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Solask · 08-26-2012, 11:06 AM

Same genset as in my 1998 Chieftain. Onan Emerald Plus 4000...I have two breakers they are side by side but look different..one is a 30amp. and the other is a 15 amp I believe. Our setups could be different, and I sure dont want to waste your time and frustrate you further. This is a strange problem and you wouldnt think a breaker issue would cause it anyway since you have some power and function going on with the microwave with the exception of heating. Only on shore power does it heat.
So, it has to be either a genset or transfer switch issue. (the mechanism that senses whether you are on generator or shore power)

Solask · 08-27-2012, 06:45 PM

Hi Siebrands, any update on this problem? I for one am anxious to know how this turns out for you...

Siebrands · 08-28-2012, 07:45 AM

Generator/Microwave Update: I have had no luck getting my microwave oven turntable to spin while running the generator. I phoned Emerson [microwave brand] and spoke to a technician who told me that my complaint has been heard before. Apparently, the microwave senses a fluctuating current from the generator and hence the turntable refuses to turn. The tech told me I'd have to live w/it. I don't know if some or all other microwaves have the same problem or not. At this time, I don't plan to replace my microwave in my RV; however, if I do, it won't be an Emerson.

Solask · 08-28-2012, 08:16 AM

Hard to believe eh Siebrands? Can you get your hands on a countertop microwave from somewhere to use as a test?
I reviewed this thread and didnt notice whether you had a TV on the RV and whether it works on shore vs genset.

nightriderrv · 08-28-2012, 08:23 AM

Test your voltage at the plugs with gennie only to see what the output is that will help in the voltage question

DAN L · 08-29-2012, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Siebrands

Generator/Microwave Update: I have had no luck getting my microwave oven turntable to spin while running the generator. I phoned Emerson [microwave brand] and spoke to a technician who told me that my complaint has been heard before. Apparently, the microwave senses a fluctuating current from the generator and hence the turntable refuses to turn. The tech told me I'd have to live w/it. I don't know if some or all other microwaves have the same problem or not. At this time, I don't plan to replace my microwave in my RV; however, if I do, it won't be an Emerson.

there is strange stuff happening in your rv. maybe this resource will help.

RV Electric

Bowser · 08-30-2012, 12:39 AM

Turn off the refrigerator and and any other power draws on the generator and try again. Same thing happened to me on a very hot day. The generator wouldn't operate anything but the microwave.

windydaboo · 08-30-2012, 12:53 AM

On my last Rv with the same genset i would turn off the a/c and/or heat (the big load appliances) before using the microwave. The genset just didn't have the guts to run them all at once. I learned this the hard way when the original microwave went up in smoke. Serious smoke that caused an immediate emergency evacuation of the RV. It had worked in the past(using mic and a/c at once) but I could tell by the genset noise it was really being loaded down when I did it. It took just one too many times before the mic fried. After the smoke cleared and I checked the mic out, the display still worked, but it wouldn't run.

Siebrands · 08-30-2012, 12:22 PM

Generator-Microwave Problem: Yesterday an electrician did some work for me on my garage. When he finished, I asked him to test the voltage of my generator in the RV. He did and said the generator was running fine, and the voltage was okay. Today I took the Emerson microwave out of the RV and replaced it with my in-house Sears Kenmore of the same wattage. It works fine with the generator running. So the Emerson is in my house now, and the Kenmore is in the rig. Who would have suspected you could buy a small microwave for your RV and not have it work on the generator but work on shore power? End of story!

Midniteoyl · 08-30-2012, 12:58 PM

Maybe not clean enough power? Dunno.. You can get that electrician to check if he has an oscilloscope..

Siebrands · 08-30-2012, 03:48 PM

Yeah. We talked about that, sine wave and all. However, he said that was so unlikely it was only a remote consideration.

ga traveler · 08-30-2012, 03:55 PM

Have you checked the output voltage on the generator? It is not good for it, but a Ac will run at 95 volts. Microwaves are much more voltage sensitive than AC's. Get a meter and check for at least 115 volts.

garym114 · 08-30-2012, 04:02 PM

Like my daddy said, "I don't understand all I know about this."

Solask · 08-30-2012, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Siebrands

Generator-Microwave Problem: Yesterday an electrician did some work for me on my garage. When he finished, I asked him to test the voltage of my generator in the RV. He did and said the generator was running fine, and the voltage was okay. Today I took the Emerson microwave out of the RV and replaced it with my in-house Sears Kenmore of the same wattage. It works fine with the generator running. So the Emerson is in my house now, and the Kenmore is in the rig. Who would have suspected you could buy a small microwave for your RV and not have it work on the generator but work on shore power? End of story!

Siebrands, thanks for keeping us updated...that is just wacky I tell ya..When you say the Emerson is now in the house, you mean to say that it works fine there? I guess so since you've already told us that it worked fine on shore power..