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catonine · 04-12-2017, 07:22 AM

]I have a 2011 Southwind 32V. I just noticed that my inverter is not charging batteries when generator (5500 Onan) is running. Batteries will charge when hooked to shore power. Also, when generator is on there are 4 outlets that don't work. The remote for inverter shows the inverter is on but not inverting nor charging batteries. The indicator lights for bulk, float or absorb are not on. When hooked to shore power inverter shows that it is charging batteries, indicator lights on, and meter agrees with this. I have checked fuses, breakers, GFCI, and breakers on generator and the inverter Magnum 1212). All seems good. Any suggestions as next step would be appreciated. Thanks

okcnewbie · 04-12-2017, 08:23 AM

I assume you have a transfer switch or something that automatically switches from genset to shore?

You say you've checked breakers but on the other hand you have four outlets that aren't working on the genset. Are you sure that the genset is handling a load? Can you run the AC with the genset? Sorry I can't help more but just trying to get more info.

computerguy · 04-12-2017, 11:05 AM

The generator produces 120v AC. This AC then goes to a circuit breaker. This breaker should then feed 120v power to a converter (not an inverter although you do have a dual function inverter/converter MM1212). The converter then converts 120v power to 12v power and charges the batteries.
1) Check the breakers on the generator. There should be 2
2) Check the breakers on the main AC panel (main and the individual for the inverter/converter)
3) Check the remote for a way to turn the charger on.
4) Check the circuit breaker on the inverter/converter itself

catonine · 04-12-2017, 04:48 PM

I can run one ac with the generator but there is no power to the other ac with generator running. On shore power the second ac gets power and runs. I flipped breakers on generator several times but no luck. Also checked house breakers and no luck.
Thanks

catonine · 04-12-2017, 04:51 PM

I have already done these things and no luck. When generator is running those four outlets don't work and only one ac will work. The inverter only indicates it is on, but not inverting the power or charging batteries. On shore power these problems go away. Thanks

catonine · 04-12-2017, 04:53 PM

Ys, there is an automatic transfer switch.

mojoracing · 04-12-2017, 08:41 PM

Sounds like the one leg of generator power is not there. Check for voltage out of gen on both legs. Perhaps a bad breaker on the gen or perhaps it is not connected to the breaker panel or worked loose. By the sound of it, I would guess it is the rear air not working?

mojoracing · 04-12-2017, 08:43 PM

My inverter actually has a cutoff switch for the inverter in the compartment above the propane tank near the BCC. Is that switched on?

catonine · 04-13-2017, 04:53 AM

Majoracing-- Switch is on. Inverter works on shore power but not on generator. I agree that generator may have a leg. Yes it is the rear ac that want work on generator but does when hooked to shore power. I am not confident enough in my electrical ability so I have to find someone that is. I flipped generator breakers off and on several times in hope it would clean them if needed, no luck. Thanks

D Lindy · 04-13-2017, 05:06 AM

Could it be that one of the contacts in the Auto Transfer Switch is sticking and not connecting that leg off the generator? Turn off ALL power and open the transfer switch and check for burned contacts.

mojoracing · 04-13-2017, 08:02 AM

That leg that feeds the rear ac and obviously the inverter as its not powering up and Im sure it powers the four outlets that dont work on gen, is not getting power to the breaker panel. So, that leaves a few options. Either gen is not putting out power on that leg due to bad breaker, power not getting through transfer switch on that leg or power not getting to main breaker box. Not too complicated but if your not comfortable with doing it, by all means get someone that is and give them the low down. They should have you up and running in short order.

catonine · 04-13-2017, 02:20 PM

Mojoracing- I believe you are correct with what is wrong. My knowledge and abilities working with electricity is limited so I will get it to someone that has the expertise and let them repair it. I will feel much better getting a professional to fix this problem than I would with me blindly stumbling around trying to fix. Just have to take a deep breath and pay a tech.
Thanks for response.

tropical36 · 04-15-2017, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catonine

]I have a 2011 Southwind 32V. I just noticed that my inverter is not charging batteries when generator (5500 Onan) is running. Batteries will charge when hooked to shore power. Also, when generator is on there are 4 outlets that don't work. The remote for inverter shows the inverter is on but not inverting nor charging batteries. The indicator lights for bulk, float or absorb are not on. When hooked to shore power inverter shows that it is charging batteries, indicator lights on, and meter agrees with this. I have checked fuses, breakers, GFCI, and breakers on generator and the inverter Magnum 1212). All seems good. Any suggestions as next step would be appreciated. Thanks

As indicated by others, you're only getting power to one leg and whether it's of the same potential or of opposite potential. Either a problem with the genset itself and or it's circuit breakers or with the transfer switch. I'd probably start at the transfer sw. and work my way back, unless I saw something obvious.
Some gensets have a 20amp breaker on them that only feeds the rear air and nothing else, but would imagine that some might use this circuit for a bit more, since most rear ac's do not require a full 20amp supply.

catonine · 04-16-2017, 08:45 AM

Thanks to all that replied Problem was one leg had worked loose an generator only putting out 30Amps. With help from you folks, I did a little more digging before paying to have it done (but did have help on site by BIL who knows electrical side of these things). A big THANKS to all of you. John