Electrical wiring GFCI or ground fault circuit interrupter electrical outlet or circuit breaker problems - Q&A for manufactured & mobile homes.

This article series describes How to Inspect Mobile Homes or Manufactured Housing Electrical Wiring, Electrical Panel, and other Electrical Components for Defects: detailed procedures, defect lists, references to standards.

Electrical System Troubleshooting Questions & Answers for Campers, Mobile Homes, Doublewides, Manufactured Homes

Found here: diagnostic questions & answers about manufactured or mobile home GFI or GFCI electrical receptacl troubleshooting, repairs, codes.

These questions & answers about the use of GFCI receptacles and circuit breakers and the need to find and re-set the GFCI when you've lost power in a kitche, bath or outdoors at a mobile home were posted originally at MOBILE HOME ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS or otherwise possibly at the bottom of this very article.

Photos: page top: a GFCI receptacle, commonly found in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor electrical receptacles or "outlets" at mobile homes, and just above, we're pointing to the red "reset" button on a GFCI circuit breaker in the electricall panel.

If you've lost power at a bathroom or kitchen receptacle or light or outdoor receptacle, finding and checking GFCI devices that may be powering the circuit is one of the first steps to check - both at receptacles and at breakers in the electrical panel.

GFCI Receptacle Test Procedure: 

• Correct GFCI wiring
  
  For GFCI reeptacle testing, you simply plug a GFCI receptacle tester like the one shown at the top of this page into a ground fault circuit interrupter GFCI outlet (which you should have or want in lots of locations in your home such as baths, kitchen, garage, basement, outdoors).
  
  Just by plugging it in the device tests to see not only if the GFCI is wired properly but there are more things to check:
• Nuisance tripping:
  
  also if the GFCI is going to trip unnecessarily - nuisance tripping.
• Ground fault detection: 
  
  Then if you push the black test button the tester will put a 14 mA current leak on to the GFCI to see that the GFCI will trip if a ground fault occurs.
  
  That is, the test checks to see if the GFCI is doing its job. (You can perform the first group of tests above but you cannot check for ground nor test a GFCI with this device if the GFCI outlet is connected to a two-wire circuit that lacks a ground path.

Details are at GFCI TEST PROCEDURES

On 2022-07-27 by InspectApedia-911 (mod) - outdoor electrical receptacles must be ground fault-protected (GFCI) devices

@Vetonica,

You need to follow those wires to see what they are feeding. That can tell us what's going on. From just your photo I can't say what those four wires are feeding.

You can also look in your electrical panel, find the circuit breaker(s) that switch off those receptacles, and from that you at least know the ampacity for which the circuit is intended.

Watch out: those electrical receptacles on an outdoor wall, are weather-resistant only when the cover is closed. When opened to plug in those electrical cords the connectors are exposed to the weather: a safety and reliability concern.

You should also ask your electrician to replace the receptacles or at least their covers with a modern weatherproof cover that will protect the connection when something is plugged-in - such as we'll illustrate below.

AND because those connectors are outdoors, the electrical receptacles themselves must be ground fault-protected (GFCI) devices. That can be achieved either by installing GFCI receptacles in each of those four boxes (plus the weatherproof cover) OR by installing GFCI circuit breakers in the electrical panel.

You'll need help from a licensed electrician.

On 2022-07-27 by Vetonica

Hello. I want to replace the wires (extension cords) on the back of my mobile home because they are worn and weathered. My question is where do I get these and how do I find the amps as they are so weathered I can't tell

 

On 2022-05-03 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator - check first for a tripped GFCI receptacle or circuit breaker

@Dwayne wayne,

IF you're sure you've checked all of the obvious such as a GFCI circuit breaker, receptacle, or normal circuit breaker tripped off - needs to be re-set - then I think you need an experienced electrician on-site to start at the panel, confirm that power is "on" to the problem circuits, and then to trace the circuit to find the failure.

I can't say that the repair is under warrant: it depends on what the electrician finds is the problem.

If for example someone plugged-in something that damaged a receptacle or circuit then that's likely to be the homeowner's responsibility.

But if the original wiring is improper then that might indeed be a warranty issue.

On 2022-05-03 by Dwayne wayne

By front door all on same breaker. Receptacle left side of door adyour looking out has power, 114 v, it continues across front wall over door to 2 swtches ,right of door, one switch to outside porch light.

2nd switch to living room ceiling fan. Jump between than off of 2nd switch goes to a recepticle both switches have no electricity including outlet off of 2nd switch.

1st outlet mentioned is fine. Checked and tested at all 3, both switches and outlet have no power. Only place is the wire between outlet on left side of door to first switch. The home is 2 years old shouldn't that be covered by warranty?
Suppose to say left side as your looking at front door. Lol

On 2022-03-15 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator (mod) - When you can't reset a GFCI

@Rochelle,

When you can't reset a GFCI the most likely reason is a wiring or device short circuit or error.

If you've shorted hot to neutral or hot to ground or neutral to ground somewhere on the circuit the GFCI device won't re-set.

On 2022-03-15 by Rochelle - A portion of my 1998 Oakwood mobile home lost power

A portion of my 1998 Oakwood mobile home lost power (laundry room light, back outdoor light, 2nd bathroom, hallway, one extra bedroom and half of another bedroom and two walls in my front living area).

I replaced a light switch above my sink in the kitchen and the outdoor outlets and I received power in the extra bedroom that was all out, the laundry room light, outdoor back light, extra bath.

I still have an outage in the hallway, half the other bedroom and the two walls in the front living area.

AND, now my GFCI in the kitchen does not reset (not buttons move) and the outlets on the same wall do not work. AND, the outlets outside do not work. What is my next step? I have been working on this for over a week and want to complete it issues but need a little guidance.

On 2022-01-15 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator - GFCI Can't be Reset: causes

@Chris,

GFCI Can't be Reset: causes

When you can't re-set a GFCI device by pushing its reset button the most-likely cause is a short circuit - damaged wiring somewhere on that circuit - or some component on the circuit is actually wet or shorted to ground.

Also possible is that there is no power to the circuit powering that GFCI receptacle. Check the breaker or fuse in your electrical panel.

Less likely is a defective GFCI device.

See GFCI TEST PROCEDURES

On 2022-01-15 by Chris

My GFI outlet in my bathroom at the end of my mobile home has power from the breaker but won't reset what is my issue?

On 2019-06-07 by (mod) - using a neon tester for live voltage when testing for electrical power at a GFCI

I don't know exactly how you're conducting your test but in general if the neon tester shows voltage than the breaker is on.

The neon tester light works across a wide range of actual voltage levels though it's typically used at 120V or 240VAC.

That doesn't mean there's not an open switch, connector, damaged device, Etc Downstream from that point

See ELECTRICAL TOOLS BASIC

On 2019-06-06 by RCA - master bath GFCI tripped when I turned on the hall bath light

Yes, that was on my experiment jumping the bath outlet to the dead switch. When jumped the new circuit did not trip until I opened the light switch and the coiled fluorescent bulb came on for a second and the the circuit "puffed" out.

This was because the master bath outlet which is GFCI and across the house tripped when I turned the hall bath light on fed from the hall way bath outlet.

Does this mean there is something wrong with the light switch or the light bulb?

Initially, when I was replacing the bad fan switch (broken in on position) and the hot and ground brushed together...the same sound as from my experiment above was heard (as if a GFCI or small amp fuse blew) and not a breaker tripping.

When I put the hot onto the former hot feed to the bath switches, there was no issue....only when I asked for more current to turn the light bulb on....

maybe this is how a GFCI works....cannot turn light bulbs on because of the large initial current draw? Or there is now a new problem with the light switch or light fixture/bulb (not likely because they worked before I brushed the hot lead to a ground wire and "puffed" out that circuit).

I spoke to an electrician and he almost insisted it was a tripped breaker. I used one of those old neon light electrical probes to test for a "hot" lead. I used that after resetting every single circuit breaker in the panel and found each hot wire coming out of the breaker would light my light to the on for every breaker in the box indicating all the breakers are working

. Is it possible that a breaker may light my light tester but not draw any current or enough current to power the dead circuit (family room and hall bath light/fan)?...meaning possibly a bad circuit breaker?

Thanks for your patience.

On 2019-06-06 by (mod) -

About the update I'm glad that you found the other GFCI.

On 2019-06-06 by (mod) - I turned the light switch on and the lights came on for a second and little "puff"

Forgive me if I sound like an old maid but you're scaring the devil out of me. You should not be doing an experiment like that the risk of setting the building on fire or shocking or killing yourself.

On 2019-01-24 by (mod) - Check for a tripped breaker or GFCI or AFCI device

Check for a tripped breaker in the electrical panel

Check for a tripped GFCI eletrical outlet and try the reset button there - or at the GFCI circuit breaker in the electrical panel if one is located there.

Watch out: a little "puff" sounds like a short circuit and possibly a wire burning up - that's quite unsafe, risking shock or electrical fire. If that's what happened, leave power to that electrical circuit OFF and get help from a licensed electrician.

On 2019-01-24 by TJ 1

power off in both bedrooms and receptacles is off in the bathroom next to them, Light is on the walk in closet, can't find where the electric is supposed to be coming from?

On 2018-12-24 by (mod) - What would cause electric to go out in one room and not the others did not blow a circuit this is a mobile home - GFCI

A GFCI that tripped at a local receptacle or a wire connection that has come loose in that circuit.

On 2018-12-24 by Jim

What would cause electric to go out in one room and not the others did not blow a circuit this is a mobile home

On 2018-12-23 by (mod) - no power to 3 outlets in my kitchen.

Alisa

IF you have found and checked (and tried to re-set) any GFCI receptacles in the bathrooms, kitchens, or outdoors, and those would not re-set or power remains OFF,

then you need help from a licensed electrician.\

The electrician will trace each of those circuits forward beginning at the electrical panel in order to look for a broken or damaged wire or electrical connector for connection.

On 2018-12-23 by Alisa - no power to 3 lights in my mobile or in my fire alarms

I have no power to 3 lights in my mobile or in my fire alarms. Simultaneously I have no power to 3 outlets in my kitchen.

They are breaker 20 and breaker 14. I've checked the switches, plug ins, and junction boxes and there is no power to any of it, but there is power coming from the breakers themselves at the electrical box, so nothing is tripped and the breaker is good. We have not done anything with the electrical in over 10 years.

On 2018-12-01 by Patrick McKnight - lost power to the back bathroom GFCI

I have a 1997 liberty Wex mobile home I've lost power to the back bathroom GFCI and the middle bedroom and half the livingroom the outside light and plug my switch on my breaker is not tripped and

when I set it it stays there I took the breaker out and took it to an electrician and he told me to switch the bottom wire which is the master bedroom and I did and it works but I've lost power is there a junction box under the trailer I replaced all outlets and GFCI and I have no power at all anywhere everything is dead!

On 2018-08-04 by (mod) - I changed switches and receptacle but things don't work

No, Patricia I would not keep replacing switches and receptacles before asking for help from an electrician to trace the circuits until finding the open wire.

For example a loose or open connection in a junction box could be the problem and all of the downstream device replacements would have no effect.

On 2018-08-04 by Patricia - "No GFCI problem"

I have a single wide Mobiel home the bathroom light kitchen lights and bedroom light and one receptical doesn’t work

I have changed the receptical two light switches and one light and still doesn’t work should I just continue replacing everything ?

No breakers or GFCI problem.

On 2017-12-05 by (mod) - GFCI problems on a mobile home

Glenn

If you are asking about ground fault interrupter or GFCI protection devices and controls there are two locations to check:

1. Check in the electrical panel for a GFCI circuit breaker - it'll have a test button (AFCI's or arc-fault circuit interrupters also have a test button so you may need to also read the labeling on the breaker)

2. Check in wet or dangerous locations where GFCI-protected electrical receptacles ("wall plug socket" in plain-speak) are required, such as

bathrooms

kitchen

outdoors

carports

As often a GFCI receptacle is used to protect other receptacles wired "downstream" from it electrically

See AFCI GFCI TESTING & SAFETY https://inspectapedia.com/electric/GFCI_Inspection_Safety.php for examples

On 2017-12-05 by Glenn Yeary - where is the GFCI RESEET in a 1997 Chandelour Mobile Home?

I need to know where to find the gfic in a 1997 chandelour mobile home

On 2017-08-07 by (mod) - where to find the GFCI devices in a mobile home or trailer home

Not to worry, Iris, I too am irritated when my phone's spell checker has its own idea what I should be writing.

Outdoor receptacles *should* be protected on a ground fault circuit interrrupter (GFCI) circuit since those locations present an extra risk of being killed by electrical shock, say for example plugging in something defective while standing on wet grass.

GFCI protection, that we describe separately starting at AFCI GFCI TESTING & SAFETY https://inspectapedia.com/electric/GFCI_Inspection_Safety.php works by detecting a very small current leak and shutting off the circuit before you're zapped.

Sometimes the GFCI protecting device is a special circuit breaker in the electrical panel - it'll have a little re-set button on it.

But your main electrical panel (or sub panels if there are any) may not have one of these special circuit breakers.

Instead, the electrician may have wired the outdoor receptacles to be electrically, or logically "downstream" from an indoor kitchen or bathroom receptacle that has GFCI protection built right into the receptacle itself. Those are easy to recognize because they have a "TEST" and a separate "RESET" button built into the face of the electrical receptacle.

So take a look at other outdoor receptacles and at indoor receptacles for kitchen or bath to see if you find one of those that has tripped "off" - you can tell if that receptacle is also "dead" and you should be able to reset it by pressing in its RESET button.

Watch out: if you press a GFCI RESET button and it immediately trips OFF again, then there is an unsafe condition somewhere on that circuit. In that case leave it off, better, switch off that circuit at your electrical panel, and ask for help from a licensed electrician.

Let me know how this works out for you.

On 2017-08-07 by Iris - Markett Singlewide reset button? GFCI trouble?

That is a marlett single wide trailer that I just posted and bottom line is a reset button.
These word correct don't always correct correctly

Have a 94 market. Have two outside receptables .

They were working yesterday. Today there is no power. It appears they are not connected to main switch box that is in the house. The outside receptables must be on a separate box and they do not have the reset button on them. Where do we find the rest or box that control these two outlets.

On 2017-06-10 by (mod) - trouble resetting a GFCI

Dan:

I don't understand your situation.

But if you installed a GFCI and it keeps tripping either there is a short in the circuit (leaving it unsafe) or the device is mis-wired or defective.

Keep in mind that if the circuit is open because of a loose connection OR if it is off at the breaker or fuse in the electrical panel, then pushing a GFCI RESET button won't do a thing.

If you're confident about the GFCI device itself but there is no power to it, then you'll need to trace the circuit to find the short or damage.

If the GFCI (also known as GFIs or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) is not wired correctly you may not be able to re-set it.

If there is a short circuit somewhere on the circuit into which the GFCI is wired, then it will keep popping off or you won't be able to re-set it.

Watch out: some of these conditions are dangerous, risking electric shock or fire.

On 2017-05-27 by dan

We have a gfci outlet and and.there are 4 outlets. connected so five connected if you count the gfci itself. It popped and.we bought a new.

One installed correctly - I reset the 2 in the other bedrooms what else can we do?

Question: trouble shooting a doublewide GFI / GFCI wiring

(June 16, 2016) Bsc2016 said:
I've been stumped trouble shooting a double ide, gfi is tripping , I know I have continuity between the hot and neutral between the second D and third, I cant seem to find the third, I think they may have something crossed with the lighting bc when I put my circuit tracer on I get back feed to the gfi in the beginning, any ideas?

Reply:

BS If you have continuity between hot and neutral then the wires are shorted together somewhere and that will certainly always cause the GFCI to trip off promptly whenever it's switched back on. Start by tracing the circuit and disconnecting things.

Remember that if the GFCI is a receptacle (rather than a circuit breaker) anything wired downstream from that device can also cause it to tripo; also search InspectApedia for SHARED NEUTRAL WIRE CIRCUITS as those make trouble for GFCI's too. Let me know what you find.

Question: Palm Harbor double wide GFCIs

(Dec 11, 2016) Chris said:

Im working on a 1998 double wide 3 bedroom 2 bath, palm harbor manufactured home.

How many GFIC Outlets are on this model from factory? Please I can't find any wiring diagrams for this trailer. And I have a ceiling fan on 2 separate wall plugs for lights and fan.

The lights work good but the fan doesn't turn. How the heck does that work ??? I think it's the switch on the wall. Any suggestions on these answers. Thanks

Reply:

Chris:

A GFCI electrical outlet can protect any electrical outlets (receptacles) that are wired downstream from it. So it's not just the number of GFCI's you need.

Trip off the GFCI you can see and check to see what else lost power.

On 2016-10-15 by Bill - 1996 Clayton single wide exhaust fan not working - GFCI tripped?

Look first for a GFCI in that or another bath that is powering the fan and try its reset button

On 2016-10-15 by Bill - 1996 Clayton single wide exhaust fan not working

I have a 1996 Clayton single wide. It has two bathrooms. In one of the bathrooms there is no power getting to the exhaust fan. The other bathroom works fine. I don't know the full history of the mobile home and I can't get a wiring diagram from the manufacturer. I have already checked everything I know to check. Where do I go from here?

Reader Question: Southern Breeze mobile home, loss of power, can't find the problem.

(Mar 9, 2014) Erika said:

I live in a 1991 Southern Breeze mobile home, a few days ago, in my master bedroom, the bedroom light, closet light, one of the 2 bathroom lights, one bedroom outlet, the GFCI plug in the bathroom, and the outside plug have all quit working, we can't seem to find the problem, help us please!

Reply:

Erika because this is a fire and shock safety hazard it makes sense to ask an licensed electrician to trace out the circuit to find the problem; meanwhile I'd leave the circuit OFF.

I'm assuming you tried pressing the re-set button on the GFCI once, right?

 

 

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Continue reading at MOBILE HOME ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS - topic home, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

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