No 120 30amp shore power after accidental generator start

[yankinva]

An accidental start of generator while plugged into a 120 30amp source has apparently "killed off" the 120 shore feed. Generator works fine and feeds ac etc. Tramsfer switch problem? Any easy fix??

[yankinva]

An accidental start of generator while plugged into a 120 30amp source has apparently "killed off" the 120 shore feed. Generator works fine and feeds ac etc. Tramsfer switch problem? Any easy fix??

[dirko]

Hi Ho: It is actually not a problem to start the generator with shore power connected. Most likely problem is a tripped breaker. However a transfer switch problem is also possible. A test light or VOM is the way to troubleshoot this kind of thing. Just check where the voltage is and where it isn't.
Dirk

[tomsm]

While plugged into shore power and with the generator off, give the transfer switch a couple of whacks with the big end of a screwdriver. It may just be stuck...

[AFChap]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">give the transfer switch a couple of whacks </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
The contacts in the transfer switch can be "burned" if transfer takes place while large loads are present. Thus the recommendation to turn off large loads before starting/stopping the generator when connected to shore power. I had to give my original transfer switch a good whack with the heel of my hand a few times to make it kick in until it was terminated by lightning last year. The new transfer switch has never caused any problems.

[porscheracer]

Although you CAN power up the generator while plugged in to shore power (and as far as I know, the transfer panel will automatically go to the generator when it's on) - I use the same precautions I do regardless of whether I'm plugging in / unplugging, or starting / shutting down the generator. In short - make sure no high current devices are on line (A/C, washer / dryer, electric WH).

Over time, We've accidentally blown up one generator control board and one surge capacitor on the washer by not being more careful (and informed) about these procedures.

[yankinva]

The "whack the transfer switch" solution actually worked!

Thanks.

[dirko]

Hi Ho: Since you didn't mention drawig a heavy load at the time, I didn't even think about that. We alwayscheck to make sure heavy load things are turned off before causing the transfer switch to change position. Actually, if you have a "surge guard" starting the generator won't do anything until after a minute or so while the generator warms up and the voltage etc. check is taking place. I think this is a good reason to have a surge guard installed.

I even have my wife trained to turn off stuff before turning generator off etc. Not bad, huh?

Dirk