ATS power sequence

[ralph0808]

I would like advice on your way of power off before connecting to shore power. I am in the process of replacing the ATS because of the PO must have connected & disconnected under heavy load conditions which has caused the switch to clack & click like a machine gun when swapping power source. I would like to start using the best sequence to safely power up & power down my system. Thanks for your help & advice.



2005 Alpine 40 FDQS
Thanks
Ralph

[Old Scout]

Frankly, I haven't paid much attention to a "power-up" protocol.....Some applications like your roof ACs have a built in delay before the compressors are activated. The other two big 120VAC draws I can think of are the hot water heater and the inverter [bat charger side]. Depending on type of inverter, you can deactivate the instant charge function in the menu. Not sure how quickly the hot water heater element gets up to speed but suppose you could ensure it was off.
The OEM x-fer switch on many Alpines was an AC-based model from Iota. My OEM switch went south fairly early, so I installed a Lyght DC-contactor model. No issues since....

[DrDaveMA]

Prior to disconnecting I shut off the Aqua Hot AC, assure both the AC's are shut off and since I have been plugged in for some amount of time, the inverter/battery charger should be in float so that is ready. While we are using the coach I leave the inverter on all the time (I have a residential refrigerator so if we loose power the refer will continue to run) even if on shore power at the campground.

To connect, I first check to see that the circuit breaker in the power pedestal is shut off, I then plug in the 50 amp cord and check my incoming power (I monitor AC volts, amps and frequency) if everything is within specs I proceed, if not, I resolve any issues. By that time if the power is good the transfer switch has engaged. I then go inside, and assuming I have just driven to the site I turn on the Aqua Hot AC switch (the engine coolant has been circulating through the Aqua Hot so it is up to temperature and switching on the AC does not place a load on the incoming power) and I then engage the AC units if required.

Let me know if you have an questions.


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Dave, Bobbi and Fenway

[ralph0808]

Thanks, guy's that is similar to what I have trying to get in the habit of doing. But with the old ATS it was clacking no matter the sequence that I used. But in the future I hope to minimize the loading during power up of the ATS.
Thanks


2005 Alpine 40 FDQS
Thanks
Ralph

[DrDaveMA]

Ralph, you need to search for threads about the transfer switch, if I remember correctly the chatter is indicative of problems, I think the contacts pit and cause the problem, do the search.


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Dave, Bobbi and Fenway

[wa8yxm]

The proper power source change:

Cut off major loads (A/C(s) Microwave, Water and space heaters)

Optionally.. Turn off main breaker (I usually do not)

Disable incoming power (Turn off PARK breaker,, Turn off generator)

IF you did not turn off Air contitioners and/or residential fridges,, Wait 3 minutes,, If you did, just a few seconds (Time to move from breaker to switch or the other way around) before starting Generator or turning park power back on.

IF restoring shore power.. Right away
If starting Generator: Wait for transfer to happen (Usually 30 to 60 seconds) then restart heat loads (Water heater,, Space heater). Wait 3 minutes (Shore) or another 2.5 (Generator) for A/C and Fridge.

That woks both directions

ALWAYS shut off active source first.. That is the only thing you truly need to remember ALWAYS shut off active source first.

[ralph0808]

Thanks guys for your support, I had the ATS replaced with my extended warranty. I just want to make sure that I minimize the load when connecting or disconnecting the ATS so it will function properly longer. But the original lasted 10+ years I hope to get 10+ years on this new one.
Thanks


2005 Alpine 40 FDQS
Thanks
Ralph