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Gearhead777 · 09-21-2021, 07:23 AM

I've been trying to figure out why my GFCI circuit keeps tripping (18 Palazzo 33.3). This is the one in the bathroom that also powers the outlets in the kitchen, dinette, and basement. I have no issue when I'm connected to shore power or running the generator. I only have a problem while boondocking using the inverter for my 120v needs. The receptacle will keep clicking and flash red. I even put a new one in but figured that wouldn't do the trick but would start there. If there was a leak to ground I would suspect it would trip no matter what power source I used. But since its only on inverter power then maybe transfer switch or in the inverter itself? Figured I'd start here before going crazy.

Berlin Kid · 09-21-2021, 08:27 AM

2018 Aria...had same problem. Replaced Modified Sine Wave Inverter with a Full Sine Wave Inverter. No more problems.

Gearhead777 · 09-21-2021, 09:28 AM

Could you share what model inverter you replaced the original with? It seems full sine inverters are better for sensitive electronics.

iluvuk · 09-21-2021, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gearhead777

I've been trying to figure out why my GFCI circuit keeps tripping (18 Palazzo 33.3). This is the one in the bathroom that also powers the outlets in the kitchen, dinette, and basement. I have no issue when I'm connected to shore power or running the generator. I only have a problem while boondocking using the inverter for my 120v needs. The receptacle will keep clicking and flash red. I even put a new one in but figured that wouldn't do the trick but would start there. If there was a leak to ground I would suspect it would trip no matter what power source I used. But since its only on inverter power then maybe transfer switch or in the inverter itself? Figured I'd start here before going crazy.

MIne does the same thing. I'm noticing it seems to be something to do with the transfer from shore power to inverter AC and back....can't quite get the exact sequence that causes it. I'm thinking a transfer switch issue but guessing. If I am on inverter (I have disconnected shore power) I often find it has tripped. Interestingly (need an electrician to help here) I can't reset the GFCI when on inverter alone. If i start gen, or hook up shore power I can then reset the GFCI and it will work, even when I disconnect the shore power or gen. I think it tends to trip when I hook up shore power rather than disconnect based upon this but I haven't thoroughly tested every scenario.

Mnoel · 09-21-2021, 08:48 PM

Our Aria did the same thing. Tried about a dozen GFI's. Dealer rewired everything. Same issue. Switched from Magnum MS to ME. No more issues in 4 years.

followingsea · 09-21-2021, 09:01 PM

Had the same issue but only when dry camping near the ocean. Replaced when it got worse. The new one still tripped.

Read the inverter manual which listed compatible GFCI. Got one, problem solved for $10.

Berlin Kid · 09-22-2021, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gearhead777

Could you share what model inverter you replaced the original with? It seems full sine inverters are better for sensitive electronics.

Don't know the model number. It is a Magnum. Had it done at the factory service center.

Gearhead777 · 09-22-2021, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by followingsea

Had the same issue but only when dry camping near the ocean. Replaced when it got worse. The new one still tripped.

Read the inverter manual which listed compatible GFCI. Got one, problem solved for $10.

I do not see any listed for my inverter. Do you know what GFCI you bought? I'd rather try a $10 fix first. Thanks

Persistent · 09-22-2021, 11:30 AM

$10 fix is to remove the GFI and replace with a non-GFI.

I don't believe I actually said that!

Gearhead777 · 09-22-2021, 11:41 AM

Kind of......

followingsea · 09-22-2021, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gearhead777

I do not see any listed for my inverter. Do you know what GFCI you bought? I'd rather try a $10 fix first. Thanks

Leviton Shock Resistor Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter 802-6599-W White
https://www.amazon.com/LEVITON-GROUN.../dp/B00FWH16EK

Also on Ebay.

My inverter is a modified sine wave and 20+ years old. I suspect newer GFCI do not like that.

There is no 'sensitive' electrical on my inverter circuits. Not that I know what that is. I suspect those who worry about that do not know earlier. I was a flange head in the navy. When asked how electronics work, PFM was an acceptable answer. Don't ask!

What I finally did last year before getting the new 'old' GFCI was use the outlet for the microwave (aka breadbox) and extension cord so I could watch TV at night.

The microwave on my MH is not on the GFCI protected circuit.

Bill1947 · 09-22-2021, 08:31 PM

I have a similar problem. I have a 2006 Monaco with 400 ISL and a magnum inverter. When plugged into shore power, running gen set, or running off batteries the GFI works fine and charges the batteries when on shore power or gen set without tripping. When running the engine, the house batteries do not charge and the ground fault trips. Any suggestions?

followingsea · 09-23-2021, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill1947

I have a similar problem. I have a 2006 Monaco with 400 ISL and a magnum inverter. When plugged into shore power, running gen set, or running off batteries the GFI works fine and charges the batteries when on shore power or gen set without tripping. When running the engine, the house batteries do not charge and the ground fault trips. Any suggestions?

Sounds like you have two different problems.

My GFCI trips were intermittent. With the engine running, vibration could cause a trip. Just a WAG.

Not charging could be caused by several things.

First check your 12v fuses.

Try holding the boost switch (labeled 'aux start' on my rig) with the engine running. If it picks up the isolation solenoid as indicated be an increase in house battery, the solenoid is good. Could be the isolation relay (BIRD).

WOX04 · 09-28-2021, 07:46 PM

Had the same problem with my 2014 Palazzo 33.2. I found my refrigerator was tripping the GFCI when swapping power and initially applying it. By turning the refrigerator off when applying or swopping power resolved my problem.

Also, while troubleshooting I found several wires in the main circuit breaker panel loose and one wasn't even screwed down. The only reason it worked at all is because the bend in the wire created spring tension pushing the wire against the securing screw. If that wasn't bad enough, there wasn't even a screw mark on the wire end meaning this probably came from the factory this way (7 years ago!).