If you list your RV with RVshare or another RV rental company, there’s a significant electrical update coming; one that affects both your fleet and your renters’ safety. Beginning with the 2026 National Electrical Code (NEC), RVs with 30-amp or 50-amp electrical service will be required to install a Grounding Monitor Interrupter (GMI). This new device is not just a technicality; it’s a game-changer for reducing serious risks like “hot skin.”
In this post, we’ll break down what a GMI is, why it’s becoming required, the risks it addresses, and how your rental business can prepare, ensuring safer RV experiences for your customers and lower liability for you.
What Is a Grounding Monitor Interrupter (GMI)?
A Grounding Monitor Interrupter is a “loss-of-ground” safety device. According to RVIA, before any electrical current flows into the RV, the GMI checks the pedestal or receptacle to ensure there’s a proper ground connection. If the ground is missing or if there’s a fault, the GMI cuts off power to prevent danger.
Once power is running, the GMI continues to monitor ground continuity. If the ground becomes compromised while electricity is flowing (for example, due to a damaged shore cord), the GMI will disconnect power immediately.
Why Is the New GMI Requirement Coming?
Addressing “Hot Skin” Hazards
One of the primary motivations behind the GMI requirement is to prevent a phenomenon called “hot skin.” This occurs when the RV’s metal parts (like the chassis or exterior) become electrified due to a faulty or missing ground.
Without a proper ground, there’s a risk that electrical current could flow through the RV’s metal surfaces, which is a serious shock hazard. The GMI ensures the ground path is solid before allowing power in, and interrupts it if that path fails during use.
National Electric Code (NEC) Enforcement
The requirement stems from an update to the National Electric Code (NEC). Article 551 of the NEC covers RVs and RV parks, and the 2026 edition finalizes the GMI requirement.
Although the 2023 NEC first introduced the loss-of-ground device requirement, the enforcement was delayed until 2026 because, at the time, no compliant GMI devices were commercially available.
Implications for RV Rental Businesses
As an RV owner renting out your RV, this update affects you in several ways:
- Safety First: Ensuring all your RVs comply with the GMI requirement makes your rentals safer. It significantly mitigates the risk of electrocution or shock from ground faults.
- Liability Protection: If a rented RV suffers from a ground-fault accident (or “hot skin”), and your RV isn’t GMI-equipped, your business could be exposed to legal liability.
- Fleet Upgrades: If you own or manage RVs without GMIs, you’ll need to plan for retrofitting or phasing in GMI-equipped models to stay compliant.
- Renter Education: Educating renters about the GMI’s function will help them understand why sometimes their power might cut off, letting them know it’s not just a nuisance trip, it’s a safety mechanism.
- Partnership With Campgrounds: Since the GMI checks pedestal grounding, the condition of campground electrical systems matters. Communicating with campgrounds about this change strengthens your relationships and ensures safer stays.
How to Prepare Your RV Rental Business
Here are recommended steps to get ready for the GMI requirement:
Audit Your Fleet
- Identify which of your RVs have 30A or 50A shore power.
- Check if they already have GMI devices, or if they’ll need to be retrofitted.
Work With Licensed Electricians
- Hire an electrician who understands NEC code changes.
- Have them inspect your RVs’ power systems and install Type II GMIs where needed. (NEC 551.40(D) lays out the requirement for where the GMI must be installed.)
Train Your Staff
- Teach your team how GMIs work.
- Prepare a checklist for pre-trip inspections (e.g., verifying the GMI is active, making sure shore cords are undamaged).
Create Renter Resources
- Add a section in your rental agreement and renter handbook explaining GMIs, why they are required, and what happens if power cuts.
- Consider a brief demo video or illustration showing how the GMI protects them.
Engage with Campgrounds
- Talk to the campgrounds you partner with about their electrical systems. Make sure their pedestals have good ground continuity. RVIA recommends parks test their ground continuity from pedestal to main panel regularly.
- Encourage their maintenance teams to use portable receptacle testing devices to verify readiness.
Monitor Code Updates
- The NEC is updated every three years. While 2026 is the current milestone for GMI enforcement, stay on top of future changes.
- Follow RVIA announcements for the latest guidance.
Communicating to Renters: Sample Messaging
Here’s a sample blurb you could include when corresponding with renters:
“New Electrical Safety Feature (GMI) – For your protection, our RVs built with 30A or 50A shore power now include a Grounding Monitor Interrupter (GMI). This device checks the campground plug for proper grounding before allowing electricity to flow, and it actively disconnects power if it detects a problem – helping prevent electrical shock or “hot skin” danger. If the power goes off unexpectedly, don’t worry: it’s a built-in safety cut-out, not a malfunction. Please reach out to us if you have any questions about how it works.”
Breakdown
The upcoming GMI requirement is more than a regulatory update. It’s a major step forward in keeping RV users safer. As an RV rental company, being proactive now means you’ll:
- Protect your customers from electrical hazards
- Reduce liability for your business
- Strengthen trust with renters and campgrounds
- Stay ahead of compliance and industry standards
Start planning today, audit your fleet, talk to your electrician, educate your team, and let your renters know that their safety is a top priority.
GMI Frequently Asked Questions
What are Grounding Monitor Interrupters (GMIs)? Grounding Monitor Interrupters (GMIs) are safety devices that will be required on many RVs beginning in 2026. A GMI checks your campsite’s electrical ground before powering your RV and keeps monitoring for safety. If a problem is detected, it automatically disconnects power to prevent shocks. If your RV loses power, check your site’s power source or cord. Contact your rental provider if you need help with GMIs or hookups.
Explain the new RV GMI rule in simple terms: The upcoming 2026 GMI requirement ensures your RV will only receive power if a safe ground connection is detected, reducing shock and wiring hazards. Always inspect the shore power cord and pedestal before use, follow your rental company’s guidelines, and never bypass safety devices. If power stops unexpectedly, contact campground staff or your RV provider.
How does a GMI protect RV users? A Grounding Monitor Interrupter (GMI) safeguards RV users by checking for a secure ground before allowing electricity from a campground’s power source. If it detects an unsafe ground, it blocks power to prevent shocks or “hot skin.” The GMI continues to monitor and will disconnect power if a hazard appears, providing ongoing protection and making RV stays safer.
Do older RVs need a GMI installed? RVs built before 2026 aren’t required to have a Grounding Monitor Interrupter (GMI), but adding one is highly recommended for safety, especially for rentals or frequent campground use. Installing a GMI reduces electrical hazards, shows commitment to safety, and may soon be required by insurers or rental platforms. Consult a licensed RV electrician to ensure upgrades meet current standards and maintain competitiveness in the rental market.
What makes a Grounding Monitor Interrupter (GMI) compliant? A compliant Grounding Monitor Interrupter (GMI) must meet current NEC 551.40(D) standards for RVs and be tested by a recognized safety agency like UL. Choose a GMI designed for RV use with continuous monitoring and automatic shut-off to ensure code compliance and safety. Always select manufacturers who provide proof of NEC compliance and have your GMI installed by a qualified electrician familiar with RV systems.
