Harm in Reverse Polarity?

[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.

[fonzie]

Best to read this.....

The shocking truth about campground electricity

[wmtire]

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/

[Oaklevel]

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.............

[DickiedooFlagman]

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.

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.

[Edmund]

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!

[wana65stang]

Edmund What type of tester are you using?

[Edmund]

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

[Papa GLS]

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.

[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?

[Papa GLS]

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.

[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

[Papa GLS]

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.

[B and B]

I use a slam in light tester on a 30 amp to 15 amp adapter

[DickiedooFlagman]

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?

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

[wmtire]

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

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

[Papa GLS]

DickiedooFlagman
Looks like that fills the bill. Very simple & does what needs to be done.
Thanks

[Edmund]

Read my post three up. Two links there.

Edmund

[danno2u]

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

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.

[VaTechMan]

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.