The RV Industry Association (RVIA) has announced that the 2026 Edition of the National Electric Code (NEC) has been published, finalizing the requirement for Grounding Monitor Interrupters (GMI) on all RVs equipped with 30-amp or 50-amp electrical service.
The standard introduces an added layer of electrical safety designed to protect RV users and enhance campground infrastructure.
A GMI functions as a loss-of-ground device, checking the receptacle for a proper ground connection before allowing electrical current to pass into the RV.
It also continuously monitors the connection during use and disconnects power if a ground fault occurs, preventing electrical hazards such as “hot skin” conditions.
The National Electric Code, published by the National Fire Protection Association every three years, governs electrical installations across the United States.
Article 551 of the NEC outlines the electrical requirements for RVs and RV parks, ensuring safety for both RV owners and campground operators. The addition of the GMI requirement reflects the industry’s ongoing commitment to improving electrical safety standards.
Over the past six years, several public inputs to Article 551 have addressed the concern around “hot skin” incidents. These conditions occur when an RV’s metal frame or components become energized due to a loss of ground, posing serious risks to users and pets.
In earlier discussions, installing Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) receptacles on campground pedestals was proposed to prevent such hazards. However, the solution was not adopted because the electrical leakage current from RV devices would cause nuisance trips.
“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,” the association explains in a News and Insights report of RVIA.
The 2023 edition of the NEC introduced a requirement for a loss-of-ground device, later defined as the Grounding Monitor Interrupter. Because a suitable device was not yet commercially available at the time, enforcement was delayed until January 1, 2026.
According to the association, a GMI differs from a GFCI in its function. While a GFCI detects imbalances in electrical current to prevent shock, a GMI ensures the grounding path is intact before and during operation. If a ground loss or wiring fault is detected, it prevents current from flowing, thereby protecting both the user and the RV.
For RV owners, the new requirement addresses common issues such as damaged power cords—referred to as “feeder assemblies” in the NEC—and the use of dog-bone adapters that compromise electrical safety.
For RV parks and campgrounds, the GMI mitigates risks associated with poor grounding at the pedestal or the presence of stray current on the grounding conductor.
The 2026 NEC was officially adopted in late September 2025. The organization’s board will finalize specific adoption and enforcement dates during its November 2025 meeting. The new rule is expected to take effect industry-wide throughout 2026.
RV park and campground operators are encouraged to prepare by testing their electrical systems to ensure ground continuity from pedestals to main service panels.
Routine preventive maintenance, including annual electrical system testing, is recommended to maintain compliance and ensure compatibility with RVs equipped with GMIs.
RVIA and its technical subcommittees have been developing the GMI requirement for more than six years, collaborating with manufacturers, suppliers, and safety experts.
“The association will continue to provide updates and details relating to this issue, such as details on enforcement actions and details regarding commercially available GMI devices, as the information becomes available,” RVIA indicates.