Using Generator with Shore Power

[Tom & Diane]

We have an Astoria PE 3772, Can I safely run the generator while connected to shore power? Here's the situation, most small campgrounds only provide 30 amps. There are times I need to run the A/C, the microwave and a toaster oven all at the same time. I would like to start the gen set (for 50 amps) while cooking, and then shut it down and return to 30amps. I have been told that this practice will burn out coach electronics. I shut off the A/C while returning back to 30 amps. (To prevent brown out.) Any Ideas?

[Tom & Diane]

We have an Astoria PE 3772, Can I safely run the generator while connected to shore power? Here's the situation, most small campgrounds only provide 30 amps. There are times I need to run the A/C, the microwave and a toaster oven all at the same time. I would like to start the gen set (for 50 amps) while cooking, and then shut it down and return to 30amps. I have been told that this practice will burn out coach electronics. I shut off the A/C while returning back to 30 amps. (To prevent brown out.) Any Ideas?

[Hurricaner]

You can do it but it is not a good idea. Very hard on the transfer switch and generator.

Sam

[kayo]

There is a pigtail you can get at Camping World for your 50 amp plug, which allows you to plug into two 30 amp recepticles or a 30 and a 20 to run your AC. (need to insure that the 20 and 30 are separate circuits or it wil blow a campground fuze)

[Hurricaner]

They also will not work if the 20 amp outlet is a GFI which has been required since the 70s.

Sam

[Chandler]

Tom and Diane...When you are using the shore power and start the genset, it automatically switches the load from the shore side to the generator side. The transfer switch has a set of contacts that simply move from one position to another. If a load is present, they will arc...both breaking and making. This will pit the contacts and shorten their life. Also, if you are running the genny and shut it off while a load is present, there could be a voltage spike that could fry your controller board on the generator. (I know, I did it)
The best way to do this is a pain but will ensure you have no problems. Shut the power off at the pedestal before starting the generator or, at the least shut everything you can off in the coach, especially the A/C. Then start the genset. Shut everything off again before you push "stop" on the generator.
If you go to your generators website this may be covered under their frequently asked questions section.

Hope this helps.

Chandler

[Hurricaner]

Good post Chandler. It is also a good idea to let the gen run for at least a few minutes without a load both on startup and shutdown. This allows the engine to warm up and cool down gradually.

Sam

[george henry]

last 2 posts says it all. good jobs guys!!!!!!!!