Whether you’re hitting the road in the RV to enjoy a little time away, an extended trip at a favorite campground or seeing the sights of Route 66, as with all summer fun, being safe needs to be a priority.
Today’s recreational vehicles (RVs) provide many of the comforts of home, such as microwaves, refrigerators and other small appliances. We can now vacation or “leisure” with more conveniences than ever, but we need to consider generator and electrical safety before hitting the road.
Generator safety
Although many people are aware that CO poisoning can occur in homes, they may not consider it can happen in any enclosed space, including a zipped tent or RV. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that is produced any time fuel is burned.
Along with generators, devices or appliances that produce CO include vehicles, small engines, grills, fireplaces, camping stoves, gas ranges and furnaces. CO can build up indoors or in any enclosed space, and it is poisonous.
Safe Electricity provides the following tips to keep in mind while enjoying your RV or other mobile digs, whether your generator was factory installed or you are using a portable one.
Inspect the exhaust system on the generator before using it and make sure it is in good working order. Do not operate a generator with a damaged exhaust system,
or one that needs repairs or has other problems.
If you are using a portable generator, always make sure the exhaust is directed away from the camping area. Listen for problems (e.g., surging sound) when starting your generator, especially if it has been inactive for several weeks.
For that reason, run the generator at least once a week. This decreases moisture in the system and lubricates the engine seals and components to prevent carbon buildup. Properly maintain your generator, and be sure a CO detector is installed in your RV.
Electrical safety
When an RV frame is electrically charged, it is often referred to as “hot skin.” Improper wiring or connection, no grounding, reversed polarity, and loose or worn outlets are just some of the potential causes. If a hot skin hazard exists, simply opening the door or coming into contact with the hitch can cause shock or electrocution.
To help prevent hot skin, your RV’s electrical system needs to be regularly tested and maintained. A professional electrician can help you make sure the wiring in your RV is safe. Perform a visual inspection of cords, plugs and outlets. If there are cracked or frayed cords or broken or discolored plugs or outlets, do not use them. Have them replaced or repaired. Fire extinguishers and fire detectors should also be on the checklist for safety precautions prior to traveling.
Always use electrical cords rated for the proper use. Make sure the power demand of the appliances that will be used does not exceed the cord’s rating. To plug your RV into a campground power pedestal, you will need a heavy-duty, four-wire cord with a grounding wire, not an extension cord.
Whether you are powering your RV with a generator or with a campground hookup, you need to know the amperage your RV draws and the amperage available. If you try to draw more than is available, you can cause serious damage to the electrical source and your RV.
Before using a campground hookup, do a visual inspection of the area. If the hookup appears damaged, request another spot. Making the campground management aware of the damage will also help future campers at that site. In addition, never plug more than one RV into a single hookup.
For more information on electrical safety, visit SafeElectricity.org.
