in the rv is bonded and the breaker box at the service is bonded. Which makes it looks like the rv breaker box is a sub panel which should not be bonded. NEC only has the first breaker box bonded all down stream boxes are not bonded.

bigb56 · 01-24-2022, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArtJoyce

I found that it only trips the plug servicing the rv. If I use a non gfi plug all is good.

I think the issues is the breaker box in the rv is bonded and the breaker box at the service is bonded. Which makes it looks like the rv breaker box is a sub panel which should not be bonded. NEC only has the first breaker box bonded all down stream boxes are not bonded.

The panel in the RV should definitely not be bonded N-G.

Crasher · 01-24-2022, 08:42 AM

I was always concerned with tripping the breaker when on 15 amp service. To eliminate that concern, I installed a 45 amp smart charger which I would run with a 2KW Honda when boon docking. When visiting the BIL, I plugged into his house with a 75' extension cord. That way, I could use all appliances without tripping a breaker, as they were drawing from the battery bank through the invertor. The smart charger just kept feeding into the house batteries.