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Topic: How to use a 20A GFI only pedestal (Read 610 times) previous topic - next topic

How to use a 20A GFI only pedestal

With all the recent discussion on GFI outlets, yes, there are some campgrounds where the only power available is a 20A GFI pedestal, sometimes when the updated 30A and 50A sites are all booked up.

This is where keeping your old battery charger comes in handy. I originally had the Progressive Dynamics PD9280 80 amp charger. I left it installed when I added my new combination inverter/charger.

When camping where the only power available is a 20A GFI outlet and connecting the coach trips the GFI, a trick I use to defeat the GFI is to directly connect the PD9280 using a HD (20A) extension cord, and then turn on the new inverter for 120V coach power.

When occasionally drawing high power, say to run the hair dryer, microwave or make coffee or toast, the PD9280 will max out at its rated output of 80 amps, the 20A GFI outlet doesn't trip, the batteries temporarily handle the excess demand, and the PD9280 will catch up again after the load is done.  This setup of course won't run the ACs, but works fine for normal daily electrical usage.
Peter and Tammy Fleming
1991 U300 GV 40 - Sold, owned for 4 years
Downsized to Roadtrek Popular 210 class B

Re: How to use a 20A GFI only pedestal

Reply #1 –
Clever use of existing equipment!  You are kinda ending up with the same result as you would get when utilizing one of those high-dollar Magnum Hybrid inverters.  The "weak" shore source is augmented by the batteries to achieve the desired level of power, without tripping the breaker.  COOL!  ^.^d
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: How to use a 20A GFI only pedestal

Reply #2 –
I just use a regular battery charger attached to the house barberries and live on the inverter especially on a 15 amp outlet. It keeps the batteries charged up if I am careful and no need to run the generator.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: How to use a 20A GFI only pedestal

Reply #3 –
If you are tripping the GFCI, you have a problem with the wiring in your RV. I'd recommend fixing it instead of working around it.
1998 U270 34'

Re: How to use a 20A GFI only pedestal

Reply #4 –
Quote from: krush –
If you are tripping the GFCI, you have a problem with the wiring in your RV. I'd recommend fixing it instead of working around it.
In an older coach the transfer relay winding, AC fan and compressor windings, water heater and fridge heater elements can develop small insulation leaks to ground. To fix would require replacing those items, you would have to essentially re-build the coach electrical system with new components. The GFCI outlets within the coach will still provide protection on the circuits they provide power to.
Peter and Tammy Fleming
1991 U300 GV 40 - Sold, owned for 4 years
Downsized to Roadtrek Popular 210 class B

Re: How to use a 20A GFI only pedestal

Reply #5 –
Quote from: krush –
If you are tripping the GFCI, you have a problem with the wiring in your RV. I'd recommend fixing it instead of working around it.

+2

My son had a trailer do that when it was new. I told him we needed to get fixed. First thing we did was open the panel and found the ground wire attached to the neutral. Once we separated them, problem was fixed.  I have seen this problem more then once.
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: How to use a 20A GFI only pedestal

Reply #6 –
Quote from: prfleming –
The GFCI outlets within the coach will still provide protection on the circuits they provide power to.

Unlike a house, the RV sits on rubber tires. You could have a mild ground fault, or you could have a large one. Have you measured it?

Also, I've encountered many 30amp power pedestals that also have GFCI on them. Are you tripping those as well?
1998 U270 34'
 

Re: How to use a 20A GFI only pedestal

Reply #7 –
Quote from: krush –
Unlike a house, the RV sits on rubber tires. You could have a mild ground fault, or you could have a large one. Have you measured it?
That would be interesting, I'll take some resistance readings with all power disconnected and start with all breakers off.
Peter and Tammy Fleming
1991 U300 GV 40 - Sold, owned for 4 years
Downsized to Roadtrek Popular 210 class B