A New Era for Electrical Safety in Outdoor Hospitality
A major change is coming to the outdoor hospitality industry. Beginning in 2026, all new RVs manufactured in the United States will include a Grounding Monitor Interrupter (GMI).
This safety device is designed to detect a loss of ground and stop power flow before electrical hazards can occur. The change comes as part of the 2026 Edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC), officially adopted in September 2025.
For RV and MH park owners, understanding this new requirement is essential to ensure compliance, protect guests, and avoid costly downtime once GMI-equipped RVs start arriving.
What Is a Grounding Monitor Interrupter (GMI)?
A Grounding Monitor Interrupter, or GMI, is a safety device that verifies power from an electrical pedestal is safely grounded before it reaches an RV.
When an RV connects to a power pedestal, the GMI checks that there is no voltage on the ground and that the neutral and ground are properly connected. If a loss of ground is detected, the GMI immediately disconnects power.
This prevents electric shock, equipment damage, and fire risk caused by poor grounding or wiring issues.
Will My Park Need to Be Rewired?
Not every park will need to rewire. According to OHI (Outdoor Hospitality Industry) and NEC guidance, systems installed correctly under previous NEC codes should already be compatible with GMI-equipped RVs.
If each pedestal includes a dedicated ground wire that connects back to the main service source, your park is likely compliant.
However, older parks or those wired without proper grounding may need upgrades. Systems that rely only on ground rods at each pedestal will not meet GMI safety requirements.
At Electrical Works, we conduct full electrical testing and compliance evaluations to identify whether updates are needed and handle every stage of rewiring where required.
When Should Park Owners Take Action?
While the new GMIs will not be widespread until 2026, the best time to prepare is now.
Electrical upgrades, testing, and rewires take careful planning and coordination with utilities and inspectors. Parks that start early will secure preferred scheduling, avoid last-minute bottlenecks, and stay open and profitable while others are rushing to catch up.
Acting early allows park owners to:
- Avoid installation or inspection delays once the rule takes effect
- Prevent electrical issues that could interrupt service or create safety hazards
- Protect guests and property by ensuring a safe, continuous ground
- Demonstrate proactive compliance and leadership within the industry
Electrical Works can help you assess your current electrical system, verify grounding, and schedule any necessary upgrades. Early preparation means your park will be ready for GMI-equipped RVs the moment they arrive, not waiting in line once compliance becomes mandatory.
Electrical Works: Guiding the Industry Through Compliance
Electrical Works is not just keeping up with GMI compliance; we are helping to lead it.
Our Vice President and Master Electrician, Tristan Ciceri, represents the Outdoor Hospitality Industry on the National Electrical Code Code-Making Panel responsible for RV and MH standards. With over 20 years of experience designing and wiring RV parks nationwide, Tristan provides real-world expertise that helps shape the future of electrical safety.
“If your park was wired correctly under previous NEC standards, you may not need a full rewire,” says Ciceri. “But if your system is outdated or lacks a proper ground, now is the time to act. We can help you find out exactly what’s needed to stay compliant and safe.”
Supporting the RV and MH Community
As a family-owned business built on integrity and service, Electrical Works has been the trusted electrical partner for the outdoor hospitality industry for more than 25 years.
We have completed over 15,000 RV and MH sites across 20 states, offering full-service electrical design, installation, rewiring, and maintenance. Our team also supports the community through education, resources, and guidance as new regulations emerge.
Our mission is simple: to keep parks powered safely, efficiently, and with total compliance and peace of mind.
Get GMI Ready with Electrical Works
Preparing for GMI compliance does not have to be complicated. Whether your park needs a full electrical evaluation, targeted rewiring, or GMI readiness testing, Electrical Works is your trusted partner for every step of the process.
Acting now helps you stay ahead of the curve, avoid costly delays, and ensure your park remains safe and fully operational when the new standards take effect.
Electrical Works is proud to stand beside the park owners, developers, and managers who power America’s outdoor hospitality industry. Together, we can make this transition a smooth one, protecting guests, improving reliability, and building stronger communities for years to come.
Speak with a GMI compliance expert today.
About Electrical Works
Electrical Works is a licensed electrical contractor specializing in RV and MH park electrical systems. With more than 25 years of experience, we provide complete turnkey services including design, engineering, installation, rewiring, and long-term maintenance.
Our in-house team is licensed in 20 states and recognized nationwide as a leading authority in outdoor hospitality electrical infrastructure. We take pride in delivering safe, compliant, and future-ready solutions that keep parks powered and communities thriving.