As Grounding Monitor Interrupters (GMIs) become a required safety feature in new 30-amp and 50-amp RVs beginning with Model Year 2028, the outdoor hospitality industry is launching a new resource to help campground and RV park owners understand what the technology means for their electrical infrastructure, according to a press release.
Collaboratively developed with OHI, Electrical Works, RV Industry Association (RVIA), RVDA, CAMP, TACO, MARVAC, PCOA, WACO, KOA Owners Association, CONY, CARVC, Arizona OHA, NJCOA, IMHA/RVIC, FRVCA and MECOA, the new GMI resource will be available for all members of the outdoor hospitality industry at OHI.org/GMI.
It will serve as an ongoing source of practical guidance, educational materials and industry resources as GMI technology and related guidance continue to evolve.
A GMI is a safety device installed in an RV that checks the electrical connection at a pedestal before allowing power to flow and continues monitoring the connection during operation. If it detects a loss of ground or another electrical condition that could create a safety hazard, the GMI can prevent power from reaching the RV or disconnect power.
The technology is designed to help prevent “hot skin” conditions, in which an RV’s metal exterior or frame can become energized due to an electrical fault.
“As GMIs become more common in RVs, park owners need clear, reliable information to understand what these safety devices mean for their electrical systems,” said Paul Bambei, president and CEO of OHI. “OHI is proud to partner with Electrical Works, RVIA and other industry experts to provide a trusted resource where our members can find practical guidance and stay informed as GMI technology and requirements continue to evolve.”
GMIs do not create electrical problems, but they can reveal existing conditions that may have gone unnoticed because older RVs could still receive power.
A pedestal that works for an older RV may prevent a GMI-equipped RV from receiving power if it has an open ground, reverse polarity, voltage on the grounding conductor, improper voltage or other electrical issues.
This new resource will help outdoor hospitality owners and operators understand these potential issues, identify basic checks for properly trained maintenance personnel and know when to bring in a licensed electrician for a more comprehensive evaluation.
“The strength of this resource is the industry-wide support behind it — when park owners see the major outdoor hospitality organizations aligned on one document, they know it’s a credible place to start. This is a great first step — a plain-language introduction to what GMIs are and how they affect guests, with more detailed guidance to follow as the devices reach the market and the industry learns more,” said Tristan Ciceri, vice president/owner of Electrical Works. “Most operators are hearing about GMIs for the first time, and this gives them a trustworthy foundation to build on. Everyone in this industry shares the same priority: elevating the guest experience across the country and keeping people in their RVs. A resource like this helps owners keep that front and center as we prepare for GMI-equipped RVs to hit RV parks and Campgrounds next year.”
Because electrical issues can be systemic, OHI also recommends that owners and operators consider a property-wide assessment by a qualified professional. Evaluations may include pedestal grounding, neutral-to-ground isolation, electrical connections and the property’s main grounding system.
“Being a smaller organization of 58 campgrounds, it is vital to the Massachusetts Association of Campground Owners (MACO) to have an industry leader like OHI sharing resources with our campground owners and operators,” said Cyndy Zbierski, president/CEO of MACO. “As the Grounding Monitor Interrupter (GMI) discussion evolves into a requirement, it is key to have a go-to resource to aid MACO’s RV park and campground operators in monitoring necessary steps and expectations going forward.”
The new GMI resource will include a downloadable one-sheet, a GMI readiness FAQ and additional guidance, with OHI continuing to update the webpage as new information becomes available. It will also connect park owners with related OHI content, including resources on electrical infrastructure and voltage drop. Additional resources are available from RVIA, the national association representing the RV manufacturers, at RVIA.org/GMI.
OHI encourages park owners to start evaluating their electrical systems now. Identifying and addressing infrastructure issues can take time, making early preparation especially important for seasonal properties.
The new GMI resources are available at OHI.org/GMI.
