fjrjohnny
Northern WI
Full Member
Joined: 10/11/2011
View Profile
 Offline
|
Is it necessary to disconnect the shoreline from the tc before starting the generator and allowing the transfer switch to changeover?
|
pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
Senior Member
Joined: 12/18/2004
View Profile
Offline
|
Hi,
Necessary? Probably not. Good practise, YES.
Transfer switches last longer when there is no load or as near to zero load as is possible when they are made active. If they are switched often at full capacity the contacts may "burn" eventually, and leave the RV powerless.
Regards, Don
Kustom Koach Class C 28'5" 256 watts Unisolar, 875 amp hours in two battery banks 12 volt batteries, 2500 MSW watt inverter.
|
fjrjohnny
Northern WI
Full Member
Joined: 10/11/2011
View Profile
Offline
|
Well, here is the problem that I am having. Regardless of whether or nor the shoreline is plugged in, the transfer switch is not pulling-in on its own. If I take a wood dowel and press down on the switch, I can power everything from the generator. As soon as I take pressure off of the switch, the power goes away.
|
pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
Senior Member
Joined: 12/18/2004
View Profile
Offline
|
Hi,
Now you are finding out why I don't have a transfer switch. Check to see if the solenoid is "getting power". If it is, then it may have failed.
My inclination if it has failed is to replace it with a manual plug. I have two such plugs--one for my inverter, and one for my external generator.
|
fjrjohnny
Northern WI
Full Member
Joined: 10/11/2011
View Profile
Offline
|
So I assume that you just plug the tc's power cord into the generator some how?
|
|
|
gbopp
The Keystone State
Senior Member
Joined: 08/03/2008
View Profile
Offline
|
I always unplug from shore power before starting the generator and, shut down the generator before plugging into shore power.
I think pianotuna has the best solution, it eliminates any possible problems with a transfer switch.
|
fjrjohnny
Northern WI
Full Member
Joined: 10/11/2011
View Profile
Offline
|
I know that others have recommeded the same course of actions.
Just so that I can find the source of the problem, does anyone know the easiest way to determine if the switch is getting power to pull it in?
|
pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
Senior Member
Joined: 12/18/2004
View Profile
Offline
|
Hi Johnny,
Yes, I have a dedicated outlet in the shore power cord box that runs to the rear of my class C where I keep a rack and generator. It's quite convenient as it gives me an extra five or six feet of "reach" for doing shore power as well.
You will need a volt meter, and an ohm meter to check for continuity. I know little about transfer switches.
|
fjrjohnny
Northern WI
Full Member
Joined: 10/11/2011
View Profile
Offline
|
Thanks Pianotuna, I appreciate the responses.
|
3 tons
CA.
Senior Member
Joined: 03/13/2009
View Profile
Offline
|
fjrjohnny wrote:I know that others have recommeded the same course of actions.
Just so that I can find the source of the problem, does anyone know the easiest way to determine if the switch is getting power to pull it in?
When the ATS switch 'sees' shore power it should automatically align to that path (regardless if the generator is running or not). If shore power is not present, the ATS will default to genset power until it sees shore power again. In my view ATS's are outstanding in their 'intended' operation, making life much simpler (yes, contact life can be greatly extended when not switching under loads - but then why have an automated ATS??...I view this as a design parameter, not an operational pathogen). I have added two (the other one for the 2000w inverter) and marvel at the way they seamlessly cascade power. In 3 yrs I have yet to have a problem. Personally, as to the automation I wouldn't have it any other way.
Best Regards,
3 tons
|
|
|
