Community Forums

Vette Racer · 09-11-2007, 09:49 PM

OK, I have a problem where the GFI is kicking out in the bathroom, don't have a thing plugged in anywhere, including the converter. Can I just replace the GFI outlet with a regular outlet and get rid of that problem???

I'm aware of the fact that its there to protect us from getting electrocuted while washing our hair but...I think I can handle that.

What do you think? Can I just get rid of the GFI? OR, do I have to replace it with the same?

Is there anything else that I'm overlooking???

Vette Racer · 09-11-2007, 09:49 PM

OK, I have a problem where the GFI is kicking out in the bathroom, don't have a thing plugged in anywhere, including the converter. Can I just replace the GFI outlet with a regular outlet and get rid of that problem???

I'm aware of the fact that its there to protect us from getting electrocuted while washing our hair but...I think I can handle that.

What do you think? Can I just get rid of the GFI? OR, do I have to replace it with the same?

Is there anything else that I'm overlooking???

Don (W5IT) · 09-11-2007, 11:15 PM

Tom this can be done, but baaaaaaaad idea.

Often the outlet outside the rig is also connected to the GFI circut. Moisture and corrosion on that outlet will cause them to trip. If you replace it with a non-gfi you may wind up being the ground when you touch your rig.

That would make what hair you have left stand up REAL high.

Rocky Larson · 09-12-2007, 01:27 AM

IMHO (self taught electrical novice) if the GFI is staying on once you are all set up and not tripping with use then I wouldn't worry. If it is tripping with use then you might be able to trace it to the item or circuit.(It is probably protecting your kitchen outlets) GFI's can go bad or gradually wear out ,so, yes replacement,not elimination, may be necessary. A GFI may sence the momentary process of hooking up or switching between shore/generator/inverter and click off. Having to reset it once per any of those events might be considered normal. Hopefully we'll hear from an expert that can put us both at ease....
Good luck

Hitchhiker · 09-12-2007, 04:20 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Hopefully we'll hear from an expert </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

We already have........ Don is an electrician along with several other jobs he does.

Vette Racer · 09-12-2007, 06:26 AM

Don is correct in that the outside outlets are included in the GFI circuit. My problem is that the GFI is tripped and won't reset or at least when you try and reset it, it instantly trips out again with nothing plugged in and all I did was wash the trailer. Everything seems dry and it has set for 12 hrs since I washed it. It was working fine before. (Famous last words)

Hey electrician (Don), how do I troubleshoot it?

By the way, I represent that statement about the hair!

No, I didn't misspell it.

On second thought, I think I'll try disconnecting the outside outlets first, maybe a poor connection there combined with the moisture, especially knowing what cheap "push and hope" outlets they put in these things.

RustyJC · 09-12-2007, 06:31 AM

If it started tripping after you washed the rig and continues to trip, it certainly sounds like there's something amiss with the outside outlet(s). IMHO, the GFCI is doing its job - it's trying to tell you that there's current getting to ground.

Rusty

Vette Racer · 09-12-2007, 06:36 AM

I tend to agree Rusty, good place to start.

xc-mark · 09-12-2007, 04:37 PM

GFI in TT get hard service , any they dont last forever, sometimes they gust go bad. First thing to check with a ohm meter is to see if any of the load wireing from the GFI to the outside out have grounds from the black to ground and wth white to ground. A leak from the white wire to ground will trip it also. if it comes up with being clear its most likely just a bad outlet.

Vette Racer · 09-12-2007, 05:18 PM

Thanks for the help and ideas. Turned out the outside outlets got some water in them and hadn't dried out completely, I blew some compressed air through them and it cured the problem.