The 2026 Edition of the National Electric Code (NEC) is now published, which finalizes the grounding monitor interrupters requirement. All RVs with 30A or 50A electrical service will be required to install a Grounding Monitor Interrupter (GMI), which is a loss-of-ground device. Before electrical current can pass into the RV, a GMI will check the receptacle for a proper ground connection. During use, the GMI will also monitor the ground connection to the RV and, if lost, will disconnect the power to the RV. Background on the National Electric Code, RVs, RV Parks and Campgrounds, and Grounding Monitor Interrupters The National Electric Code governs electrical installations in the United States. It is updated and published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) every three years. Article 551 of the National Electric Code contains the electrical requirements for both RVs and RV Parks and Campgrounds. These requirements work hand in hand to ensure safety for the users of both. Over the last 6 years, there have been several public inputs to Article 551 addressing “hot skin” conditions. On the RV Parks and Campgrounds side, it was suggested that Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) receptacles for the 30A and 50A services be installed on the RV pedestal. That suggestion was not adopted because electrical leakage current from the various electrical devices in an RV would cause a nuisance trip of the GFCI. Another suggested remedy was to install a reverse polarity device on the RV. While improving safety, a reverse polarity device fails to protect against a “hot skin” condition. In the 2023 edition of the National Electric Code, the requirement for the reverse polarity device was replaced with a requirement for a loss-of-ground device. However, because no loss of ground device existed in 2023, enforcement of the requirement was delayed to January 1, 2026. The loss of ground device requirement was further defined as a GMI, resulting in what will be published in the 2026 Edition of the National Electric Code as outlined above. What is a “Hot Skin” Condition? “Hot skin” is a term used to describe when an RV’s metal exterior, metal frame, or other metal items become electrified, which is a serious electrical safety hazard caused by improper grounding or electrical faults. The National Electric Code and the RV industry continue to improve the electrical safety of RVs for consumers through new requirements like the GMI. What is a Grounding Monitor Interrupter? A GMI tests the receptacle it is plugged into to ensure it is wired correctly and has a proper ground connection. If incorrect wiring or a loss of ground connection is detected, the GMI will not allow electricity to pass through or will disconnect power if the loss of ground occurs during operation.

The 2026 Edition of the National Electric Code (NEC) is now published, which finalizes the grounding monitor interrupters requirement. All RVs with 30A or 50A electrical service will be required to install a Grounding Monitor Interrupter (GMI), which is a loss-of-ground device. Before electrical current can pass into the RV, a GMI will check the receptacle for a proper ground connection. During use, the GMI will also monitor the ground connection to the RV and, if lost, will disconnect the power to the RV.

Background on the National Electric Code, RVs, RV Parks and Campgrounds, and Grounding Monitor Interrupters

The National Electric Code governs electrical installations in the United States. It is updated and published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) every three years. Article 551 of the National Electric Code contains the electrical requirements for both RVs and RV Parks and Campgrounds. These requirements work hand in hand to ensure safety for the users of both.

Over the last 6 years, there have been several public inputs to Article 551 addressing “hot skin” conditions.

On the RV Parks and Campgrounds side, it was suggested that Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) receptacles for the 30A and 50A services be installed on the RV pedestal. That suggestion was not adopted because electrical leakage current from the various electrical devices in an RV would cause a nuisance trip of the GFCI. Another suggested remedy was to install a reverse polarity device on the RV. While improving safety, a reverse polarity device fails to protect against a “hot skin” condition. In the 2023 edition of the National Electric Code, the requirement for the reverse polarity device was replaced with a requirement for a loss-of-ground device. However, because no loss of ground device existed in 2023, enforcement of the requirement was delayed to January 1, 2026. The loss of ground device requirement was further defined as a GMI, resulting in what will be published in the 2026 Edition of the National Electric Code as outlined above.

What is a “Hot Skin” Condition?

“Hot skin” is a term used to describe when an RV’s metal exterior, metal frame, or other metal items become electrified, which is a serious electrical safety hazard caused by improper grounding or electrical faults. The National Electric Code and the RV industry continue to improve the electrical safety of RVs for consumers through new requirements like the GMI.

What is a Grounding Monitor Interrupter?

A GMI tests the receptacle it is plugged into to ensure it is wired correctly and has a proper ground connection. If incorrect wiring or a loss of ground connection is detected, the GMI will not allow electricity to pass through or will disconnect power if the loss of ground occurs during operation.