Automatic Power Switch Problem

[Zertman]

Hi Everyone!
I have a Country Couch motor home that I am having a problem with the automatic power switch. It switches the AC power going to the RV from either shore power or the generator. I have AC power coming in from the shore power into the switch but its not keeping the power connected to the RV. The switch has a push-in button on the front. If I push the button in, it connects the power to the RV but if I let it go the button will pop back out and stop the power. The switch also has two brown wires (shown in the pic) coming out of it but are not connect to anything because I didn't know where they should be connected to. I'm guessing the problem is due to those wires not being connected to where they should be. The picture shows three groups of large wires connected to the switch: top left is from shore, top right is from the generator, and bottom left is to the RV. Please someone help with this problem.
Thanks!

[Skip426]

Welcome to iRV2.
Your picture didn't come through. They have to be a certain size to download to the forums . Posting info in " FAQ " drop box, center of the blue bar above. Could you also post the year of your coach and brand name of the power switch if it doesn't show in the picture.

EDIT: in " Files " drop box , also in the blue bar , there is info on a couple of different types of transfer switches.

[Zertman]

The year of the RV is 1995 and the make of the switch is "Todd Engineering Sales". I put the picture as an attachment now.

[Skip426]

Todd , is the same brand as my coach a 99, the company didn't survive the down turn in the industry in 08.
All that black around doesn't look good.
I have my manuals and I'll see if the installation manual covers that wiring.

[BFlinn181]

The brown wire in the upper left that shows no connection also shows only about 2 wire strands at the connector under the screw terminal. Other wires show strands not twisted and captured under clamps. Looks like a short waiting to happen.

[Skip426]

Ok , actually only have an owners manual , not an installation manual and the brown wires aren't mentioned, although they are hooked up on my 50 amp coach. I'll have to re-open the box and check the actual hook up.
Here's an older picture. Raining here so it may be tomorrow before I can get more info.

[Skip426]

Zertman, I have the manual scanned into my computer, but the info is too large and too many pages to post here. If you click on my name in this post, and select " send a private message " send me your e mail address, and I'll forward the 8 pages I have. I'll get more info when the rain stops.

EDIT: Another question , is this a new problem, has the switch ever worked ? Or you just got the coach and your trying to get this working?

[Zertman]

Thanks for your help so far. I see in the pic you posted that the brown wires are connected to something around the back of the switch.

I am actually asking about this problem for my Grampa. I am pretty sure the switch has worked because we have had the RV for many years but it hasn't been used in a long time.

I am not even sure the switch is broken because my Grampa took it out for a reason he doesn't even remember. He disconnected the brown wires but, of course, doesn't remember where they were connected to.

How do those buttons on the switch, work exactly? Do you push them in and then they stay in if there is power flowing?

I PMed my email.

[Dr4Film]

If it were me since the old transfer switch has been removed from the coach, I would spend $150 for the ESCO LPT50BRD Transfer Switch.

This model is one of the standards in the RV industry.

Just my two cents worth!

Dr4Film ----- Richard

[Skip426]

I've e mailed you back what I have , there is a delay control board in my switch , operating is shown by the green LED in my photo, I'll need a close look to see if that's where the wiring is hooked up.
More info when the rain stops.
Has it been 40 days yet ?

[Zertman]

Thanks for the diagrams and replies. I also posted this problem on another forum and they seemed to figure out the problem.

Please see if you concur with what they say:
Automatic Power Switch problem

[Skip426]

Some useful info there , good diagrams , I now have more info on my system. I'll do a visual on the delay board wiring to see if the brown wires are attached . ASAP.

[Zertman]

I tested the side switch using a volt meter. It reads a open across the leads without pushing the switch down. Does this mean that the side switch is bad?