Converter on GFCI

[KYAirstream]

My converter is plugged into an outlet fed by an exterior GFCI. Is there a reason for the converter being protected by a GFCI, or did it just happen to be wired this way?

[leedav]

GFCI's protect people from getting electrocuted. They don't protect the converter. Probably to make sure nobody gets zapped.

[KYAirstream]

I understand the kitchen, bath, and outdoor outlet being on a GFCI.

Is there some reason/requirement that a converter be installed on a GFCI?

[leedav]

converter converts AC to DC via a bridge diode circuit. that DC is relative to the ground potential of the feeding AC circuit. If that ground is disrupted, the DC ground could possibly be many volts above the potential of the earth. Touching your trailer at that time could cause a potentially painful or lethal ground fault.

[KYAirstream]

Originally Posted by leedav

converter converts AC to DC via a bridge diode circuit. that DC is relative to the ground potential of the feeding AC circuit. If that ground is disrupted, the DC ground could possibly be many volts above the potential of the earth. Touching your trailer at that time could cause a potentially painful or lethal ground fault.

Thanks. Would the voltage of the DC ground be any higher than that of a regular AC circuit if the ground is disrupted?

[leedav]

Not higher, more likely some percentage of the AC voltage, but enough that you'd not be happy :-), and AC gives you 120 chances a second to let go. DC gives you none

[KYAirstream]

Got it. Well, sort of. Your point being that DC can be much more dangerous without a solid ground, since it's harder to let go.

[leedav]

either way.. GFCI is a good thing.

[KYAirstream]

Just didn't know if it was any more necessary for the converter than any other 110 circuit in the trailer (besides kitchen and bath).

My converter receptacle is fed by a GFCI on the outside of the trailer. Sometimes when plugging in a griddle, crockpot, etc to the outside GFCI we will trip it. Not a big deal, but got me thinking about running a dedicated line for the converter, but wasn't sure if it needed a GFCI. Since my converter isn't the most accessible to reset a GFCI receptacle, I may just go with a GFCI breaker instead.