We have been invited to volunteer at a Oregon NWS location and will be parked at a park on the coast with 30 amp service. It's a location that is cool all summer I'm told and people rarely use A/C. So, probably fridge, T.V., maybe microwave / convection. I know I need to calculate amp use by appliance to see what I can safely run. My question is, does this hook up do any damage to the coach systems. The park allows generators from 7:00 a.m. to 10: p.m. Second, if I need extra amps and want to use the generator, do I unhook totally from the shore power first or just turn on the generator for the extra power while leaving the shore power hooked up ? Coach is 50 amp , 2000 watt inverter, Onan 7500. Thanks.
Jim & Carmel http://sayreodyssey.blogspot.com/
2004 Dutch Star 41'
2006 Jeep Liberty
Blue Ox Aventa Tow Bar
Brake Buddy
Well, first off, you should be able to run your A/C if needed. Maybe not along with everything, but it should not be a big problem.
Also, if your coach is fairly recent, starting the generator automaticly switches power from "shore power" to the generator. I really don't see a need to use it though.
Anyway, Good luck with your new adventure, and let us know how thing work out.
In my experience you'll probably be fine with 30 amps. You might have a problem if you try to run a hair dryer, microwave, toaster, electric heater all at one time. Probably kick a breaker. A little of experimenting and you'll know what to do when hairdryer is going etc.
We did just fine in central CA where its HOT on a 30 amp system. We just knew not turn turn on too much at one time and got to the point where we almost never kicked a breaker. It usually happened when we were operating a high use item and then the a/c decided to start.
Coaches are different, the Hurricane I had before, I was told to NEVER operate the generator with it connected to shore power. The Fleetwood I now have, it does not matter that it is connected to shore power. The generator is the main power source and will switch over to the gererator power when I start it. But we stay in camp grounds all the time with only 30 amp power. We operate only one A/C, turn the frig and the hot water on gas. If it is very hot I have operated both of the A/C units. They pull about 28-29 amps if both kick on at the same time then drop back with in an acceptable range. I have never had any issues with camping and using only 30 amp spots.
Your rig most likely has an energy management center to allow you to operate most items with out any problems. I would keep major items to operating one at a time.
I would suggest getting a plug in volt meter if your rig doesn't already have one. This would be beneficial to keep an eye out for low voltage which could cause you problems. Prime Products make a good unit model #12-0233.
The transfer switch will not like you to run shore power and genset.
Does you coach have a Energy Management System (EMS) that will limit your usage to 30A?
No doubt you have a Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) that will switch from shore power to gen power after the gen is started. Should be safe, however some will unplug first to protect against equipment failure. If for some reason the ATS connected to both shore and gen power at the same time due to a failure it could damage equipment.
CG power is subject to problems due to loose/worn plugs. Unlike your home where you almost never plug/unplug say the dryer or stove CG plugs get a lot of use. CG power is also subject to under wired plugs especially in older CGs but it can happen anywhere.
Buy a 30/20A adapter and household analyzer, for say $10 and check the plug before you plug in. I also use a 50/30A adapter and check the 50A power which tells me 3 of the 4 wires are OK.
Use a digital voltmeter and check the voltage. The Kill a Watt for $20+ is an excellent device and allows you to measure the amps and watts of any device that is plugged in (household type 15/20A plug). Excellent for refer, HW, MW, TVs etc. It will also monitor voltage and frequency.
There are many posts on all of the above and don't forget to also check the archives.
BTW You may/may not be able to run 2 ACs at the same time when it's hot. Ignore the posts that say you can without knowing your equipment. My ACs draw 15.5A and running 2 on 30A trips the breaker every time.
OP You may not be aware that the West Coast states have a huge air conditioner. It's the Pacific Ocean and it's cold water flows south and cools the coast. You'll probably have limited need for ACs but warm clothing is another matter.
You should have an auto transfer switch(ATS)(in the electric compartment, black box about 6 to 8 inches square) that allows you to remain plugged to shore power.. But whenever you do transfer load from one sourse to another(inverter, genset, and shore power), make sure you shut every thing off so you don't transfer large loads that may damage or wear the transfer switch.. As far as the 30 amp, we live on 30 amp in the winter time(6 months in Fl.), you just have to watch(amp meter) what you turn on, you'll be fine..
Mike..
PS: If you haven't I would schedule running(if you don't use it much) the genset and watering(checking) the batteries at the first of each month so you don't forget and have dry dead batteries and a genset that won't run when you want it to..Just thought I'd throw that out there since your new..
2003 Holiday Rambler Neptune 36 PBD 38' - ISB 300 Cummins w/Allison MH2000 5 speed
2009 HHR w/Blue Ox Aventa II & SMI Stay-n-Play Duo
FMCA - HRRVC - Chapters - 56,57,& 419 - Good Sam Life Member - Coach Net - 3/4 timers
Mike & Sharon
One thing to check/be aware of is to ensure your contacts are very clean on your 50 to 30 amp adapter. Buy some fine emmory paper and run over the contacts on the both the 50 amp plug and the 30 amp plug. This will cut down on any resistance/heat build up during high usage times.
Melissa & Steve (MNC USNR retired)
FMCA F335327, GS
'05 HR Ambassador 36PDD, Saturn Vue Toad
8.3L Cummins w/ 6sp Allison
Fulltiming NOW, 9 Months and counting to retirement
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