Spark when connecting to home outlet
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9128
Printed Date: 27 Jun 2025 at 2:06am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Spark when connecting to home outlet
Posted By: dr2428
Subject: Spark when connecting to home outlet
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2016 at 12:55pm
|
Hello, Newbie here, recently winterized our new(late August) 179, did not get enough trips in but loved it and hoping for an early spring. I have not yet gotten organized enough to handle battery storage so following a few posts here I plan to plug it into 110v outlet in garage regularly to maintain battery. I have limited garage space but am working on getting it inside and on a maintainer for the winter. My question is, should I be concerned when I see a spark as I plug it into the garage outlet? I start by connecting 30A cable to Pod, then to extension cord, then to adapter to wall outlet. I always get a spark, or crackle. No issues with wiring, has been checked, just initial spark when making final connection. I don't have this issue when camping as I make connections before flipping switch "on" at power post. I don't have a switch on outlet at home, would require trip into house to flip switch on electrical panel. Just wondering if this is a concern. Would it help if I switch off the main breaker in the pod when I am connected? Thanks for any wisdom. Dan ------------- 2017 RPod 179 2018 Chevy Colorado Z71 4x4 |
Replies:
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2016 at 1:13pm
|
Very little wisdom here, but absolutely no problem with a little sparking when you connect shore power. It indicates something in the Pod is drawing some current. The probable cause is the converter charging your battery, although the converter will have a small initial surge while it charges up its own internal capacitors (engineer speak for it's OK). The Pod also has a small continuous current draw from the propane monitor and thermostat that will draw current from the shore power source. Flipping off the main breaker in the Pod should stop the spark but it's not necessary. You should check that the water heater is turned off, either by the little rocker switch inside the WH service panel or the 15A breaker in the power panel. Turning off the WH switch mounted on the Pod interior wall is not sufficient. Leaving the main breaker off will inhibit battery charging.
------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2016 at 1:35pm
|
Wouldn't hurt a thing to shut off the main (30A) breaker in the pod when plugging in/unplugging. Then turn it back on once connection is made.
------------- |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2016 at 1:39pm
That really just transfers the spark to the breaker. I suspect the plug would tolerate more connections and disconnections than a breaker will. Breakers are not designed to be switched often. |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2016 at 1:46pm
Do you not shut off the breaker at the pedestal every time you hook up at a campsite? ------------- |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2016 at 1:51pm
I don't do that but I do turn off the WH to save the timed relay contacts in my SurgeGuard. ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: GLBCamper
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2016 at 2:23pm
|
I noticed the same thing when I plugged into 110v with dogbone adapter and my Progressive Industries surge protector, so I contacted Progressive to ask them and they told me to ALWAYS flip the breaker at the house panel when making electrical connections or it could void my surge protector warranty if I don't. Luckily, the outlet I use is right next to my breaker panel, but I'd say it's worth the time even if it's a distance. FYI, I have since installed a 30amp outlet next to my breaker panel and it was well worth the $40 in parts. It's a pretty easy job, just google for YouTube diy videos. It's easier because now it's on a dedicated breaker and I'm not shutting off other things in my garage every time I flip the switch.
------------- Old: 2014 177 HRE 2015 Tacoma V6 4x4 Double Cab New: 2016 EVO ATS 200rd 2016 F150 4x4 Sport |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2016 at 2:49pm
I detect the BS flag waving...............and/or a well paid lawyer. ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: dr2428
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2016 at 7:41pm
I do shut off the breaker at the pedestal every time I hook up at a campsite, my issue is at home where I don't have convenient access to the breaker serving my garage outlet. Doesn't look like much of an issue given the posts here? I may just suffer the trip to and from the panel to be safe. I'll be putting in a 30A connection outside my garage this spring which will have a breaker like in the campgrounds. Looks like the question sparked a good discussion, this is what I appreciate most about this forum. I always get a lot out of this forum, best forum I've been on for any topic, campers, smokers, computers, etc. Thanks everybody. ------------- 2017 RPod 179 2018 Chevy Colorado Z71 4x4 |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2016 at 8:38pm
| I learned from my military days in the 70s, hook power up with everything off and then apply power. To me it is as simple as you don't turn your blender on in the kitchen, then plug it in. It will spark. I do it by process, I do have the campground CB off until I'm ready to start the power up process, no sparks to date. |
Posted By: ChetC
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2016 at 9:56pm
|
Most circuit breakers should never be used as a "switch" as they are not designed for switch service. Constantly flipping the breaker will cause it to weaken and fail prematurely. If you desire to use it as such it should be, or be replaced with, a circuit breaker labeled "SWD" or "HID" as these are rated to handle switching service.
------------- Former 2017 rPod 180 owner Now in a 2019 Little Guy MAX Full timer who logs more than 35,000 miles per year. |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 15 Dec 2016 at 2:04pm
| I wish I could run a 30A receptacle where it could reach our 179 when parked at home. Our driveway adjoins a common alley and there are many backyard fences to deal with, so maneuvering it into the driveway would be a major chore. As a result, we always leave it parked at the street curb when it's not in its offsite storage unit. The house is brick veneer, so attempting to run wiring to the front of the house and out would also be a major chore. |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 15 Dec 2016 at 2:22pm
How about across in the attic crawl space to a front corner, down the outside corner in conduit where the vertical will not be noticed, paint the conduit a matching color. Where there's a will there's a way.  ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |