Re: [A/S] Polarity indicator light

["Mr. Joy H. Hansen" <joytbrew@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Jim,

First thing to do is get one of the circuit checkers that has all
functions - about $6 at any store.  Just plug it in and it will tell you the
status of the receptacle.  The circuit checker should have a GFI button to
check the ground fault, if not in the trailer, at the service outlet.  I
keep a GFI in the circuit going to the trailer and any other outside
lights/circuits.  Don't have a 30 amp for the trailer yet and use a 20 amp.
I use the cheapy box type receptacle type rather than the high amperage
units.  Like $7 vrs. $300!

The circuit tester will tell you a whole lot.  Open ground, reversed
neutral/hot, open ground, etc.  A brief look in the AC main circuit breaker
box will tell you a lot - white wire to silver screw, black wire to dark
screw, green wire to the ground lug.  Not too difficult. :)  You may think
your home wiring is OK, but don't take it for granted.  Use the circuit
tester to verify.

I you open circuit boxes while the power is on, keep one hand in your
pocket! :)  I get bit once in a while due to dumbness.  Remember that there
is a voltage between ground and neutral that can reach 110 volts.  Same as
the voltage between the hot and neutral, 110 volts.  Maybe not the same
current, but enough to make you jump and complicate the situation.  Treat
each lead as though it's HOT.  If the ground isn't connected at the main
panel, you can be seriously shocked by grounding the neutral though another
path - like standing on the ground! :(

                                                 '69 Safari, Joy