Outdoors RV Mountain Series Owner's Manual page 69

Electrical Systems
Adapters and Extension Cords
In certain circumstances electrical adapters can be used to make the shoreline power connection when
necessary, however when using adapters your available AC power for the entire RV is reduced to the
rating of the adapter. For example an RV wired with 50-amp service panel will be reduced to 30-amp
service. An RV wired with a 30-amp service panel will be reduced to 20- or 15-amp service depending
upon what adapter you have chosen for the supply connection. Some adapters can be found at many
department stores however your RV dealership will be the best source for your needs. This is another
great idea for your RV toolbox.
If it is necessary to use an extension cord to reach an available power supply, the correct size (wire
gauge and length) extension cord must be used. The longer the extension length becomes the larger the
wire gauge must be. Alternatively you may be able to purchase pre-made power cords in longer lengths
with the proper plug ends for your RV.
It is not recommended to combine adapters and extension cords or multiple extension cords. Do not
remove the ground pin from any cord or adapter or defeat the grounding circuit in the RV or at the
power source. Never use a two-conductor extension cord, or any cord that does not assure correct and
adequate ground continuity.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI), also called Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) is a device that
shuts off an electric power circuit when it detects that current is flowing along an unintended path, such
as through water or a person. It is used to reduce the risk of electric shock. The GFCI device does not
prevent electric shock, nor does it protect a person who comes in contact with both 'hot' and 'neutral'
sides of the circuit. It does not protect against electrical overloads.
Your RV will be equipped with 1 or 2 GFCI outlets depending on whether you have 30- or 50-amp
service. 30-amp service models will have 1 located in the bathroom. It protects outlets in the bath,
kitchen and at the patio outlet all on one circuit. 50-amp service models will have 2 GFCI outlets on
individual circuits. One is located in the bath which protects the bath outlet and may include the exterior
patio outlet and the other is located in the kitchen to protect kitchen outlets and may also include the
exterior patio outlet. Both of these arrangements may have additionally protected GFCI outlets.
Test the GCFI function each month while operating on AC power.
To test the GFCI:
1. Press the TEST button on the GFCI outlet. The RESET button should pop out indicating that the
protected circuit has been disconnected.
2. If the RESET button does not pop out when the TEST button is pressed, ground fault protection
on the protected circuit has been lost. Do not use the outlet or other outlets on the same circuit.
Have the electrical system checked by your dealer or a qualified electrician. Do not use the
system until the problem has been corrected.
 The use of incorrect size or length extension cords, adapters, and/or
reducers may increase the risk of fire, personal injury or property
damage and in doing so will not be covered under warranty.
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