Regulators have pushed back the Grounding Monitor Interrupter (GMI) RV requirement, giving manufacturers extra time to prepare. Originally scheduled for January 2026, the safety rule requires all new 30-amp and 50-amp RVs to install a GMI, a device that ensures proper grounding and protects against electrical shocks. A shortage of GMIs suitable for RV production has prompted the delay. The requirement is now expected to take effect around June 1, 2027.
A GMI, or Grounding Monitor Interrupter, works by checking that the campground pedestal is properly grounded before sending electricity into your RV. During use, it continually monitors the connection and instantly shuts off power if grounding is lost. This prevents a “hot skin” condition. That’s where the metal frame or exterior of an RV can become electrified—a serious safety risk. Unlike a GFCI, which monitors current imbalances, a GMI focuses solely on grounding. Click here for a full story on the hows and whys.
Industry backs off on Grounding Monitor Interrupter RV requirement
The RV Industry Association’s Standards Steering Committee noted that fully listed, ready-to-install GMIs are not yet widely available. With the original compliance date approaching, enforcing the rule would have been unrealistic. The committee will continue to monitor device availability. They’ll recommend a final enforcement date ahead of their March 2026 board meeting. Current expectations are for the requirement to coincide with the start of the 2028 RV model year.
For RVers, GMIs will provide an important layer of protection—but they could also cause short-term inconvenience. Older or poorly maintained campgrounds may not meet the new grounding standards. If an RV equipped with a GMI plugs into a pedestal without proper grounding, the device will refuse to supply power until the pedestal is repaired or another site is used. Parks that proactively test their electrical systems may advertise “GMI-compatible” hookups to reassure visitors.
RVers can prepare by checking pedestal compatibility, updating power cords and adapters, and being aware that certain sites might temporarily restrict electricity. While the rule introduces a potential adjustment period, its goal is clear: safer RV travel with reduced risk of electrical shocks.
The Grounding Monitor Interrupter RV requirement represents a significant step in RV safety. The delay gives manufacturers time to meet the rule while allowing RVers to understand and plan for how GMIs work in everyday camping.
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RVT1237b
The GMI has about zero basis in reality. Tell us how many people have been electrocuted or even shocked by a hot RV skin. These rules are promulgated by a cabal of old burned out engineers, safety wonks who believe everyone should stay in bed wearing a hard hat and safety toed shoes, and of course the equipment manufacturers who will profit from the sale of these devices
Hi, Deadarmadillo. Please read this article about a young boy who died due to RV hot skin. I’m sure his parents and family don’t agree with your statement that the GMI has “zero basis in reality.” And please read some of our other important articles on the RV hot skin condition. There are many ways people can be, and have been, injured by it. You’ve just lucked out so far. –Diane at RVtravel.com
Some of the ladies I’ve woken up next to would require more than a Hard Hat, etc. to make it to lunch……. 😉 ……..
If there are park owners who share your horribly incorrect belief, this is exactly why the regulation was created.
Good day: I wish these had been installed several years ago when we camped in a city owned low land park in Walhala, ND. My wife was nearly electrocuted when she touched the metal band around the sink cabinet in our former MH – the shock left a small burn mark on her arm – that’s how close it came!! We found out later the park had been flooded – no repairs made and it still remained open! I tried 3 other sites, all with the same result – hot skin! Also, the park has or had a swimming pool!
Hughes Watchdog Suppressors protect against an open or missing ground condition and shut off the power if that occurs. Error Code 7.
I predict many will bypass it.
We have used some form of EMS for the past 15 years, it has saved us on several occasions. Unfortunately people make too many assumptions when it comes to electricity and safety.
I’m not sure how effective the GMI is going to be. The RV industry has a poor track record of installing things in RVs properly. This is just going to be one more item in the chain to cause issues if it is not correctly installed and maintained.
Aaron