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03-10-2015, 07:55 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 16
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Harm in Reverse Polarity?
I have seen several threads talking about surge protectors and looking for reversed polarity, my question is simple, it is really going to have a negative impact on my RV?
If I am at a site for a weekend, should I ask for a different site if it is reversed, or is it something that will not make too much of a difference happening occasionally and should try to avoid, but not fuss too much if it is there?
Thanks.
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03-10-2015, 07:59 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Eastern Ontario
Posts: 4,167
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__________________
Fonzie
2011 Rockwood 8319SS with ProPride 3P hitch/GoodYear Marathons/TST TPMS 507
2019 F350 Ruby Red 6.7l diesel 3.31 axle electronic locker
Yamaha 3000iseb generator:Progressive Ind. EMS-HW30C : Eastern Ontario
Nights Camped: 2014 (18) 2015 (18) 2016 (36) 2017 (32) 2018 (42) 2019 (28) 2020 (35)
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03-10-2015, 09:05 PM
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#3
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Site Team
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Northeast Louisiana
Posts: 33,913
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Mike Sokol, who is a member of the Forest River Forums, also has 12 great articles called "no shock zone" that can be found here:
http://www.noshockzone.org/15/
__________________
2011 Flagstaff 831 RLBSS
A 72 hour hold in a psych unit is beginning to intrigue me as a potential vacation opportunity.
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03-10-2015, 09:58 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Virginia
Posts: 9,865
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Reversed polarity is the reason cords now have polarized plugs to appliances and lamps. To over simplify it (not bringing equipment damage into the picture) it could..... 1) Do nothing..... or if conditions are right.......... 2) you could receive an electrical shock ...... or 3) it could kill you or a loved one.................. so what what you do is up to you but............. I would change sites...... Sorry if I may come across a little blunt but I investigate too may workplace deaths........ I would not care to be at a campground when an accident happened........... and yes about 25 years ago I received a rather healthy electrical shock from an 1988 Terry camper was it reversed polarity ? I really can not tell you but I was not a good thing.............
__________________
2005 Dodge 3500 Cummins
2017 Wildwood Lodge 4092 BFL
1966 Mustang GT
1986 Mustang SVO
Lillie Spoiled Rotten Boxer Mix
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03-11-2015, 11:30 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Florida
Posts: 312
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VaTechMan
I have seen several threads talking about surge protectors and looking for reversed polarity, my question is simple, it is really going to have a negative impact on my RV?
If I am at a site for a weekend, should I ask for a different site if it is reversed, or is it something that will not make too much of a difference happening occasionally and should try to avoid, but not fuss too much if it is there?
Thanks.
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Absolutely request a new site, and test that one too. You would not tolerate a reversed polarity situation in your home.
Camping can be a damp experience: rain, morning dew, leaking hose, kids playing, etc.
Maybe you won't have a problem, or there is a 1/100 chance of a problem. Don't risk human life with the 1% chance. If you know there is a problem, take action.
__________________
2013 Flagstaff 8528IKWS, 2006 F-350 6.0L
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03-11-2015, 11:59 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 194
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I had one CG employee tell me my tester was incorrect. When I insisted on them checking it, guess what? There was no ground or polarity was reversed. Another CG employee who was showing me to the site got upset when I wanted to take time to test. "We wouldn't put you here if there was something wrong!" Sure. At a state park the lights on my tester didn't jive yet they insisted everything was good. I could smell "electric burn" and insisted on them having it checked. Two out of the three wires were fried. ALWAYS CHECK!
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VMI'62
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03-11-2015, 12:04 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Ontario
Posts: 1,177
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Edmund What type of tester are you using?
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2014 Forester 3051s
2016 Nissan Pathfinder SL
2012 Sonic toad
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03-11-2015, 12:17 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 194
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It is one with three different LEDs and if the proper ones aren't lit there is a problem. I also keep one plugged in inside to keep an eye on the voltage + my surge protector has an indicator on it also. The one I use initially is very inexpensive. Here is a link to it on EBay and I am sure they are on Amazon + I think Harbor Freight also has them.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/USA-UL-Liste...item462cd93317
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/GE-3-Wire-Rece...olarity+tester
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VMI'62
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03-11-2015, 12:17 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: NE Florida
Posts: 781
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If polarity is reversed you will be energizing the neutral instead of the hot leg of your camper; it will "work" but with great danger of damage, injury, or worse. Definetely check before you hook up & move it is wrong. No ground could be even worse. Most plug in & hard wired surge protectors will detect & warn you of any problems before you hook up. Be careful everyone & safe & happy camping.
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03-11-2015, 12:26 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Ontario
Posts: 1,177
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My EMS-PT-30 is great on testing but was wondering if there is a simple plug in tester that you can slam into 30 amp socket before pulling everything out to hook up?
__________________
2014 Forester 3051s
2016 Nissan Pathfinder SL
2012 Sonic toad
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03-11-2015, 12:32 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: NE Florida
Posts: 781
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wana65stang
You can use a multi meter & they may make a plug in tester but I'm not sure. I like the convenience of the plug in style surge protectors for that very reason; just plug it in & it will tell you of any issues before you hook up everything else.
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03-11-2015, 12:39 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Ontario
Posts: 1,177
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Papa GLS I am looking for something I can carry in the cup holder to do a fast go/no go test before I unlock compartment and pull out my EMS -30
__________________
2014 Forester 3051s
2016 Nissan Pathfinder SL
2012 Sonic toad
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03-11-2015, 12:42 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: NE Florida
Posts: 781
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wana65stang
I know they make a simple plug in voltage tester, but not sure about reverse polarity & ground testers. If I find any I will let you know.
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03-11-2015, 12:43 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 10,833
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I use a slam in light tester on a 30 amp to 15 amp adapter
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B and B
2022 Venture RV SportTrek STT 302 VRB Travel Trailer
2018 Heartland Landmark 365 Louisville 5th Wheel
2015 Heartland Bighorn 5th Wheel
2013 FR Rockwood 8289WS 5th Wheel
2012 FR Rockwood 2703 SS Travel Trailer
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03-11-2015, 12:53 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Florida
Posts: 312
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wana65stang
My EMS-PT-30 is great on testing but was wondering if there is a simple plug in tester that you can slam into 30 amp socket before pulling everything out to hook up?
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Yes. Purchase an RV 30A male to 15A Female adapter. Then purchase a 3-light tester, with 3-pronged male 115v standard connector. Here is an example of one from HD: Gardner Bender 120 VAC GFCI Outlet Tester; 1/clam, 5 clams/master-GFI-3501 - The Home Depot
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2013 Flagstaff 8528IKWS, 2006 F-350 6.0L
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03-11-2015, 01:06 PM
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#16
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Site Team
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Northeast Louisiana
Posts: 33,913
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wana65stang
Papa GLS I am looking for something I can carry in the cup holder to do a fast go/no go test before I unlock compartment and pull out my EMS -30
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Don't know about a cupholder size, but I have this from the site below. It's a good site to have bookmarked as it has kind of useful information on RV electrical and testing.
RV Electric
Go to the "outlet testing" on left hand side
then scroll down and click on the 30 amp or 50 amp tester.
It takes a little to make these, but once done, they are easily plug and play
This link may take you directly to the 30 amp tester.
30-amp RV outlet Tester
and here is the 50 amp link
http://www.myrv.us/electric/Pg/tester_50amp.htm
__________________
2011 Flagstaff 831 RLBSS
A 72 hour hold in a psych unit is beginning to intrigue me as a potential vacation opportunity.
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03-11-2015, 01:20 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: NE Florida
Posts: 781
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DickiedooFlagman
Looks like that fills the bill. Very simple & does what needs to be done.
Thanks
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03-11-2015, 01:26 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 194
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Read my post three up. Two links there.
Edmund
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VMI'62
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03-11-2015, 01:33 PM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Fulltimers
Posts: 234
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wana65stang
Papa GLS I am looking for something I can carry in the cup holder to do a fast go/no go test before I unlock compartment and pull out my EMS -30
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We've stayed at 65+ different campgrounds and I've only seen electrical issues at one (low voltage). My Progressive EMS checks everything before I hook power to the RV. So I'd say it's pretty rare to have a problem and not worth the extra worry of checking the pedestal before you start the set up process.
But definitely DO check the pedestal via one method or another.
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F-350 Dually
Cedar Creek Silverback
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03-11-2015, 03:12 PM
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#20
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Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 16
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Thanks for all the feedback, that has helped answer that question. I am looking at getting and using one of the 30amp Progressive electrical protection plus that does testing as well as protects my unit.
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