Question??? When Running Generator should Shore power be UnPlugged

Latitude · 07-23-2009, 05:26 AM

I was camped at my Brother in Laws for 3 days. I had the Coach plugged in to his shop on a 15 Amp circuit, Which worked very well for running the Fridge, Battery charger.

But in the evening as the coach was very hot inside I would unplug and Start up the Gen. to run the Air Coditioners.

Was it necessary to unplug???

Would it be necessary to unplug from a 30 Amp or 50 Amp service before running the Gen.

Still Learning and Asking????

Rick

oemtech · 07-23-2009, 06:22 AM

If your transfer switch is working correctly - no not in my opinion.

tmitchell · 07-23-2009, 07:36 AM

Your transfer switch only allows one source at a time, so you should not have to unplug.
But... I always do, just to be on the safe side.
Tom

Lug_Nut · 07-23-2009, 08:04 AM

No Rick, you can leave it plugged in. The transfer switch favours the genset and will automatically switch to genset power if the set is running. When you turn off the genset, you will be without power for about 15 seconds or so, then the shore power will switch in.

wa8yxm · 07-23-2009, 10:45 AM

The only thing I will add is this: Before starting or stopping the generator TURN OFF all heavy power users, Air, Conditioning is a given but don't forget the water heater

Latitude · 07-24-2009, 05:53 AM

Thanks All

Thats what I was thinking That i did not Have to unplug But was not Sure!!

Won't need the AC to day We are in Wells Maine and it is Raining BIG TIME!!

No Beach walking today, But there is LOTS of Lobster to be eaten!!

Took the drive by of George W's summer Home Very nice "Little" Place.

His "Fishing Boat" is a big centre console with 800 HP!! The Dock lad was saying GW likes to be the fastest Boat out there!!!

Rick

Max Hubrich · 07-24-2009, 09:03 AM

Latitude---

My thoughts---

If it was harmful, there would be "WARNING" placards all over the place. I've done it before with no problems. I also would reduce the AC load before changing the source.

Which one has priority to power the rig --- Shore power or generator ??

Maybe it's the last one that is used--

.

We are having a Nor'easter in coastal Maine today--- Ugh!

Lobsters are selling near me for $4.75/lb---- any size. Many lobster men are quitting hauling.

Latitude · 07-24-2009, 10:08 AM

Hi Max

We SURE are having a Nor Easter!!!

Good day for Reading and Laundry.

We are going out to get some of that Lobster!!!!

Where are you in Maine??

Rick

a k · 07-28-2009, 02:22 PM

I think my Essex favors the shore power when pluged in. I don't think you can run off gen when you have hot shore power. I might be wrong

Lug_Nut · 07-28-2009, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a k

I think my Essex favors the shore power when pluged in. I don't think you can run off gen when you have hot shore power. I might be wrong

Actually it is the opposite. The genset is the default power. If you start it when plugged in it will take over, everytime.

Peter

Max Hubrich · 07-28-2009, 07:44 PM

Thanks Peter--- That's good to know

.

Latitude · 07-29-2009, 05:54 AM

I have done some further checking and on my Coach the Gen is also the main/default power source.

Rick

a k · 07-29-2009, 08:44 AM

The Gen is the main source, but if your system is plugged into a hot power source, it runs off the power cord. The 220 volt power cord makes the transfer switch and unlocks the gen So if you are hooked into shore power and your generator is running, it has no load on it. The transfer switch is made to the gen only when there is no shore power to the switch.