grounding an R-pod
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10684
Printed Date: 21 May 2025 at 7:01pm
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Topic: grounding an R-pod
Posted By: Farrell
Subject: grounding an R-pod
Date Posted: 18 Sep 2017 at 4:34pm
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Question...is there a way to ground the camper? Every time I step onto the stairs, I can feel the electric current. Thx! |
Replies:
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 18 Sep 2017 at 4:39pm
------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 18 Sep 2017 at 6:39pm
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Yeah, this can be very serious. GlueGuy is probably exactly right. Either there is something wrong with the source of your electricity or the with your extension cord. Are you plugged in at home or a campsite? Feeling a tingle is bad, but with damp ground and bare feet the feeling could be a lot worse. If a four-footed friend happened to touch the steps with its nose or feet, it could be deadly. TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 18 Sep 2017 at 7:04pm
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It's easy to test for proper polarity. You can buy a tester for very little money and check what's coming into your pod. In addition to the tester, you may need a converter so you can plug in the tester to a standard 15/20 amp plug instead of the 30 amp plug. Here's a tester as an example: https://www.amazon.com/Sperry-Instruments-GFI6302-Receptacle-Professional/dp/B000RUL2UU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1505779287&sr=8-3&keywords=polarity+tester - Sperry Instruments GFI6302 GFCI Outlet / Receptacle Tester, Standard 120V AC Outlets, 7 Visual Indication / Wiring Legend, Home & Professional Use, Yellow & Black As others have said, this can be a dangerous situation so don't let it go unfixed. ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 19 Sep 2017 at 10:37am
| Most (all?) surge protectors test for proper grounding also. |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 19 Sep 2017 at 12:10pm
most of the better ones do, yes. ------------- |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 19 Sep 2017 at 12:43pm
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If you are in a place with hookups, it is relatively simple to run a quick voltage test between the pipe for a water spigot and the frame of your R-pod. Most water spigots are on a metal pipe that goes into the ground; hence, it's "grounded". If there is any potential between that pipe and the frame of your R-pod, then there is a break in the connection between shore power ground, and your R-pod ground. It doesn't tell you where the problem is, but it tells you it exists. ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: Retiree-Pod
Date Posted: 20 Sep 2017 at 10:13am
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Extensive thread on this in the "Manual" http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4748&title=important-check-this-every-time-you-set-up Could be a deadly situation! PLEASE check and keep on it until you have the answer. Much help available here. Good Luck
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Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 20 Sep 2017 at 6:15pm
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Frustrating not hearing back from Farrell. I hope s/he wasn't electrocuted! TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: Farrell
Date Posted: 20 Sep 2017 at 8:09pm
Thx everyone! I started out looking for what would be the easiest cause to fix and hit pay dirt. It turns out the power cord was faulty. Phew! Glad I found this forum!  ------------- The Happy Campers |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 20 Sep 2017 at 8:26pm
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Whew! I'm glad you found that out.
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 20 Sep 2017 at 8:34pm
You could get married. Then you wouldn't have to carry an extra cooler for the beer too. Just sayin. And reminiscin... fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 20 Sep 2017 at 8:36pm
------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: DavMar
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2017 at 12:48pm
So tell us HOW did you find out you had a bad power cord? Was it the 30 amp cord or a regular 15-20 amp power cord that you plugged into an adapter? Inquiring minds would like to know! ------------- Dave & Marlene J with Zoey the wonder dog. 2017 Rpod 180 2016 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4 Lexington, NC |
Posted By: Farrell
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2017 at 3:56pm
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Actually... nothing as complicated. Just bought a new power cord and it solved the problem! ------------- The Happy Campers |
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2017 at 5:34pm
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Glad it was so easy and that you're still alive!😁 Thanks for letting us know.
TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: Davidb
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2017 at 6:57pm
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This series of articles about RV electrical safety is a must read. I purchased the book also. I even had personnel read it at work where we see this problem very often connecting laboratory trailers on oil and gas drilling rig sites. http://noshockzone.org/rv-electrical-safety-part-1/ https://www.amazon.com/No~Shock~Zone-Electrical-Safety-Michael-Sokol/dp/0990527913 David ------------- David |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2017 at 9:25pm
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Thanks for the very useful references. ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: DavMar
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2017 at 9:40pm
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Absolutely all RV owners should know of the potential hazard of electrical shock because of many problems from shore power such as bad grounds. Which is why I use this devices to help insure I can recognize potential problems and help reduce voltage spikes from shore power. http://trci.net/products/surge-guard-rv/hardwires-portables/30a-portable-surge-protector ------------- Dave & Marlene J with Zoey the wonder dog. 2017 Rpod 180 2016 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4 Lexington, NC |