jlvtx1800
Buffalo
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I will be going to a campsite that has power but will be spread out over several people. Basically a 15amp breaker with a quad box and 4 extension cords. I would like to utilize this power for maintaining my fridge and a light or two but when it is time to run something requiring juice I will need to turn to my generator. I have an Owen 5500 which was installed by the manufacture. What I am worried about is the transfer switch getting confused and something bad happening 
My alternative would to go outside and unplug when needed, but I do not want to do this unless necessary...thoughts?
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djevans
Tennessee
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Well, "generally," "Yes." However, starting the generator also "generally" disconnects the pedestal. I do this frequently if the park AC power drops to any level less than 108 volts. The transfer switch, properly installed, will not "be confused."
After the generator "warmup interval" delay, it will just switch to the generator as the power source. I'd would cut "things" off before switching "back" to the pedestal.
The transfer switch is simply going to operate if the generator is "generating." It's just a switch, Either the generator is producing power or it's not.
Don . . . near 36.171N 086.784W, TN near here
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jlvtx1800
Buffalo
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djevans
Thanks for your post. So what you are saying (without sticking your neck out  ) is that the generator will transfer switch looks for the generator 1st then shore power? If there is shore power only it will switch to shore power, but if there is shore power and generator power it will switch to generator power and "cut off" shore power until the generator stops...is that correct?
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djevans
Tennessee
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Yes, if the generator is running and producing power, "it" is the power source for your RV. (even if the pedestal is available, working, and connected)
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captain037
Montgomery, AL
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With my Jayco I have been told not to run the generator and be hooked to shore power at the same time. The dealer told me this.
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MNtundraRet
Bloomington, MN
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In some motor-homes, such as mine, there is no transfer switch. They use a more basic approach. The shore-power cord must be first unplugged at campground outlet, and then plugged into generator AC outlet, and generator then turned on. This is the same way a portable generator would be used. Only problem in motor-home is to always plug cord into generator outlet when not in use on shore-power. Otherwise, you might start generator and have no power inside, having forgot you were not plugged in. It is possible some units have been designed to handle both power-sources at same time, but most RV's do not come set up that way.
Mark
Mark & Jan "Old age & treachery win over youth & enthusiasm"
2003 Fleetwood Jamboree 29
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jlvtx1800
Buffalo
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captain037 wrote:With my Jayco I have been told not to run the generator and be hooked to shore power at the same time. The dealer told me this.
That is what the dealer told me as well, but I have learned that they dealer know nothing. My walk though was with some kid (nice kid, but not an rver) and when he pointed to the "transfer switch" it was actually just a box for connecting wires.
I figure with all this knowledge on this site, they have got to know more than I do, and much more than the dealer.
So with that said...does anyone with my setup (and captain's) know for sure if we will do damage if we do the above question.
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MNtundraRet
Bloomington, MN
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One other very important point I forgot to mention. There is a large difference between camping in hot-dry weather and hot-humid conditions. In hot-humid conditions the breaker can loose up to 20% rated power. For a 15 amp circuit this means the breaker will pop at only 12 amps load. You have almost no chance of getting 2 people to share the outlet, let alone 4. That's why almost all campgrounds prohibit such a procedure. It has more to do than just charging more money.
Mark
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up2nogood
Utah
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jlvtx1800 wrote:djevans
Thanks for your post. So what you are saying (without sticking your neck out ) is that the generator will transfer switch looks for the generator 1st then shore power? If there is shore power only it will switch to shore power, but if there is shore power and generator power it will switch to generator power and "cut off" shore power until the generator stops...is that correct?
There has been a couple times that I have been plugged into my house, and forgot I was plugged in and fired up my 5500 Onan for its monthly run and it tripped the house breaker, which is only 20 amps.On my 5ver being plugged in to shore power and running the generator does not seem compatible. I make it a point to make sure I am unplugged before running my generator.
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ShapeShifter
Buffalo, NY
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I have been in that situation with two rigs sharing a 15 amp circuit. I can't imagine 4! You've got to have good communications with your neighbors to manage the loads.
One more point to consider, if you have an automatic transfer switch: In my case, at least, whenever I start up the generator while plugged into an outlet with a GFCI, it will almost always trip the GFCI as the transfer switch switches. So, after running the genny, I have to go out and reset the outlet. If you are sharing the outlet with neighbors, and you keep tripping the GFCI whenever you run the genny, you might get them a bit annoyed.
If that's the case, it might be prudent to go and unplug before starting up the generator.
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