Generator question

[2romrs]

My generator is supplying electricity to the automatic switch box but the box is not switching to the generated power to operate the coach electricity. Shore power works fine through the switch box. RV repair shop replaced automatic switch box today and still doesn't work. They are stumped on the problem. Has anyone had this problem and might know the solution?

2romrs

[RV Wizard]

2romrs, welcome to iRV2.com. We are glad to have you join us here and we look forward to reading of your adventures and experiences. How have you verified the voltage coming into the transfer switch from generator? A digital volt meter can be mis leading if the circuit breaks down under load. I would recommend the power be put straight into coach or to a heavy load before the transfer switch. If the generator does not push the load then the problem is between the transfer switch to the and possibly including the generator. Good luck and keep us posted.

[wa8yxm]

If you have verified that power is coming into the ATS, and none out then the answer is simple.. The ATS is bad.

Now: One common failure is sticking relays.

A RUBBER hammer may jar 'em loose,, Just enough to shake 'em up, not enough to break them please

But if that don't do it.. (And even if it does) a new ATS or in the "does" case new relays may be in order

[2romrs]

Thanks for the info. This morning the shop put another new A/T switch in and it works fine now.
Again thanks
2romrs

[wa8yxm]

Glad to hear it... Worked for me too when my original one failed (Under warranty thank heavens)

One thing they don't always tell you.... What causes it to fail

It is recommended that you turn off all big ticket items, (And perhaps even some of the small ticket ones) when firing up, or shutting down, the genny.. This includes Air Conditioners, Water heater (Electric side) even the fridge, and Televisions

The reason: High current items (WH & A/Cs) will cause serious arching of the relay contacts as current tries it's darnedest to continue to flow.. You have no idea how high the voltage gets across those contacts when they open (I could calc it out but frankly don't wish to, I do know it's big)

The smaller loads, (electronic loads) don't care for the voltage spikes that can happen when you transfer.. Hence shutting them down protects them.

(I also disable electric heaters if I have 'em)

NOTE: if you are starting the generator during a power fail (IN this case all loads are idle and no current is flowing) it's not so bad, you can go ahead and fire up the genny w/o shutting everything down first.. You may, however, pop a breaker on the genny if you do that