No Power and the Breakers Haven’t Tripped
05-15-2018
Author: in RV Repairs / Maintenance / Upgrades
When first moving into an RV, it is common to trip breakers, especially if you have a 30 amp rig. Every once in a while, the power may stop working even if the inside breakers haven’t tripped. For this reason, it is important to know about all possible electrical breakers that exist in and outside your rig.
As an example, if a portion of your RV lacks power and the breakers haven’t tripped, press the reset button on any GFCI socket. If one has tripped, power should be restored once the reset button has been pressed. Many GFCI sockets have a light indicating whether or not they have been tripped.
You can save yourself some time by finding out which sockets are on the same circuit as your GFCI. That way you will know when to suspect the GFCI socket when only those sockets don’t work. To do this, press the TEST button on your GFCI outlet, this will trip the breaker on it. Once your GFCI has been tripped, plug something into the outlets of your rig and note which ones don’t work. Don’t forget to press the reset button once you are finished.
If your power is out and it’s not the RV breakers, a GFCI socket, or the campground power pole, your next step would be to check your inverter. My inverter has a little black button that pops up when it has been tripped. To reset it, I simply press the button back down.
The Post Breaker
If you are plugged into a campground, you probably already know that the post your RV is plugged into has a breaker of its own. If your power goes out and the inside breakers are fine, check the outside breaker next. The campground’s breaker may trip easier than yours.Related Read: 30-Amp RV: How many devices can you run?
Check GFCIs
Most RVs have GFCI plugs around places that get wet such as the kitchen or bathroom area. If you are unfamiliar with this type of socket, you will recognize it by its buttons labeled “test” and “reset.” The letters GFCI stand for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. The job of this device is to cut power to a circuit the moment there is a short or a fault in the line.As an example, if a portion of your RV lacks power and the breakers haven’t tripped, press the reset button on any GFCI socket. If one has tripped, power should be restored once the reset button has been pressed. Many GFCI sockets have a light indicating whether or not they have been tripped.
You can save yourself some time by finding out which sockets are on the same circuit as your GFCI. That way you will know when to suspect the GFCI socket when only those sockets don’t work. To do this, press the TEST button on your GFCI outlet, this will trip the breaker on it. Once your GFCI has been tripped, plug something into the outlets of your rig and note which ones don’t work. Don’t forget to press the reset button once you are finished.
Inverters
Many RVs have inverters to run select 120-volt appliances while on battery power. If your rig came with an inverter, it is most likely wired into a few sockets. Even when the inverter is off, power still runs through this device. If the circuit is overloaded and heats up enough, the inverter has its own breaker that can trip.If your power is out and it’s not the RV breakers, a GFCI socket, or the campground power pole, your next step would be to check your inverter. My inverter has a little black button that pops up when it has been tripped. To reset it, I simply press the button back down.
Warning
If your RV breakers keep tripping even after turning some appliances off to reduce the amperage you are using, then you may have an electrical issue. It is a good idea to get a professional to take a look at your wiring. Faulty electrical systems can cause fires.Related Read: Avoid RV Fires: Follow These Safety Tips
If you would like more information about troubleshooting a tripped breaker, we made a video that discusses this very subject.RVing How to Troubleshoot a Tripped Breaker Video
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Author: Levi and Natalie Henley
