trailer GFCI works on genny but not shorepower

[wheelerd]

We have a new-to-us 07 328 RLS TT.

We had it out for the first time a couple weeks ago and the GFCI circuits all went out the second day and wouldn't reset. I figured maybe it was a bad GFCI. When we got home I parked the unit on my driveway and replaced the GFCI. No go -- it still would trip and then not reset when the breaker was ON. (This was using shore power.) So, as a test, I powered up the trailer from my generator (a Kippor 3000 inverter generator) and voila -- the GFCI works fine!

The fact that the GFCI did work at first on shore power at the campground is what has me confused. When plugged into shore power, all the other non-GFCI AC plugs and appliances (refer, AC, etc.) still work fine.

My thots thus far:
- the new GFCI I installed is faulty -- perhaps overly sensitive to mA drop?
- because the generator has a floating neutral the GFCI "sees" it differently?
- could the 30 to 20 amp adapter on the shoreline cord cause the problem?
- is the transfer switch in the TT's inverter/converter to blame?

I'm comfortable working with AC electronics so will tear into whatever I need to -- I just need to be pointed in the right direction!

[Grumpy]

Check all your incoming SP connections in the transfer switch and make sure they are tight. A wire have come loose (ground or neutral)

[wheelerd]

Thanks. I was thinking I should have a look at that. I'm assuming it's on the backside of the converter/inverter and will be easily identifiable? (ie. main power supply running to it.)

Still don't understand why GFCI would work with generator but not shore power. I do realize from working with computer equipment that there is "clean" and "dirty" power.

[wheelerd]

Pulled the load center out and took a look -- its the IOTA 3045. No transfer switch, at least none that I can see. Since I don't have an on-board generator, would/should there even be one?

Also, I used a continuity tester to check all the outlets:
- on SP, everything is fine (except for the GFCI which will not reset)
- on genny, GFCI resets but all outlets show Hot/Neu Rev

What gives?

[Grumpy]

It may be a loose wire on one of the GFI receptacles. I didn't read your whole post and thought you had an onboard genny. Not sure if a GFI willl trip when using the port gen.

[us71na]

For $10 get a GFCI outlet tester Plug it in to the outlet and check for ground and polarity. The most common error installing GFCI's is to connect the hot to the load side of the receptacle. If the GFCI outlet is wired backwards (hot on load side load on hot side) it will not reset.

If your generator isn't tied in to the main panel how are you getting power from it into your system? Based on your comment "GFCI resets but all outlets show Hot/Neu Rev" It sounds to me like you are feeding the gen power in through another receptacle on the same line as the GFCI which would put the hot lead on the proper side of the GFCI if it is wired backwards so it will reset. It also sounds like your gen is providing power on the neutral side of our system which is dangerous.

[wheelerd]

Yes, I do have a continuity tester with the GFCI check.
My gen is external. I plug my regular SL cord into it.
I've done further searching on the web and it appears that it's not uncommon for continuity testers to show what seems to be an error code because many (including mine) have a floating neutral; there is no ground to earth.

[us71na]

Did you check the wiring on your GFCI?

[tnchuck100]

You have HOT/Neutral reversed issues either at the converter or the GFCI outlet. Stay on shore power and check the polarity of EVERY outlet including the one you are getting shore power FROM.

You say the GFCI works on the generator? I think you will find that the GFCI is actually preforming properly on shore power and provides no protection on the generator.

Once you correct the HOT/Neutral reversal issues it should be fine.

[wheelerd]

The "new" GFCI I had installed was faulty. Installed a different new one and now everything is fine.

[clutch]

This has been an interesting read. Glad to hear the problem is solved.

[wheelerd]

In the process, Jayco Customer Service was helpful in sending me both the 120V and 12V wiring diagrams for my unit. They responded to my email in less than a day!

I also learned more about the difference between shore power and gen power than I ever knew existed!

[howie]

Originally Posted by wheelerd

In the process, Jayco Customer Service was helpful in sending me both the 120V and 12V wiring diagrams for my unit. They responded to my email in less than a day!

I also learned more about the difference between shore power and gen power than I ever knew existed!

Glad they responded to your e-mails. They NEVER responded to mine. I did get a quick answer once I called.
Glad your issue is resolved!