GFCI at storage fails

[cwf]

We had successful run. All worked in each campground, never tripped GFCI.

we get home, for first time I plug in 50-30 pigtail adapter. Next I plug on 30-15 AMP.

Next, I plug into our storage facility, 15AMP. No problem.

Finally, I go inside and power up the MAIN, no power. So I head out to find the GFCI popped. Hmmm.

I turn off the MAIN and GFCI resets fine. Hmmm

Rather than continuing to pop GFCI I will need to diagnose a bit.

So here we go.. Any thoughts on cause?

Thanks in advance!

[cwf]

BTW... I did "bond" the breaker box.

Our easiest test is to flip one breaker at a time to isolate faulting circuit.

Till then all power off!.. in storage..so go carefully!

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by cwf

Finally, I go inside and power up the MAIN, no power. So I head out to find the GFCI popped. Hmmm.

I'll preface my remarks by saying, I'm not an electrician. But as a safety coordinator at work, I deal with GFCI on a semi-regular basis under a variety of working conditions.

One thing to check in particular, does your service entrance GFCI trip when the interior GFCI breaker is thrown?

At a number of construction sites I've had occasion to visit for work, it doesn't happen every time, but when you've got two GFCIs in series— a GFCI circuit plugged into a GFCI source— the upstream GFCI (closest to the source) can register the other GFCI as a fault, and trip.

As long as you've got GFCI circuits inside your trailer, you don't need to plug the trailer into a GFCI-protected source. It's overkill, and it may actually be what's killing your power.

Side note, a GFCI that trips hasn't "failed." A GFCI that trips works.

[cwf]

Originally Posted by Protagonist

I'll preface my remarks by saying, I'm not an electrician.........

Side note, a GFCI that trips hasn't "failed." A GFCI that trips works.

Agreed! It does NOT fail! It would be BAD for it to FAIL, especially at wrong time. !!!!!

If I said "failed" I FAILED!

[cwf]

"Problem solved"!!!!

Dang "overachievers" non-anonymous !!!!!!


Removed "bonding screw" from new breaker box and it's tickin' chikin'!!!!!

[dcheshire]

I had the exact same problem. turned out to be my univolt, which I replaced with a PD9245 and never looked back (<$200 and a few hours of fiddling)

ETA: to test this, unplug your univolt and run an extension cord from the storage pole directly to the univolt AC plugin, if it trips, you just found the problem

[cwf]

Originally Posted by dcheshire

I had the exact same problem. turned out to be my univolt, which I replaced with a PD9245 and never looked back (<$200 and a few hours of fiddling)

ETA: to test this, unplug your univolt and run an extension cord from the storage pole directly to the univolt AC plugin, if it trips, you just found the problem

I replaced my original converter as well!

Thanks for advice, if problem "comes back" I will verify as you suggest!

[dcheshire]

glad you found the issue and that it was a free fix! those are the best!

[cwf]

Originally Posted by dcheshire

glad you found the issue and that it was a free fix! those are the best!

Agreed!

Once removing the "bonding" screw it behaved properly! I usually bond for safety but mounted inside the AS probably over cautious!

[daveswenson]

If by bonding, you mean connecting the ground and neutral busses in the trailer.

DON'T DO IT!!!!!

Here is one explanation.
120 VAC in your RV

[cwf]

Originally Posted by daveswenson

If by bonding, you mean connecting the ground and neutral busses in the trailer.

DON'T DO IT!!!!!

Here is one explanation.
120 VAC in your RV

Yup. Learned without killing anyone. I am blessed as God takes care of fools and kids!!!

[daveswenson]

Originally Posted by cwf

Yup. Learned without killing anyone. I am blessed as God takes care of fools and kids!!!

Good thing!!