Open ground Problem

[Rick777]

Hi Guys
Just bought 2024 Jayco Eagle 312 BHOK. We are boondocking. Desperately trying to power the trailer and top up the battery with my generator (Cabela 4750 portable generator) I was getting an open ground warning from my surge protector so I made a ground neutral bonding plug and plugged it into my 120v outlet. It solved the problem on my surge protector and the warning went away....until I attached the 50 amp cable now the warning is back.
Any help would be much appreciated since we are in somewhat of a desperate situation.

 

[craigav]

I think the outlet you are using is the 240v outlet (not a 50A), in any case, plug back into the 30A RV outlet and I suspect everything will work well for you. ~CA

 

[Kevin Cooper]

A “Ground Fault” and an “Open Ground” are two totally different things. Which do you actually have?

 

[Rick777]

A “Ground Fault” and an “Open Ground” are two totally different things. Which do you actually have?

You are right. It is Open Ground.

 

[Rick777]

I think the outlet you are using is the 240v outlet (not a 50A), in any case, plug back into the 30A RV outlet and I suspect everything will work well for you. ~CA

I am plugged into the 30A. I am using the 30A adaptor.

 

[craigav]

Being in a desperate situation and if you know your generator is operational, then I would simply remove the surge protector from the circuit and revisit this when the situation is better. ~CA

If time allowed, I would remove the generator's panel and bond the ground and neutral on the plug you are connected to (I would check the receptacle first with an ohm meter as the outlet may already be bonded).

 

[Rick777]

Being in a desperate situation and if you know your generator is operational, then I would simply remove the surge protector from the circuit and revisit this when the situation is better. ~CA

If time allowed, I would remove the generator's panel and bond the ground and neutral on the plug you are connected to (I would check the receptacle first with an ohm meter as the outlet may already be bonded).

I did think of removing the surge protector but I am concerned with damaging the electrical system. I don't know enough about it. I have heard many different opinions as to whether a surge protector is necessary. Any thoughts? ....I did make a ground neutral bonding plug.

 

[Kevin Cooper]

Try putting the ground/neutral bonding plug into the other standard receptacle. Some inverter gens have two separate outputs. It might fix it.

 

[Rick777]

Try putting the ground/neutral bonding plug into the other standard receptacle. Some inverter gens have two separate outputs. It might fix it.

I did try both. It works on one. Thanks for your input.

 

[Kevin Cooper]

So, now it is working the way you want it to?

 

[Rick777]

So, now it is working the way you want it to?

My surge protector (Surge Guard) reads that surge protection and power is on but there is a flashing warning light. I am trying to be cautious that I don't damage any of the electrical system in the trailer.

 

[Kevin Cooper]

So, it is working correctly with the N&G plug in one receptacle and you have power to the RV. Right?
And the flashing warning light means what?

 

[Rick777]

So, it is working correctly with the N&G plug in one receptacle and you have power to the RV. Right?
And the flashing warning light means what?

Everything looks normal - Power On -Surge Protector On - except the red flashing light on the surge protector says Caution when flashing. There is not a warning on the display.
One thing I noticed also, when I connect 50 amp rv cable to the running generator, the inverter shuts off. Should the inverter keep running when connected to the generator?

 

[Kevin Cooper]

What I’m reading on Southwires Surge Guard is that the flashing light is only to tell you to look at the LCD display where it will show you what the issue is. If you are getting flashing light and no error message, you need to contact Southwire.

 

[Rick777]

What I’m reading on Southwires Surge Guard is that the flashing light is only to tell you to look at the LCD display where it will show you what the issue is. If you are getting flashing light and no error message, you need to contact Southwire.

Thanks for that information Kevin. Any thoughts on the inverter shutting off when connected to the generator?

 

[Kevin Cooper]

We need some clarity here. Since I do not know for sure what you are asking, I must find out for sure what we are talking about.
A converter, typically in your electrical panel, converts from 120v ac to 14 v dc. Charges your battery and powers all the lights and controls for equipment.
An inverter takes 12v dc and supplies 120v ac to specific appliances, like possibly TV’s, receptacles next to the bed, and possibly refrigerator if residential.
Not knowing for sure which you are asking about, if the shore power is connected to, the inverter senses incoming 120c ac and automatically transfers from battery power to shore power. Either way, the receptacles associated with its output should be working.
Does this answer your question?

 

[Rick777]

We need some clarity here. Since I do not know for sure what you are asking, I must find out for sure what we are talking about.
A converter, typically in your electrical panel, converts from 120v ac to 14 v dc. Charges your battery and powers all the lights and controls for equipment.
An inverter takes 12v dc and supplies 120v ac to specific appliances, like possibly TV’s, receptacles next to the bed, and possibly refrigerator if residential.
Not knowing for sure which you are asking about, if the shore power is connected to, the inverter senses incoming 120c ac and automatically transfers from battery power to shore power. Either way, the receptacles associated with its output should be working.
Does this answer your question?

Yes it answers part of the question...I know this must seem complicated, Ha Ha! I'm learning a lot. The question is... When I connect the Rv to the generator to top up my battery, is it normal for the inverter to shut off while doing this?

 

[Kevin Cooper]

If you connect a generator to the RV, you are putting 120 lots to it. The inverter normally only changes battery power to 120 volts when none exists. So, when on generator or shore power, the inverter is not producing the 120 volts to receptacles, the generator or shore power is. Inside the inverter is an automatic transfer switch that switches between the two inputs.

 

[Rick777]

If you connect a generator to the RV, you are putting 120 lots to it. The inverter normally only changes battery power to 120 volts when none exists. So, when on generator or shore power, the inverter is not producing the 120 volts to receptacles, the generator or shore power is. Inside the inverter is an automatic transfer switch that switches between the two inputs.

Yes, I was reading about that. I think what I will conclude is that my inverter shuts off automatically when generator is running since I am not getting any warnings. Really appreciate all your input Kevin. Thanks!

 

[Kevin Cooper]

You are welcome! Best wishes to you!