Troubleshooting Common RV Electrical Issues – When Should You Call An Electrician?
Do You Need An RV Hookup? Troubleshooting
Electrical Issues For Winlock, WA RV Owners
Struggling With Your RV’s Electrical Systems?
Here’s What You Can Do To Fix Them
Struggling with electrical issues in your RV? You may be in need of a Winlock, WA, RV hookup, or it may just be a quick fix – the trick is telling what’s what. To make things simple, we’ve put together a list of common RV electrical woes and how you can solve them.
Random Shut Offs In Your RV’s Electrical Systems
Do your circuit breakers trip every time you run your microwave? Does the air conditioner refuse to turn on? Maybe certain outlets or appliances give you trouble. Sometimes, it’s an easy fix – other times, it’ll require an electrician. Here are some common issues:
GFCI Outlet Issues
GFCI outlets are designed to make electrical outlets safer, but sometimes, these outlets trip frequently, cutting power to any appliances using them. If a specific outlet stops working, here’s what you can do:
- Reset the outlet
- Check if a specific appliance is at fault
- Get the outlet replaced by a professional if problems persist
Usually, a GFCI trip is a simple fix, but if it happens frequently, having an electrician look into it can prevent headaches while using your RV.
Electrical System Overload
If you notice frequent circuit breaker trips where multiple appliances stop working, you may be overloading your RV’s electrical system. You may notice a burning smell when this happens.
To solve this, you need to either reduce your energy consumption or set up your RV to handle the amount of energy you use.
You can reduce the load on your RV’s electrical system by not running too many appliances at once and using battery-powered alternatives when possible.
Alternatively, call Emerge Electrical to upgrade your RV to a higher amperage system and use all the appliances you want.
Inverter Failure
If your RV makes unusual noises, your AC shuts off, or you smell sulfur, your RV may be experiencing inverter failure. It’s a common issue with RVs and can manifest in plenty of ways, including issues with your lights or refrigerator.
Inverter failure can be caused by using extension cords to power your RV for extended periods of time instead of plugging into a dedicated RV hookup.
If you think your RV may be having inverter issues, try resetting the inverter and checking the connections. If you aren’t sure how to do that or the problems persist, Emerge Electrical’s inverter diagnostics and replacement service can get your RV up and running again in no time.
Dim Or Flickering Lights In Your Lewis County RV
If you find that your RV’s lights flicker or the microwave display is looking unusually dim, there are a few different things that could be wrong with your RV.
Battery Issues
Dim and flickering lights could also just mean your RV’s battery is low. If your RV is also having trouble starting, this is the most likely issue.
Take the time to charge your RV’s battery, replace it if needed, and make sure to use a battery maintainer when it’s in storage.
If you don’t want to bother with all of that, installing solar panels on your RV can keep your battery in great shape with little maintenance.
Wiring Problems
Just like your home, your RV can suffer from plain old wiring issues. If you’re handy, cut your RV’s power and go around tightening loose wiring connections.
Unfortunately, there’s a good chance that wiring issues are something you can’t DIY. An electrician should take a look at your RV’s wiring if you’d like everything to start running smoothly again.
Inconsistent Or Fluctuating Power
If your lights and appliances seem to have too much or not enough power sometimes, you may need to make sure your RV’s power is flowing consistently. Surge protectors or voltage regulators can help manage inconsistent power flow.
If this is happening while your RV is plugged in at home, though, the culprit may just be the fact that you aren’t using a dedicated RV hookup. An RV hookup ensures a consistent and dedicated flow of power that won’t flip your home’s circuit breakers.
Need your RV looked at or a hookup installed in Winlock, WA? We’ve got you covered. Call Emerge Electrical at (360) 771-3869 for a free quote.