SuiteSuccess Posted August 23, 2018 Report Share Posted August 23, 2018 This is not what you want to see when you’ve plugged in your trailer to the pedestal. Metered to the water hydrant and was showing 14 volts on skin. Might get a “tingle” if the ground was moist but most likely wouldn’t kill you.....unless? If you don’t test, please consider starting. This is the third time I’ve had a hot skin. First time was before I learned to check and got a really good tingle on a wet day when we connected. 2006 Volvo 780 "Hoss" Volvo D12, 465hp, 1650 ft/lbs tq., ultrashift Bed Build by "JW Morgan's Custom Welding" 2017 DRV 39DBRS3 2013 Smart Passion Coupe "Itty Bitty" "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jkoenig24 Posted August 23, 2018 Report Share Posted August 23, 2018 You DID check the pedestal (or outlet) first, right? If that's OK, then check whatever panel, master junction box(es) you have. If everything is good there, continue downstream paying particular attention to GROUND connections. Good luck, a bad ground can be a challenge to locate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jkoenig24 Posted August 23, 2018 Report Share Posted August 23, 2018 PS: Have you checked the CORD connecting the source to your rig? Cords can fail and, they're easy to check. You do know to keep one hand OFF anything that might be energized and, only touch anything that's suspect with the BACK of the other hand, right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuiteSuccess Posted August 23, 2018 Author Report Share Posted August 23, 2018 1 minute ago, jkoenig24 said: You DID check the pedestal (or outlet) first, right? If that's OK, then check whatever panel, master junction box(es) you have. If everything is good there, continue downstream paying particular attention to GROUND connections. Good luck, a bad ground can be a challenge to locate. John, The pedestal actually checked out okay. I have two of SDixon747’s pedestal checkers but had used the less sophisticated one below. Luckily I know the park owner and it turned out to be at the main feed box to several sites. I’m not knowledgeable enough to tell you what the problem was but it wasn’t my trailer . 2006 Volvo 780 "Hoss" Volvo D12, 465hp, 1650 ft/lbs tq., ultrashift Bed Build by "JW Morgan's Custom Welding" 2017 DRV 39DBRS3 2013 Smart Passion Coupe "Itty Bitty" "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuiteSuccess Posted August 23, 2018 Author Report Share Posted August 23, 2018 7 minutes ago, jkoenig24 said: PS: Have you checked the CORD connecting the source to your rig? Cords can fail and, they're easy to check. You do know to keep one hand OFF anything that might be energized and, only touch anything that's suspect with the BACK of the other hand, right? Oh, yeah. Never touch the coach until I’ve tested. 2006 Volvo 780 "Hoss" Volvo D12, 465hp, 1650 ft/lbs tq., ultrashift Bed Build by "JW Morgan's Custom Welding" 2017 DRV 39DBRS3 2013 Smart Passion Coupe "Itty Bitty" "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jkoenig24 Posted August 23, 2018 Report Share Posted August 23, 2018 Glad to hear 1: you're safe and 2: your rig is OK. Your noticing (and reporting) this problem may have saved a life! Good job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuiteSuccess Posted August 23, 2018 Author Report Share Posted August 23, 2018 10 minutes ago, jkoenig24 said: Glad to hear 1: you're safe and 2: your rig is OK. Your noticing (and reporting) this problem may have saved a life! Good job. John, I recommend this book to everyone who RVs. It is what made me start checking. https://www.amazon.com/No-Shock-Zone-Electrical-Safety-Michael-Sokol/dp/0990527913 2006 Volvo 780 "Hoss" Volvo D12, 465hp, 1650 ft/lbs tq., ultrashift Bed Build by "JW Morgan's Custom Welding" 2017 DRV 39DBRS3 2013 Smart Passion Coupe "Itty Bitty" "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted August 23, 2018 Report Share Posted August 23, 2018 3 hours ago, SuiteSuccess said: I recommend this book to everyone who RVs. It is what made me start checking. May I suggest that you post a brief version of your experience and your suggested link to the General Forum since this is not just an HDT problem? It would be a very good thing if regulars here would share with their fellow RV folks. Good travelin !...............KirkFull-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jkoenig24 Posted August 24, 2018 Report Share Posted August 24, 2018 I have "No Shock Zone" and, you're right, it IS a GREAT book for anything and everything related to RVing and electricity! The author, Mike Sokol is a regular contributor to Chuck Woodbury's RVTravel.com website. Mike has the ability to take technical/arcane topics and present them so the average man (or RVer) can understand them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThelazyFarmer Posted August 24, 2018 Report Share Posted August 24, 2018 What kind of tester are you using? Farmer, Trucker, Equipment operator, Mechanic Quando omni flunkus moritati-When all else fails, play dead I'm a man, but I can change, if I have to, I guess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuiteSuccess Posted August 24, 2018 Author Report Share Posted August 24, 2018 2 hours ago, jenandjon said: What kind of tester are you using? The one you see at the bottom of the first post. Steve Dixon gave me the wiring plan (I’m not at all electrical). The two meters show the voltage on each leg of the 50 amp. The little side gizmo that looks like a pen shows the combined voltage (240 on 50 amp circuit). The yellow plugs show open ground, open neutral, open hot, hot ground reverse, hot neutral reverse depending on the light pattern. Should pretty much cover most of the problems on a pedestal. Mind you though this is just a 50 amp checker. Don’t know if it would work with a dog bone converter to 30 amp plug. He also came up with a more sophisticated one I have that is housed in a tool box. It does all the above and actually does a load test using water heater elements submerged in a paint can of antifreeze. Maybe he can post the plans for both if you are interested. 2006 Volvo 780 "Hoss" Volvo D12, 465hp, 1650 ft/lbs tq., ultrashift Bed Build by "JW Morgan's Custom Welding" 2017 DRV 39DBRS3 2013 Smart Passion Coupe "Itty Bitty" "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Kildow Posted August 24, 2018 Report Share Posted August 24, 2018 When I was 12 years old. Guy had an old bus. He had turned into a camper. It stayed out back by our Barn. He would stay in it, when on fishing trips. Had me go get something for him. He heard me screaming. And got up the steps past me. Kicked me as hard as he could. Thus knocking me off the 110 volt current. The old bus had lost ground. And I had one one foot on on the ground. So I was ground that day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyA Posted August 25, 2018 Report Share Posted August 25, 2018 Humm..... maybe a topic you would like for me to cover (again) at the 2019 ECR. Multiple reasons a trailer can have a "hot skin". All are preventable if one understands the difference between ground (neutral) and grounding (sometimes called the safety wire). Randy, Nancy and Oscar "The Great White" - 2004 Volvo VNL670, D12, 10-speed, converted to single axle pulling a Keystone Cambridge 5th wheel, 40', 4 slides and about 19,000# with empty tanks. ARS - WB4BZX, Electrical Engineer, Master Electrician, D.Ed., Professor Emeritus - Happily Retired! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuiteSuccess Posted August 25, 2018 Author Report Share Posted August 25, 2018 11 minutes ago, RandyA said: Humm..... maybe a topic you would like for me to cover (again) at the 2019 ECR. Multiple reasons a trailer can have a "hot skin". All are preventable if one understands the difference between ground (neutral) and grounding (sometimes called the safety wire). Randy, You’re reading my mind but you have bigger issues to deal with at present. 2006 Volvo 780 "Hoss" Volvo D12, 465hp, 1650 ft/lbs tq., ultrashift Bed Build by "JW Morgan's Custom Welding" 2017 DRV 39DBRS3 2013 Smart Passion Coupe "Itty Bitty" "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoDirectionHome Posted August 26, 2018 Report Share Posted August 26, 2018 Quote Humm..... maybe a topic you would like for me to cover (again) at the 2019 ECR. Multiple reasons a trailer can have a "hot skin". All are preventable if one understands the difference between ground (neutral) and grounding (sometimes called the safety wire). A resounding YES from me Randy. "There are No Experts, Do the Math!" 2014 Freightliner Cascadia DD16 600hp 1850ft-lb 18spd 3.31 260"wb SpaceCraft S-470 SKP #131740 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan0043 Posted August 26, 2018 Report Share Posted August 26, 2018 Hi Everyone, I have a rookie question or too. Do you always check for a hot skin on the trailer when you are setting up camp ? Can someone go back over in detail how to check for a hot skin ? What equipment is needed ? If you use a meter, how long are your leads ? Thank you for any input, Al 2012 Volvo VNL 630 w/ I-Shift; D13 engine; " Veeger " Redwood, model 3401R ; 5th Wheel Trailer, " Dead Wood " 2006 Smart Car " Killer Frog " Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickeieio Posted August 26, 2018 Report Share Posted August 26, 2018 37 minutes ago, alan0043 said: Hi Everyone, I have a rookie question or too. Do you always check for a hot skin on the trailer when you are setting up camp ? Can someone go back over in detail how to check for a hot skin ? What equipment is needed ? If you use a meter, how long are your leads ? Thank you for any input, Al That little pen thingy in Carl's pictures is a voltage detector. Place the tip near an object and it will light up if voltage is present. Not expensive and available, at most hardware stores. KW T-680, POPEMOBILE Newmar X-Aire, VATICAN Lots of old motorcycles, Moto Guzzi Griso and Spyder F3 currently in the front row Young enough to play in the dirt as a retired farmer. contact me at rickeieio@yahoo.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuiteSuccess Posted August 26, 2018 Author Report Share Posted August 26, 2018 7 hours ago, alan0043 said: Hi Everyone, I have a rookie question or too. Do you always check for a hot skin on the trailer when you are setting up camp ? Can someone go back over in detail how to check for a hot skin ? What equipment is needed ? If you use a meter, how long are your leads ? Thank you for any input, Al Al, As Rick said. Step1. Check the pedestal first thing when you pull in the site. ( Didn’t you build one of Steve’s tool box testers?) Step2. Turn on the breaker, wait 2-3 min for your Electrical Management System to kick in. Step3. Buy one of the Pen Voltage Detectors as I pictured at Lowe’s or HD. Hold it near an active circuit on the pedestal to be sure it works. I put it close to the 30 amp receptacle. Step4. Touch any exposed metal like screws on hitch, heater vent. Check multiple places. If it lights up you have voltage on the skin. You can then meter that with any voltage meter by touching metal on trailer with red probe and ground with black. I use stand up water spicket for grounding. In the case I presented voltage metered at 14 volts. NEVER grab anything on the trailer OR truck (remember truck and trailer are one unit that is now energized) i.e. door handle, steps until above done especially if the ground is damp. Don’t connect water or sewer until safe. If the pen lights up, turn off the breaker and call the office. As a note, I was told, oh it’s only 14 volts it won’t kill you. True but what if the wiring got hot, the last few strands gave way and now it was 120volts, or 240? Any hot skin deserves a proven fix or change in site to one that is safe, which is what we did. If the park refuses, demand a full refund and leave. If they refuse the refund apparently you can involve fire department or whoever deals with electrical safety in your location. Emergency numbers should be available 24/7/365. 2006 Volvo 780 "Hoss" Volvo D12, 465hp, 1650 ft/lbs tq., ultrashift Bed Build by "JW Morgan's Custom Welding" 2017 DRV 39DBRS3 2013 Smart Passion Coupe "Itty Bitty" "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuiteSuccess Posted August 26, 2018 Author Report Share Posted August 26, 2018 Randy, Per Kirk’s request, I posted this topic on the General RV forum. The question was asked about what caused the hot skin. I couldn’t answer with my limited knowledge. I know it apparently came from the sub panel supplying 3-4 sites because they all had problems. The corollary question was why was I measuring only 14 volts and not more? Could you (or anyone for that matter) explain why only low voltage bleed and not 120 or more? 2006 Volvo 780 "Hoss" Volvo D12, 465hp, 1650 ft/lbs tq., ultrashift Bed Build by "JW Morgan's Custom Welding" 2017 DRV 39DBRS3 2013 Smart Passion Coupe "Itty Bitty" "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HERO Maker Posted August 26, 2018 Report Share Posted August 26, 2018 On 8/23/2018 at 6:32 PM, Kirk Wood said: May I suggest that you post a brief version of your experience and your suggested link to the General Forum since this is not just an HDT problem? It would be a very good thing if regulars here would share with their fellow RV folks. Kirk, you can highlight the link above and post it wherever you think. That way it will take them back to this discussion and there won't be multiple posts! That way, everybody will be aware of ALL of the posts in this thread. Just a suggestion. Rocky & Sheri Rhoades '01 Volvo 770 2016 DRV Mobile Suites, HoustonHERO Makers Ministry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lance A Lott Posted August 27, 2018 Report Share Posted August 27, 2018 20 years ago I was getting stray voltage on a water tank at the barn with my power of at the poll. The power company never did track down the source but said it was probably coming from the farm down the road. We put in more ground rods at the poll and the house as well as the barn and this took care of the results of the problem but not what was wrong at someone else's house. I knew a guy who wouldn't hitch up his power until he grounded his trailer. As I recall he said the jack was enough unless he was on cement. I always felt he had a leek in his trailer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noteven Posted August 27, 2018 Report Share Posted August 27, 2018 All’s I know is 30 hrs ago we were very careful about checking for stray voltage around a workover rig just before we armed the blasting cap in a 20ft long oil well perforating gun with 40 charges in it 😀 "Are we there yet?" asked no motorcycle rider, ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuiteSuccess Posted August 27, 2018 Author Report Share Posted August 27, 2018 10 hours ago, noteven said: All’s I know is 30 hrs ago we were very careful about checking for stray voltage around a workover rig just before we armed the blasting cap in a 20ft long oil well perforating gun with 40 charges in it 😀 Now that would be a “hot skin..and eyes...and hair....and”😀 2006 Volvo 780 "Hoss" Volvo D12, 465hp, 1650 ft/lbs tq., ultrashift Bed Build by "JW Morgan's Custom Welding" 2017 DRV 39DBRS3 2013 Smart Passion Coupe "Itty Bitty" "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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