Automatic Transfer Switch problem?????

[racer0624]

Ok, when on shore power, everything's works fine. Plenty of voltage, everything runs well. When I unplug and start the Onan I now get zero voltage on the overhead panel! A/C's won't run, etc. I cycled the circuit breaker on the Onan to no avail. I checked the circuit breakers in the main panel inside,,,,,,nope. So, it sounds like an ATS that's not switching to the Onan. How do I determine if that's it? Any other ideas?
Thanks,

[siggyd]

The 1st thing to do is check the breaker at the generator,switch it OFF, then On. See if that fixes the problem.
2nd. check with a meter ,if you get any voltage coming from the generator.
Siggy

[Luv2go]

I see you cycled the breaker on the generator. You'll need a meter for the next steps, as Siggy suggested.

Locate your ATS and remove the cover with all power off so you can inspect it. Get familiar with where generator power comes in and power comes our, then power up the generator and look for voltage from line to neutral on the generator input and the output.

If you find voltage there and not on the output, it's the transfer switch. If you don't find voltage there, it's your generator.

Good Luck!
Stewart

[stubeje]

Quote:

Originally Posted by racer0624 Ok, when on shore power, everything's works fine. Plenty of voltage, everything runs well. When I unplug and start the Onan I now get zero voltage on the overhead panel! A/C's won't run, etc. I cycled the circuit breaker on the Onan to no avail. I checked the circuit breakers in the main panel inside,,,,,,nope. So, it sounds like an ATS that's not switching to the Onan. How do I determine if that's it? Any other ideas? Thanks,

Mine did the same thing...take the cover off of the ATS and see if there is a little board in there that has a switch on it. That will be your time delay. If the green light is not on then the board is defective. You can move the "dip" switch on the board to the other setting and by-pass the time delay but you need to throw the main first and after a few minutes turn the main disconnect back on. Remember to also throw the main before shutting the gen down for a few minutes for cool down.
You didn't say what brand of ATS you have so if it is not an IOTA you might not have the one like mine.

[frankdamp]

Maybe try starting the genny while shore power is still hooked up. After all, the job of the transfer switch is to kill shore power before letting the generator on line. If it doesn't do that, it may help you sort out what the problem is.

[racer0624]

Thanks for the many good ideas. I'll get to work when "quiet time" in the campground is over and post results.
I also noticed there is a Newmar dealer on our planned route today.

[Latitude]

John

As mentioned check the 'Time Delay Board'

It is inside the TS to the back and is about 2" x 2". It has a dip switch marked with a 'I' Inoperative and a 'O' Operative. Yours should be set to 'O'
move it to 'I' and try your Gen.
Make sure your A/C's are off as the sudden power up could damage them.

Rick

[racer0624]

I stopped at Dave's RV in Danbury, CT. The ATS was fried. It was changed out in an hour and we were on our way again. Thanks for the tips.

["007"]

DO you have a surge protector of some type?

[racer0624]

Yes, I have a permanent mounted Progressive-50amp unit that's wired to protect the ATS and house from shore power but not Onan power. Interesting huh?
I'm only 1 month past warranty and will see if Newmar will do a "Good Will" warranty.