I can’t count the number of times I’ve wondered why in the world the outlets in my RV weren’t getting any power. Usually, it was a pretty simple fix, like the connection to shore power had been flipped off or the GFCI outlet in the bathroom had tripped.
If your RV’s GFCI keeps tripping, it could be because you have too many things plugged into that circuit. There could also be a problem with the electrical wiring or the GFCI itself may be faulty. If you’re not sure what’s causing the problem, it’s best to do some troubleshooting to find out.
Help! RV GFCI Keeps Tripping With Nothing Plugged In
I get the desperate need to figure out why my GFCI keeps tripping in my RV, because not only is it annoying, but it can be dangerous.
That GFCI outlet is there for a reason, and when it’s not working properly, it can pose a serious shock risk.
To ensure that you find the exact cause of this problem and prevent injury to yourself or damage to your RV, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue.
Reset The GFCI
The first thing you want to do is unplug everything from the outlets on that circuit and see if the GFCI will reset.
If it does, then you know you have too many things plugged in and you’ll need to redistribute your electrical items.
This is the easiest and most likely fix, but if you don’t have anything plugged in, it can get a bit more difficult to figure out.
Check The Wiring
If the outlets are not receiving power, it could be because of a wiring problem. Check to see if there are any loose wires or if any of the wires are frayed. Remove the outlet from the wall and check the wiring behind it to make sure it’s secure.
Look at your electrical panel, which is usually located somewhere in the kitchen or living room. You may have to take the cover off to expose the main wires beneath. If you see any damage to the wires, it’s best to call an electrician to come and take a look.
It’s also possible that the wire is not connected to the outlet properly. This can be easily fixed by tightening the screws on the outlets that are a part of the circuit or connecting the wires correctly.
Be very careful when dealing with exposed wires, especially if they’re frayed. If you’re not comfortable with electrical systems, the safest solution is to call a professional.
Test The GFCI Outlet
If you’ve checked the wiring and everything seems to be in order, it’s time to test the GFCI itself. You can do this with a circuit tester or a multimeter.
To test the GFCI with a circuit tester, plug it into the outlet and push the button. The light should come on, indicating that the outlet is working properly. If the light doesn’t come on, then you’ll need to replace the GFCI.
To use a multimeter, set the multimeter to the Ohms setting and touch the probes to the screws on the side of the outlet. The reading should be between 0 and infinity. If it’s not, then you’ll need to replace the GFCI.
How Do I Stop My GFCI From Tripping?
The solution to your GFCI tripping will depend on what you discovered during your troubleshooting. Most of the time, it’s as simple as making sure you don’t have too many things plugged in at once.
However, when nothing is plugged in at all, it can be a bit more complicated. I would suggest first replacing your GFCI outlet altogether. If that doesn’t fix it, it’s likely a wiring problem.
A wiring problem can sometimes be solved by checking the connections and tightening them. If it’s more complicated than that, some people prefer to call for help.
Replacing The GFCI
If you’ve determined that the GFCI needs to be replaced, you can do this yourself.
- Turn off the power. Start by shutting off the power to the circuit at the breaker box.
- Remove the old GFCI. Unscrew the old GFCI from the wall and pull it out.
- Disconnect the wires. There are usually two sets of wires connected to the GFCI. One set will be the “line” wires, which bring power to the outlet, and the other will be the “load” wires, which go to other outlets on the circuit. You’ll need to disconnect both sets of wires. The line wires will have screws holding them in place, while the load wires will usually be connected with wire nuts.
- Connect the new GFCI. Using the reverse of the previous step, connect the wires on the new outlet. The line wires should go to the “line” screws, and the load wires should go to the “load” screws. Make sure all the connections are tight.
- Install the new GFCI. Put the new GFCI in place and screw it into the wall.
- Turn the power back on and test it. Once the power is back on, push the test button to make sure the outlet is working properly.
While this isn’t incredibly complicated, it can be dangerous, especially if you forget to turn off the power first. If you’re not comfortable working with electricity, it’s best to call a professional electrician to do this for you.
How To Reset GFCI Outlet In RV
If your GFCI outlet has been tripped, you’ll need to reset it before it will start working again. To do this, simply push the reset button on the outlet. Your GFCI outlet is typically located in the primary bathroom.
It’s important to note that if the GFCI keeps tripping, there may be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. Be sure to troubleshoot the outlet to determine the cause of the problem if resetting it doesn’t work. Repeat the steps above by:
- Checking the load and unplugging things
- Looking for wiring issues
- Testing the outlet
- Reconnecting to shore power
RV GFCI Outlet Won’t Reset? Do This
If none of these things seems to solve the problem, the solution may be one you don’t want to hear. Having a professional troubleshoot your RV electrical system for you is the safest and most efficient way to ensure everything is working properly.
Working with electricity can be dangerous, and if you’re not familiar with it, it can also be intimidating. To prevent injury or damage, it’s best to make an appointment if all else fails.
Conclusion
If you continue to have trouble with your GFCI tripping, remember to conduct the following tests:
- Unplug items from the circuit.
- Check for frayed wires.
- Ensure you’re connected to shore power.
- Test or replace the GFCI outlet.
If nothing works and you can’t find the problem, consult a professional to find the source of the problem.
Through this blog, I want to share all of my hints and tips, along with reviews of the best RVing accessories. I hope this blog will help others with their RV trips, and make traveling easier for you.
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