Transfer Switch Smoked

[Big J]

I was camping at Jekyll Island yesterday when we experienced a power failure. I went outside to check the power box expecting to find a tripped breaker. Instead I found the breaker in the "on" position. When I opened the compartment for the shore power cord smoke poured out and I could smell burned wiring. Apparently the transfer swith is fried. Luckily we live nearby and this was only a weekend trip. We disconnected services and drove home. I haven't opened the switch cover to inspect for damage but no external wiring appears to be damaged so at the most I'm expecting to purchase a new swith and perform the replacement myself. I'd like to know how many IRV2 members have experienced the same problem (did not find any similar problems when searching under "transfer switch" tonight). Also, do you have any recommendations on where to purchase the new switch? Winnebago dealer parts department sound expensive. Has anyone purchased one on line? If so which website? I would like to hear from anyone who has had to replace the switch themselves and where they purchased parts.

[Big J]

I was camping at Jekyll Island yesterday when we experienced a power failure. I went outside to check the power box expecting to find a tripped breaker. Instead I found the breaker in the "on" position. When I opened the compartment for the shore power cord smoke poured out and I could smell burned wiring. Apparently the transfer swith is fried. Luckily we live nearby and this was only a weekend trip. We disconnected services and drove home. I haven't opened the switch cover to inspect for damage but no external wiring appears to be damaged so at the most I'm expecting to purchase a new swith and perform the replacement myself. I'd like to know how many IRV2 members have experienced the same problem (did not find any similar problems when searching under "transfer switch" tonight). Also, do you have any recommendations on where to purchase the new switch? Winnebago dealer parts department sound expensive. Has anyone purchased one on line? If so which website? I would like to hear from anyone who has had to replace the switch themselves and where they purchased parts.

[DriVer]

I have just been there and done that. I would recommend that you get the Winnebago replacement part for the transfer switch because the new switch is solid state as opposed to the previous switch.

Your insurance should cover it. Now going forward install a Surge Guard. This hopefully will prevent a surge from the pedestal damaging your equipment.

My SG is installed so as to protect the panel from both pedestal and generator.

[MrTransistor]

Hi John,

A little expensive but well worth it is this;

Automated Engineering Corp.
AC Transfer Switch "AECS with ESP"
p.n. 10040A our cost for a demo unit was $549.00
from RT Enterprizes -- Ron 818-292-1268

Microprocessor based, tests incoming line for correct conditions before it will energize the contactor. Displays what errors it detects, like open ground, or line voltage if it's good. What I like best is that it will sense an open neutral on a 50 Amp. service and will refuse to connect the coach protecting TV's and sensitive electronics from severe over-voltage.

[Izzyblueye]

The surge guard is very good advice. My brother just had the same thing happen to him. It was caused by a electrical spike. $500.00 to repair, could have been worse, there was a fire, but it was contained in the metal box. I was in the lot next door to him and had no problem, my surge guard kicked in and stopped the damage.