electrical issue
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Topic: electrical issue
Posted By: ragadas
Subject: electrical issue
Date Posted: 06 Jun 2017 at 6:10am
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After a camping trip, I set the Pod up where I could do routine after-trip maintenance. It is plugged into a GFI outlet off of the 200 amp breaker box. I noticed the dog sniffing at the tongue jack and jumping back...thought "dog is getting shocked". Tested with current detector and sure enough, trailer has current in the frame and connected parts.
The Pod has been plugged into this outlet before and checked for stray current with none detected. Why would there be an issue this time? The only things that have changed are a battery cut-off switch installed and an electric jack mounted. The foot of the jack is on wood blocking and the stabilizer jacks are not deployed. Does the trailer itself need to be grounded or should the circuit take care of it? ------------- Dave & Chris RP 179 2011 Tacoma Access Cab V6 6 speed manual. |
Replies:
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 06 Jun 2017 at 7:24am
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It sounds like the ground from the main house panel may not be connected. The Pod should not require a separate ground because there is a ground wire coming to the trailer through its 3 wire power cord and the outlet it's plugged into. An inexpensive three prong outlet tester can check for ground integrity. IF the GFCI outlet is good the problem could be in the extension cord or its connectors.
------------- 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: ragadas
Date Posted: 06 Jun 2017 at 9:04am
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Thanks for the direction...spot on. The GFCI checked fine, but the extension cord had an open ground. Same (heavy) cord I've been using, but the ground wire has broken off at the plug. Re-did all the connections and all is well in the sparky world now. Thanks again.
Edit. BTW, anyone reading into this thread needs to have the testers that Charlie was referring to. They can usually be purchased together at the local hardware store for ~$12. One unit tests for current, and the other tests for continuity and proper ground at all three pronged outlets. The issue with the dog getting shocked could have been a person grabbing the entrance handle while barefoot. ------------- Dave & Chris RP 179 2011 Tacoma Access Cab V6 6 speed manual. |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 06 Jun 2017 at 9:05am
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Excellent. Pod on.
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Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 06 Jun 2017 at 11:12am
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Poor dog! ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2025 Ford Transit Camper van 2017 Ford F150 Previously owner 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: cjscinta
Date Posted: 06 Jun 2017 at 1:15pm
Charlie is the man!!! ------------- 2017 R-pod 179 |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 06 Jun 2017 at 3:48pm
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+1 to ragadas, buy simple things to test connections. Makes life simpler or go thru life peeing on electric fences, or have Rover do it. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 06 Jun 2017 at 5:11pm
------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2025 Ford Transit Camper van 2017 Ford F150 Previously owner 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |