Electrical Safety Interrupt
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
Forum Discription: Perplexed/need help with a problem - ask here
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15400
Printed Date: 21 May 2026 at 2:42am
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Topic: Electrical Safety Interrupt
Posted By: Old Man Running
Subject: Electrical Safety Interrupt
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2022 at 4:51pm
| I have an RPod-196, 2021 and was wondering if anyone has any information as to whether this model and year has a built-in electrical safety interrupt that will prevent an appliance, e.g., an air-conditioner from starting if the RV electrical system detects a deficiency with the in-coming power? On several occasions, I have had a campground pedestal fail to activate the air-conditioner while another pedestal has worked OK. |
Replies:
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2022 at 10:38pm
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Short answer: No. You need to purchase a device that performs that function. There are a number of circuit analyzers/surge protectors that will do the job, but there is not one built in. ------------- 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: offgrid
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2022 at 5:19am
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+1 to StephenH. So the question is, what was going on with your a/c?
Can you describe what happens in more detail? Did the a/c fan turn on but only blow warm air? That would indicate that the compressor (which is the heaviest load) wouldn't start. Or did nothing turn on at all? Did other 120Vac appliances continue to operate? ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2022 at 7:36am
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Here is a good one: http://https://www.campingworld.com/30-amp-hughes-autoformer-power-watchdog-bluetooth-portable-surge-protector-117409.html - http://https://www.campingworld.com/30-amp-hughes-autoformer-power-watchdog-bluetooth-portable-surge-protector-117409.html I purchased this one which can boost low voltage at the post, not just detect faults. It is much more expensive though. http://https://www.campingworld.com/hughes-rv-autoformer-voltage-boosters-surge-protector-30-amp-102449.html?cgid=power-protection - http://https://www.campingworld.com/hughes-rv-autoformer-voltage-boosters-surge-protector-30-amp-102449.html?cgid=power-protection ------------- 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: Old Man Running
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2022 at 9:40am
| While the other appliances work, nothing on the A/C operates. When you set the thermostat for the A/C to activate you can hear a small click, then nothing, not even the fan operates. Even if you set for "fan-only", it will not operate. I can run the A/C with the generator. The last time this happened, I was able to switch to another campground pedestal and everything worked, but this is not always possible. Any other thoughts? |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2022 at 9:49am
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Do you have a multi-meter with you? Please check the voltage coming into your RPod. ------------- 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: offgrid
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2022 at 4:39pm
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Well that is weird. The fact that the a/c runs on your genny indicates that the tstat and a/c are working. The fan only mode also not working suggests that there likely isn't an overload condition on the circuit due to the compressor load.
The other 120Vac appliances working on the shore power receptacle indicates that that also appears to be working. So nothing jumps out at me as the problem. If you still have access to the problem pedestal try StephenH's suggestion re the line voltage. Try the microwave (another heavy load) on it if you haven't already. Since you don't have a power monitor you could also just use a simple outlet tester to see if there is anything obviously miswired on that pedestal. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: Old Man Running
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2022 at 9:54pm
| Thanks for all of your suggestions. I do have a multimeter, so the next time this happens I can do some additional checks. I am also interested in the Hughes Voltage booster and surge protector. I have a gut feeling that this condition results when I connect to an older campground pedestal that isn't delivering the required current. In every case, the campground owner/manager have checked their pedestal and have assured me that others have used it without a problem. A very knotty problem that probably cannot be resolved unless I can duplicate the problem for a qualified technician. |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 29 Jul 2022 at 7:57am
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When you look at the outlet on the pedestal, does it look to be in good shape or does it appear to be burned, cracked, or otherwise not in good shape? That might be an indicator that just because previous people did not have problems that you will not also, no matter what the owner/manager says. Just how was the pedestal checked? Unless the person checking had a meter to look, then that "check" probably was only cursory. ------------- 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: Old Man Running
Date Posted: 31 Aug 2022 at 10:12pm
Thanks for all of your suggestions and input. You guys are a great help. I did purchase a Hughes RV Autoformer Voltage Booster/Surge Protector from Amazon, about $50 bucks cheaper than Camping-World. Although the unit was a little pricey, if it will prevent an inoperative A/C, it is well worth the $'s. 
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