GFCI breaker failed

[GordonLynn]

I have 3 outlets that quit working in my 2022 Bambi BC. The breaker panel identifies that they are serviced by the GFCI breaker. I preformed a manual test of the breaker, and it was not released from the "on" position. I have turned it to the "off" position and then back "on." Power is not restored. So apparently it has failed or possibly an electrical shortage in the wiring somewhere? Any advice on how to proceed? Thanks.

[PaulBristol]

I assume you have a main panel circuit breaker with a built in GFCI.

First a GFCI needs 120 volt power to work. The GFCI breaker probably does have power, but it does not hurt much to check the breaker is properly seated in the panel and has power to it.

Push the reset button. The GFCI should reset. If it does not, that probably means there is a ground fault still present in the circuit.

If it does reset, then push the test button. It should trip. If it trips, it means the GFCI breaker is working okay.

It is possible the GFCI breaker is faulty. It is more likely there is a fault in the circuit. Begin looking for the fault. However, it is often easier to replace the GFCI breaker than to troubleshoot a ground fault. That is a choice for you to make.

Unplug any appliance on the circuit that has a plug. Some plugs are hidden. A microwave or refrigerator may have a hidden plug. Charging bricks should all be unplugged.

Retest. If the GFCI breaker resets and tests, then one of the unplugged appliances is at fault.

Next, test outlets. GFCI breakers are often used for outlets in wet locations like bathrooms, kitchen, or outside outlets. Wet locations often cause outlets to fail due to corrosion. Open the boxes. Inspect for corrosion or loose connections. Disconnect both hot an neutral wires. Retest the GFCI breaker.

Water heaters and absorption refrigerators are often the culprit. The internal heaters start to fail and cause a ground fault. Absorption refrigerators are often wired to the same circuit as other outlets. When the GFCI trips all of those outlets loose power.

[AlbertF]

Obviously, GFCIs can fail. But wiring problems will cause them to trip too, and I wouldn't be surprised to learn that a factory defect has caused this.

(I had a taillight/running light failure problem that took at least three dealer visits to repair under warranty. I think a good deal of the wiring was simply replaced.)

Unless you see an obvious problem, like a staple through a wire, replacing the GFCI may be the easiest/cheapest first step.

[Thiss]

Turn off your inverter.

Outlets should start working again even after turning the inverter back on.

If nothing else, hit the battery cutoff switch and reset everything.

[kb0zke]

"Unless you see an obvious problem, like a staple through a wire, replacing the GFCI may be the easiest/cheapest first step." My normal trouble-shooting procedure is to look for the simple things (no-cost) first. Start by identifying every outlet that is on that circuit and unplug everything. Make sure the circuit is live (use a meter) and leave it alone for a day or two. If the breaker doesn't trip you know it is something plugged in that is causing it to trip. If the breaker does trip then the problem is either the wiring or the breaker.


Following the wires in an Airstream can be difficult to impossible, so replacing the breaker is a logical step. Before that, though, check the connections at every outlet in the circuit. I'd buy two or three breakers while I'm at it just because quality these days isn't what it used to be. You could easily buy a breaker that is bad right out of the box. If all of your breakers trip with nothing plugged in the problem is in the wiring. Time to take it to Airstream-trained people.


If you get to the point where it has to be something plugged into the circuit then plug in only two items at a time without turning them on. Then turn on one at a time. If nothing happens, plug in another two and so on.


One other possibility: water can get into an exterior outlet, which will trip the breaker. When it dries out the breaker works fine. That can happen from condensation.