Common Electrical Issues at RV Parks

RV electrical calls are some of the most common we get, and a good number of them turn out to be the park's pedestal, not the coach itself. Here's how to tell the difference before you assume the worst.

Tripped breakers that won't reset

If your coach's main breaker trips repeatedly, that's usually a coach-side overload — too many high-draw appliances running at once (A/C, microwave, and water heater together is a common combo that trips a 30-amp connection). If the park's pedestal breaker trips instead, that can point to a park-side wiring issue or a genuine short somewhere in your system worth having checked.

Dimming lights when the A/C kicks on

A brief dim when the compressor starts is normal. Lights that stay dim, flicker continuously, or come with a burning smell near an outlet are not — that's a sign of a loose connection or failing wire, and it's worth a same-day look rather than waiting.

No power at all after plugging in

Before assuming coach damage, check:

• Is the pedestal breaker actually on? (More common than you'd think.)
• Does a neighboring site's pedestal work with a test light or another cord?
• Is your shore power cord itself damaged — cracked insulation or bent prongs?

If the pedestal tests fine and your cord looks good, the issue is likely in the coach's power inlet, transfer switch, or main breaker panel.

Surge protector tripped and won't reset

This is your surge protector doing its job — it detected a wiring problem at the pedestal (reversed polarity, open ground, or a voltage spike) and cut power before it reached your coach's electrical system. Don't bypass it. Get the park to check that specific pedestal, and if it keeps happening at other pedestals too, it's worth having your protector tested.

Generator won't power certain circuits

If your generator runs fine but certain outlets or the A/C won't power up on generator (though they work on shore power), that often points to a transfer switch issue rather than the generator itself.

When it's worth a mobile visit

Electrical issues are one of the categories where guessing wrong can be expensive or unsafe. If you've ruled out the pedestal and the problem is clearly coming from the coach, that's when it makes sense to have someone look at the panel, transfer switch, or wiring directly — we carry a clamp meter and the common replacement parts (breakers, converters, transfer switches) to diagnose and fix most issues in one visit.

Electrical gremlins at your RV park? Call 772-206-0897 or request an estimate — we usually respond within 24 hours.