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RV electrical safety is a top priority when you’re out exploring in your rig, and when the electrical system in your RV is working optimally, you shouldn’t encounter any issues, and most definitely shouldn’t experience RV hot skin.
If you have recently touched the frame or outside of your rig and have received a tingling sensation or small electric shock, your RV electrical system is likely having some issues.
So let’s answer the question you are likely asking yourself; why is my RV shocking me?
An RV that’s shocking you is likely suffering from a fault somewhere in the electrical system such as reverse polarity, an extension cord fault, a shorted wire, or an incorrect ground wire. Fixing your RV shocking problem is paramount in preventing RV hot skin which can be dangerous for you and your loved ones.
An RV that’s shocking you isn’t something to take lightly, and as RV hot skin is not something you want to be facing, it’s wise to try and find a solution quickly.
So, not only are we going to explore the reasons why your RV is shocking you, but we will also explain what is RV hot skin, how to test for it, and how to protect your RV’s electrical system!
Why Is My RV Shocking Me?
There are a few potential reasons why you may be suffering from an RV that’s shocking you, and once you’ve found the cause, you can progress to finding an appropriate solution.
While troubleshooting your RV’s shocking problem, it’s essential to be safe, stand on dry ground, and ensure everyone is out of the RV while you’re getting to the bottom of the issue.
Reason 1: Reverse Polarity
It may sound a little technical, but reverse polarity simply describes when the hot and neutral wires in a system are wired the wrong way around.
Reverse polarity can cause your RV to shock you as the chassis of the RV will conduct electricity, meaning you could potentially receive a big shock when touching the RV, otherwise known as hot skin.
It’s possible to fix an electrical problem caused by reverse polarity by correcting the wires and putting them where they should be. Using a polarity tester and checking the system once the wires have been corrected is a good idea.
If you’re plugged in at a campground and suspect there may be a reverse polarity problem, discuss your concerns with a member of the campground team and plug your RV into an electric point that is working properly.
Reason 2: Extension Cord Fault
Unfortunately, reverse polarity can occur in the extension cord you may be using to plug in your RV. Testing the extension cord is a surefire way of finding out if there is a problem within the unit, and for this, you will need a polarity tester.
You’ll need to find a suitable outlet and plug in the extension cord, followed by the polarity tester into the extension cord itself.
The polarity tester will flag up any problems, so if it displays an issue, replacing the extension cord would be the safest and easiest thing to do.
If you have the expertise, you could take apart the extension cord and try to fix the problem yourself, but as extension cords tend to be affordable, it’s safer to purchase a new one.
Reason 3: Damaged Wire
A damaged wire or shorted circuit is not something you want to ignore, as live wires can be extremely dangerous if they are damaged.
RVs are often full of a range of materials, but if a damaged wire and something metal come into contact with each other, the RV will become electrified.
Checking the wires in your system now and again is well worth it to guarantee the safety of everyone aboard the RV.
Reason 4: Incorrect Ground Wire
Using a ground connection in your RV’s electrical system is a must, as otherwise, you and your rig could suffer if ever there was a stray current.
Including a ground in your system drastically reduces the risk of electric shocks as the electrical power is sent down to the ground. Incorrect ground wiring or no ground at all can lead to RV users getting shocked when they touch their rig.
In an improperly grounded RV, electrical energy can build up in the chassis but you may only notice there’s an issue when you experience a shock. Grounding your system is essential, and if you don’t feel comfortable taking an in-depth look at your system, it’s worth heading to a specialist.
Being concerned about an RV that’s shocking you is normal, and if you aren’t able to look into the problem immediately, it’s probably best to put your RV vacation on the back burner until the issue is solved.
What Is RV Hot Skin?
RV hot skin occurs when your RV becomes electrified and conducts electricity. When you touch the frame or outside of your RV, you shouldn’t experience a shock of any kind, but if you do, you’re likely encountering RV hot skin.
The shock you receive when your RV is electrified can be very dangerous and even life-threatening, so your electrical system must be working as it should.
All RVs have to pass safety checks and comply with safety regulations, but this doesn’t guarantee you won’t face any issues further down the line. When your RV is plugged in and charging up, it’s worth double-checking the wires and outlets are suitable for use and haven’t suffered any kind of damage.
At a low voltage, RV hot skin shouldn’t do any serious or prolonged harm, but the real issue is when your RV is electrified with a high current. If an RV is touched when there is a high current running through it, the results can be a painful shock or even worse.
Therefore it’s best to keep your RV’s electrical system in good condition, and if you have any concerns, a professional should be able to lend a hand.
Learning about RV hot skin and the dangers it poses will put you in a better position if ever you were to encounter an electrical current going to the outside of your RV.
The video below breaks down some useful tips when a rig has RV skin and how best to avoid it in the first place.
As explained in the video, even if your RV is made from fiberglass, it is still a danger and could shock you as metal components such as the chassis and RV steps will still conduct electrical power.
How To Test For RV Hot Skin?
There may be a few different ways to test for RV hot skin, but the easiest and arguably safest way to see if your rig is electrified is to use a non-contact voltage tester.
The tester or NCVT works by alerting its user when something is energized, without the user having to come in direct contact with the rig.
Before you can go ahead and test your RV, you’ll need to purchase a non-contact voltage tester that’s capable of the job.
1. Turn NCVT On
There are different types of NCVT and they all may have slightly different instructions for turning them on, but usually, there will be a power button for you to press.
Testing the NCVT on a socket that’s on first is wise as if the device doesn’t receive a reading, you know the batteries may need replacing or that the unit is damaged.
2. Point The Device At RV
If the device provides a reading, you can go ahead and point the NCVT at your RV to check if it’s energized. The non-contact voltage tester may beep even when you’re not up close to the RV, and if this is the case for you, it’s likely the current flowing through your RV is rather high.
3. Check For A Reading
Experiencing RV hot skin is unpleasant, and if your NCVT reads that your rig may be a hot skin risk, it’s worth staying elsewhere and not spending much time in the camper until the electrical problems have been resolved.
It’s easy to dismiss a small shock or tingle when you touch your RV, but it’s essential to not ignore a shock from your rig as it could be dangerous.
Regardless of the type of RV you have, RV hot skin may still occur, so it’s worth knowing the signs to look out for and when it’s time to call the specialists for some guidance.
How To Protect Your RV’s Electrical System?
The electrical system is the heart of your RV and without it, you would have no functioning lights, AC, or TV in your rig.
Although it’s normal to experience hurdles from time to time with your electrical system, there are precautions you can take to keep your electrics safe and reduce the risk of RV hot skin.
1. Use A Surge Protector
Some RV electrical systems may not come with a surge protector fitted, but it’s a component you’ll want to introduce to your RV to help protect it from sudden surges of power. A surge protector works by stopping any excess voltage from harming your RV electrical system.
The protector redirects any excess surge power to the ground, and if your surge protector has a shutoff feature, it will also disconnect your RV from the problematic electrical source.
It may only take a small surge of power to cause a big problem in your RV, so installing a surge protector is well worth the initial expense.
2. Keep Liquids And Electrics Separate
It may seem obvious, but mixing liquids with electrics is not a good idea and could result in a nasty electrical shock. If liquid such as water comes into contact with electricity and you then touch metal, you may get shocked from RV hot skin.
When water gets a bit too close to electrical wiring, there is a big risk of components in the electrical circuit shorting out, and the system could even catch fire.
RVs can suffer from water leaks and as they are a common problem, it’s worth keeping an extra eye on your rig to make sure water doesn’t make its way inside. Pressure testing your RV for leaks can help identify the locations of the leaks, and also will indicate if there is any water entering the RV where the electrical system is built.
If there are leaks near your electrical system, you’ll need to repair the leak, dry the affected area, and check your electrics haven’t come in direct contact with water. A dehumidifier can help speed up the drying process by removing the moisture from the air, creating a dry environment.
3. Ground Your RV
Grounding your RV is essential as if your rig ever receives a surge in power, the ground cable will direct any additional power away from the RV and towards the ground.
This can also be useful during stormy weather as lightning strikes can pose a danger to RVers, especially if there is no ground wire present.
4. Disconnect If Shock Occurs
It’s imperative to stop using your RV electrical system if someone receives a shock from the rig. Continuing to use your system and keeping it connected to the power source can make the situation worse, exacerbating the problems and likely causing some expensive damage to the electrical system in your rig.
Disconnecting the power is wise if a shock has occurred and will help prevent further harm from coming to anyone else or your system.
Taking shocks seriously is essential as if there is a high current running through your RV, it could deliver a nasty shock where the person may require medical attention.
5. Install A Battery Disconnect Switch
An RV battery disconnect switch is one of the most important parts of your electrical system and is a key component to protecting your rig’s electrics and everybody inside the RV.
Once pressed, a disconnect switch will cut off the RV circuit from the battery, meaning you can easily stop power flowing into your batteries.
Disconnect switches are a must when traveling in an RV as if you suspect there is a fault with the electrics you can easily cut the power. When you’re doing some maintenance tasks and working on your RV, you may need to turn the power off, and the battery disconnect switch will allow you to easily do so.
Taking care of your RV electrical system is key in helping avoid situations like hot skin and damage coming to your system. Being mindful when using an external power source is essential as generators and campgrounds can experience electrical problems from time to time too.
Closing Thoughts
Your RV should be a safe space where you can relax out in the wilderness, but an RV with electrical problems is dangerous. Components such as fuses, surge protectors, and disconnect switches are important safety precautions to consider, as they help prevent electrical issues from getting any worse.
If your RV has shocked you or a loved one, turning off the power supply is a good first step to take. If you have the confidence, it’s useful delving deeper to find the cause of your RV electrical issue, but it may be worth heading to the professionals if you can’t source the problem.