No Shore Power

[Greg813]

Hello all,
We have a 2014 Bounder 35k. Getting ready for a short trip next week and when we checked the coach it had no shore power. Power cord looks ok from shore to coach, inverter light is on green, but AC light is dark. Gave the surge protector/transfer switch a hand smack and all indicator lights came on and air started working.

Went back out today, and same situation. No power. Inverter light still green, but all other lights including AC were dead. Again, smacked Surge Protector and AC came on and all indicator lights on. Bad surge protector? Any hints or suggestions?

Thanks,
Debby

[CLIFFTALL]

What make/ model is your surge protector ?
Portable / hard wired ?
Factory or after market ?

[Solask]

The surge protector you refer to, is it the box that is mounted inside one of the bays? Meaning, you don't have a separate surge protector that is plugged into shore power pedestal and the power cord/plug?
If you are smacking a box mounted inside, that is your transfer switch/surge protector combo unit, that's not good news. Is the box a 40250 surge guard?

[Greg813]

Originally Posted by Clifftall

What make/ model is your surge protector ?
Portable / hard wired ?
Factory or after market ?

It's a hard wired TRC Surge Guard Transfer Switch model # 40250-RVC, came with the RV purchased new.

We also have a portable TRC surge guard on the power cord between the shore and the coach. It's a TRC Surge Guard model # 34750.

[CLIFFTALL]

As mentioned , that doesn't sound good. Might be a simple loose connection or corrosion.

[Dr4Film]

If it were me I would trash the problematic TRC Combo Surge/ATS device and install a reliable ATS such as the ESCO 50 amp LPTBRD.

Just use the Portable TRC Surge Guard provided that it checks and maintains good power, high and low voltage, open neutral and proper grounds, etc.

If it doesn't then deep 6 the TRC and purchase a Progressive Industries EMS HW-50C device which will protect your coach from errant power problems.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

[Greg813]

Originally Posted by Clifftall

As mentioned , that doesn't sound good. Might be a simple loose connection or corrosion.

The portable surge guard display indicates AC power and amps present, but apparently the transfer switch is not working properly.

When you say "not good", do you think new transfer switch is needed? Hate to have to cancel Disney trip for grandkids. Not sure we can get new one installed before mid next week.

[Solask]

I'll assume a couple things here.
- at the time of failure, you can look at the portable surge protector and see that it is registering good power on it display.
- you are smacking the internally mounted 40250 unit. If so, inside that box are some big contacts that are closed together via an electrical solenoid. If you've been using the portable surge protector all along, I find it disappointing that you could be having a transfer switch issue at this early age. That is, unless you are aware of some electrical issue at a campsite in your past.
You could open the transfer switch and make sure the contacts are clean and are not burned in any way. They can arc under some circumstances and that can cause a bad connection/contact. Just make sure you are unplugged from shore power...

[Greg813]

Originally Posted by Dr4Film

If it were me I would trash the problematic TRC Combo Surge/ATS device and install a reliable ATS such as the ESCO 50 amp LPTBRD.

Just use the Portable TRC Surge Guard provided that it checks and maintains good power, high and low voltage, open neutral and proper grounds, etc.

If it doesn't then deep 6 the TRC and purchase a Progressive Industries EMS HW-50C device which will protect your coach from errant power problems.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

Is there a way to disable the TRC transfer switch for this 5 day trip and as you say, just use the portable surge protector, and is this safe?

[Solask]

Originally Posted by Greg813

Is there a way to disable the TRC transfer switch for this 5 day trip and as you say, just use the portable surge protector, and is this safe?

No, power cable going into the transfer switch is hard wired as it is coming out through the cord. If you can't get it open and look at the mentioned contacts, then you need to get replaced

[Greg813]

Thanks so much for all your responses. We have so much to learn...

[mccsix]

Try removing just the portable guard and then check the operation. The problem may be in the simplest item to verify.