GFI questions

[George Lowry]

Hi Rose Mary,

Rose Mary wrote:
>
> Question now:
>
> our experience when we finally reached a campsite where we could plug
> in and found the plug in had a GFI, and the minute I plugged in it
> tripped. Tried 2 different 30 amp plug-ins from the coach (batt & hot
> water), even physically turned everything off except the main in the
> breaker box. Frig off, lights off, popped the GFI every time, even
> tried running a cord to the next campers hookup. to no avail..
>
> It did the same thing a few months back at my sister's shop. Again
> GFI's, pretty new construction and no matter which plug we used it
> would pop that GFI.
>
> Parked here at home plugged into a regular plug in has always worked
> fine.

From what I have read, the sensing for the electric reverse
polarization which is made by PMMI, will cause the GFCI to trip. That
has been discussed before. I understand that PMMI has a fix for that.
The means to contact them should be in the files. (Note: When your
coach was built, GFCI was not required. Now that they are becoming
more common, it would be good to get it updated.)

> second question:
> I'm feared our frig won't work since our 5 day strand in an unlevel
> position. The frig was on (gas) and didn't even think about it not
> starting again when we were level. It worked for awhile (while we
> were stranded) then everything thawed and it hasn't work since elec
> or gas. Hope I didn't ruin it by not turning it off manually. didn't
> even think about it except after things melted, then remember reading
> something on a post once about it not working most times when not
> level. Just thought the gas went off or something. It also didn't
> seem to get cold from the genset running.
> drat!
> Now even plugged in here at home it's not working on electric
> either.
> So could there possibly be a reset button or fuse (wish I could be so
> lucky!?), or am I looking at a new frig?...

Depends upon what actually happened. When you operate the frig off
level, the liquid is unable to drain back and causes a liquid lock.
Sometimes it will unblock when you level the coach or during driving.
Other times you can get it to unblock by removing the frig and
turning it upside down etc. I suggest that you go to
<http://www.rvmobile.com> and read their extensive troubleshooting
instructions on the ammonia cycle frigs. The worst is that you have a
hard blockage which will require either replacement of the cooling
unit or the frig itself.

> thanks in advance,
> I really appreciate the generous help on these forums in figuring out
> our coach systems.
> Rose Mary
> 82 FC 33
> Oregon

Your are welcome,

George Lowry
'95 WBDA 4203
Spearfish, SD
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