Surge protector open ground

[mubie]

When cord is plugged into shore power surge protector shows all 4 green lights but as soon as we connect to rv surge protector registers an open ground. What do we check?

[flybouy]

Welcome to the forum.

A little more information might help get you more answers with less questions. 50 amp? or 30 amp? What model; trailer, what brand/model surge protector? Connected to park pedestal or generator?

[mubie]

We have a 2018 Keystone Sprinter 5th wheel. Its a 50 amp unit --we are plugged into our home with an adapter. The cord, adapter & surge protector came with the camper so I assume it is about 2 years old also.

[chuckster57]

Are you plugged into a standard 15/20 amp
Outlet?

[flybouy]

Do you have a volt ohm meter (VOM) ? Do you have any experience with electricity?

[mubie]

Yes we're plugged into a regular outlet. And no unfortunately no electrical experience.

[sourdough]

I would agree; more info. What kind of surge protector/model? Is there one or 2? Plugged into a regular 120vac outlet; what kind of adapters are you using? From reading I'm not sure exactly what is telling you an open ground or where in the circuit.

[mubie]

I apologize for not providing enough info, this is all new to me. The surge protector is a Sure Guard 44270 surge. We have the RV cord plugged into the surge protector, then the surge protector plugged into an adapter that converts 50 amp to 30 amp (this is a large heavy yellow adapter with a cord about 6 inches long--the ends are yellow with large clunky handles), then a small round adapter on the end to fit a regular grounded household outlet. I wish I could get my pictures uploaded but am having technical difficulties. :o

[flybouy]

Has this setup worked in the past? Have tried plugging anything else into the outlet, maybe a light or radio or drill?

[sourdough]

First off, to me, I would upgrade the "surge protector" to a real EMS system that does much more than a simple surge protector. Yours does give indications of faults but doesn't actually protect you in many situations.

With a VOM you could run that ground and see where you are losing it - or maybe you aren't at all and it is something faulty in the way it is connected. Is your power still functional when it tells you there is an open ground?

[travelin texans]

If you are using the the little hockey puck looking adapter with the 50 to 30 dogbone adapter that's most likely the issue. Take that puck off & throw it as far as possible, they are known to be a problem due the heat, & replace with another dogbone type to go 30 to 15 that mat cure your problem.
Also agree, get the EMS.

[Logan X]

It sounds like your outlet is wired with an open ground, which is common in older houses. It only presented as an issue when you use the surge protector because the surge protector is protecting the trailer against the open ground.

I bet if you tested your outlet, it would show open ground.

You can easily test it with a simple outlet tester, which has lights to indicate how the outlet is wired.

Here is a link. You can also pick one up at any hardware store.
https://www.amazon.com/Receptacle-Tester-Klein-Tools-RT210/dp/B01AKX8L0M

[bobbecky]

Do not delay fixing this problem because your rig powered up without a proper ground can be deadly. You can have a 'hot skin' condition that is very dangerous or can at least cause a severe shock when touching a metal part of the rig. We have a hardwired 50 amp EMS, and a couple years ago plugged in to a pedestal in an RV park and the EMS would not turn power on due to a missing ground. After much investigation including the park maintenance man opening up the pedestal, I discovered the ground prong on the 50 amp shore cord had broken inside the molded plug and was not making contact. I was able to purchase a new plug, installed it and that solved the problem. All this to say, the problem can be at any of the connections, in the outlet you are connected to, or even in the surge protector.

[mubie]

Wow! thank you for all the advice. We will check out the outlet and purchase the EMS and 30 to 15 dog bone. I appreciate everyone's input!

[wiredgeorge]

You might want to check the home electrical outlet to see if it is the cause of your open ground. The outlet may not be properly connected to ground which is a safety feature intended to allow an alternate ground path if the neutral ground (white wire inside the box) is not connected. The ground inside the box will be green. Even though the electrical outlet seems to have the green wire hooked up, it may not be connected to anything. When you are at Home Depot, get an outlet tester and see this short video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjnGkex4dxQ

[LHaven]

When you are at Home Depot, get an outlet tester

For an extra buck, you may as well look for the ones with the red button on them that tests GFI function. Harbor Freight's are running $6.

[flybouy]

For an extra buck, you may as well look for the ones with the red button on them that tests GFI function. Harbor Freight's are running $6.

Here's the link to HF site that LHaven's talking about.
https://www.harborfreight.com/electrical-receptacle-tester-with-gfci-diagnosis-63929.html

Be aware the the GFI for that outlet could be on a different outlet (daisy chained from an outlet inside) or can be a GFI breaker in the distribution panel.