The New 2026 RV Grounding Rule That Could Leave You Without Power

A national safety update is on the way for RV owners, and it could change how you plug in at campgrounds. The 2026 edition of the National Electric Code (NEC) adds a new requirement for all 30- and 50-amp RVs: a built-in device called a Grounding Monitor Interrupter, or GMI.

The GMI’s job is simple but significant. Before allowing power into the RV, it checks that the electrical pedestal at the campsite is properly grounded. If the ground connection fails or becomes unsafe during use, the GMI immediately cuts power to prevent electric shock.

So what does that mean for RV owners? If a campground’s electrical system isn’t wired correctly, your RV may refuse to draw power until the problem is fixed.

Why the Rule Exists

The change is part of a broader effort to prevent what’s known as a “hot skin” condition. That happens when stray voltage makes an RV’s metal frame or body electrically charged, posing a serious safety hazard.

Earlier solutions, such as installing Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) or reverse polarity detectors, didn’t fully solve the issue. GFCIs could trip unnecessarily due to minor current leakage, and reverse polarity detectors didn’t protect against loss of grounding.

The 2023 NEC introduced the idea of a “loss-of-ground” device but delayed enforcement until such a system existed. That delay ends with the 2026 code, which now officially names and defines the GMI.

When It Takes Effect

The 2026 NEC was finalized in September 2025, but adoption and enforcement dates are still pending. The RV Industry Association plans to decide on timing at its next board meeting in late 2025. Once adopted, manufacturers will begin installing GMIs on all new RVs.

Impact on Campgrounds

RV parks and campgrounds will need to make sure their electrical pedestals have solid ground continuity. Faulty or aging wiring could cause GMIs to disconnect power when an RV plugs in.

Industry experts recommend that parks add annual electrical inspections and use portable pedestal testers to confirm proper grounding. Some campgrounds may even start advertising “GMI-compatible” sites once they’ve updated their systems.

What RV Owners Should Expect

For RV owners, the new rule adds an extra layer of safety but could also create some short-term headaches.

Older campgrounds with wiring issues may cause a GMI to refuse power. Worn or damaged power cords, as well as certain adapters, can also trip the device.

If that happens, it’s not a defect – it’s simply the GMI doing its job. Upgrading cords and testing pedestal compatibility before plugging in can help prevent problems.

Retrofit GMIs for existing RVs aren’t widely available yet, and costs have not been announced. Some campgrounds may eventually require all visitors, not just new RVs, to have GMI protection for liability reasons.

What’s Still Unclear

• How much the new hardware will add to the cost of new RVs
• How quickly manufacturers will phase it into production
• Whether retrofit devices will be affordable and easy to install