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Topic: Tingling electrical current on metal ??? (Read 3 times) previous topic - next topic
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Tingling electrical current on metal ???
Yahoo Message Number: 143311
I keep my LD at home next to the garage.  I just plugged it in and went to add water to the batteries when I noticed that every time I touch metal on the exterior of the coach I felt a "tingling" which indicates danger to me.  I unplugged and ran the generator and checked same metal areas and had no such problem.  I am leaving it unplugged for now.

Any suggestions or thoughts on the cause?  Call electrician for home 30 amp service check or take RV to shop?

Thank you in advance to our group,

Gary
2007 30' TB
Re: Tingling electrical current on metal ???
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 143312
Gary,
 Sounds to me like you have an open ground in the extension cord you are using.  Try another cord and make sure it has all 3 wires intact.  If that fails, check an outlet in the LD with a receptacle tester (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Receptacle_tester) and see what the problem really is.  It may be a problem with the outlet you are using on your house.

Rich
Former 2000 MB- Now Bullet Crossfire 1800RB trailer pulled by a Chevy 2500HD
Re: Tingling electrical current on metal ???
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 143313
Gary,

I would get a 30 amp male to 20 amp female adapter like the one here:

http://www.amazon.com/Camco-55233-Electrical-PowerGrip-Adapter/dp/B00192QB3I/

and the plug into it a receptacle tester like the one here:

http://www.amazon.com/Electrical-Receptacle-Outlet-Ground-Tester/dp/B0012DHVQ0/

Note the conditions the tester detects. See what that tester tells you.

I use the above combination to test campground 30 amp receptacles before I plug in my LD.

Alex Rutchka, SE #4 '05 MB
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Tingling electrical current on metal ???
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 143316
Thanks to both Alex and Rich,

You both led me in the right direction.  FYI, The problem was found to be the portable surge protector not making a complete ground.  I disconnected the surge protector and plugged in the cord and the problem was solved.  I reconnected the portable surge connector and was sure that it made complete contact and retested. There is no longer back flow current to the exterior of the coach.  I realize that the permanently wired surge protectors are much better but that is in the future.  For now, something I suppose is better than nothing.  Thanks again to you and to all quick responders!

Gary and Karen, '07 30TB
2007 30' TB
 
Re: Tingling electrical current on metal ???
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 143322
I'm glad you were able to find and fix the problem so quickly, Gary! You were right to be cautious. As you probably guessed, that tingling could have become a lethal shock if you were standing on wet ground at the time.

Andy Baird
http://www.andybaird.com/travels
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"