Is shore power required to reset gfci outlets?

[DreadKnot]

We are on hook using inverter. It works fine. I hit gfci reset, all outlet circuits went dead. I can't get gfci to reset. Do I have to be on shore power to get outlets to reset?

 

[baz]

Curious to know why in first place you 'hit' the GFCI button ?

Let us know if connecting to shore power resolves the issue for you. 🙂

 

[TexasEye]

A brand new GFI comes from the factory in a tripped state and cannot be reset till it is hooked up right and power turned on. So YES, it requires POWER to reset.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

So I understand shore power or generator for resetting the gif I but what about being able to reset the gfci if the engine is running, thereby generating power from the alternator? I ask because I don’t know.

Jim

 

[NorthernFocus]

We are on hook using inverter. It works fine. I hit gfci reset, all outlet circuits went dead. I can't get gfci to reset. Do I have to be on shore power to get outlets to reset?

AC is AC. GFCI should reset on inverter, gen, or shore. You sure you're hitting reset button and not test button? Sorry but gotta ask having done it myself.

 

[TexasEye]

If the inverter is producing AC Power I'd think the cabin GFI's would reset. I thought the GFI you tripped was on the inverter...Might check to see if a circuit protector is on the inverter has tripped.

Also, some inverters have a 10.5volt auto shut off to protect batteries. Most have heat protection which also auto shut down.

 

[NorthernFocus]

If the inverter is producing AC Power I'd think the cabin GFI's would reset. I thought the GFI you tripped was on the inverter...

On re-read it looks thus.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Make sure the invertor is in the on position for resetting the gfci.

Jim

 

[BB marine]

I have never had a issue with the inverter and GFCI tripping. I have read in the manual of my Kisea Inverter that GFCI work the same with inverter as with shore power. One exception , testing a GFCI while the inverter is in Idle Mode can damage the circuitry of the GFCI.


This is from the manual

A GFCI has a test button on it that simulates a ground fault condition to test that the GFCI functions properly. A reset button is also present. A GFCI should be tested only when the inverter is inverting or transferring shore or generator power through to the GFCI outlet. It should not be tested when the inverter is in idle mode. If the test button is pressed while the inverter is in idle mode, the GFCI will appear to fail the test. The circuitry inside the GFCI may be damaged by the sense pulses that are generated by the inverter during idle mode.

As others have mentioned confirm the inverter is inverting power. The AC volt gauge should read 120V (If Pure sine wave inverter) usually the inverter will invert DC to AC with battery voltage 11.5V +. Turn on a electrical component (Microwave) to confirm there is out-put to power the microwave. If so try reset again.

 

[claytongroup]

I just spent two additional hours trouble-shooting a newly installed GFI on our R21-EC and found that the brand new GFI was the culprit. You may want to confirm that the GFI itself has not failed.

 

[baz]

I just spent two additional hours trouble-shooting a newly installed GFI on our R21-EC and found that the brand new GFI was the culprit. You may want to confirm that the GFI itself has not failed.

Yep... my son bought a house last year and at least two of the brand new GFI switches were misbehaving/bad and had to be replaced. I believe some GFI products are of less quality than others IMO.

 

[DreadKnot]

Had to get shore power to reset. All gfci on multiple circuits went dead. At the time I only hit the gfci reset on the starboard circuit. It shut down both circuits but not the whole panel. AC still worked at microwave. Called Ranger and they had me do same troubleshooting I had already completed. Will wait to test this an d recreate situation when at home. Watching Orcas now in Case Inlet tonight, hopefully, and won't risk no AC...GOTTA BE ABLE TO RECHARGE CAMERA BATTERY!