Community Forums

Pfdivelaw · 07-28-2018, 09:16 PM

We're newbies and can't figure out how to switch the a/c from shore power to generator. I thought coach had ATS, but doesn't seem to work. Coach is 2005 Dolphin.
Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

firedoc · 07-28-2018, 09:40 PM

If you have an ATS that is working, it should default to generator whenever gen power is available. If it does not you either do not have ATS or yours is defective.

chboone · 07-28-2018, 11:17 PM

Without a transfer switch you need to plug the shore cord into a receptacle that is powered by your generator. The receptacle should be in the same bay your shore cord is stowed.

nothermark · 07-28-2018, 11:26 PM

And just to help out A/C = Air Conditioning. AC = Alternating Current power, generally 120 or 240 VAC.

If you are really trying to switch the Air Conditioning you might get better results with a better description of what you are doing.

TonyMac · 07-28-2018, 11:32 PM

DO NOT run the A/C while switching AC from shore to genset, or vice versa. Reduce your AC load as much as possible then switch AC sources. I can get mine as low as about 5 amps, fridge to propane and shut off the charger as well. You should then wait several minutes for the pressures in the A/C to equalize before you start them on their new source of AC.

twinboat · 07-29-2018, 05:26 AM

Check the breakers on the generator itself. If they are tripped, it will not switch over.

JJH3rd · 07-29-2018, 08:09 AM

From sad experience I have developed this protocol: turn off everything that draws a significant load: HVAC, Refrigerator, then shut down the generator, THEN flip the breaker at the power pole to ON. I do the reverse when disconnecting prior to moving.
If things get hung up (fail to start), I cycle the battery disconnect and that seems to reset the electrical system.

BTW, when you flip the 50A breaker at the power pole, you should hear a "thunk" or "click" from the transfer switch in the electrical bay. If you don't the transferr switch is suspect.

Also, the two circuit breakers on the generator need to be checked to be sure that they are "on". The HVAC "probably" won't work if only one side to the 240 V is powered, unless you flip the switch in the electrical bay (the one behind the CATV plug), to down for 30A (1 comressor) HVAC.

I know, TMI, but troubleshooting can be complicated.