GFCI problem

[Diesel Donnie]

We are parked for a week- Discovered the circuit with the GFCI is tripped and will not reset- No 110 power at kitchen outlets [ no coffee there ]- No power at bedroom outlets [ no alarm clock or power for phone chargers ]- If the GFCI will not reset, does this indicate a direct short or merely an incomplete circuit? Is it probable that the GFCI itself has failed? Techs are not readily available on site [ we are about 20 miles from civilization ] What can I do with my limited knowledge to assess the problem? All replies appreciated and THANX in advance for your assistance- DD

[tnchuck100]

All it takes is a very small amount of current going to ground and not returning to the GFI to cause it to trip.

The first place I would suspect is water in your outside outlets.

Has EVERYTHING plugged into the GFI controlled outlets been removed? This would be the bathroom, kitchen and outside receptacles.

Pull the CFCI outlet and remove the lines that feed DOWNSTREAM. If the GFI still trips it is bad. If it does not trip now then there is a problem downstream. Mouse chewed a wire somewhere? It is a difficult troubleshoot at this point.

[Diesel Donnie]

Got my test tool out- It says I have an " open hot"- What does that mean? Where do I look for this? The circuits that work indicate the post is wired correctly and the unit matches- I plan to pull the GFCI as recommended and check for a disconnected wire- Please respond Chuck! DD

[Diesel Donnie]

THANX Chuck!!!! I finally realized you were right on track and I followed your instruction to disconnect everything from all outlets on the GFCI circuit- The culprit was a surge suppressor [ I have surge suppressors on every outlet in the unit ]- I'll be buying a new one today for sure, for sure- I have been so glad to be on this forum- As I have aged, I fear I have forgotten much of what I did know- THANX again for your assistance- Hopefully, I can pay it forward- DD

[tnchuck100]

Glad you found the problem.

As far as the meaning of the "open hot" (ie: no power available) indication that was nothing more than a result of the tripped GFI.

In addition, I would recommend getting a surge suppressor that plugs into the power pedestal. Protect the entire camper. Not just individual items at the receptacles. Your air conditioner, converter and microwave are the most expensive items that need protection.

Want REAL protection? I recommend this:

http://www.dyersonline.com/progressi...nt-system.html

It will protect from all the power problems that a park can do to you. It ain't cheap.....but it's cheaper than the air conditioner!