Transfer Switch ?

[edge68474]

How easy is it to damage the contacts in the transfer switch??
I had the MH plugged in to an outlet from my garage and a breaker tripped in the garage. I don't think I turned everything off in the MH when I reset the breaker. Now I don't have any power from the outlet in the MH.
I checked the breakers in the bedroom, reset them. No power. Looking through my manual I don't see any where else there is a breaker for that part of the system. Did I miss something? In the morning I am going to take a look around again and see what I can do.
If the contacts are damaged, can a person just replace those or do you replace the whole switch?
Thank you much. We want to leave Saturday morning. Need to get this straightened out.

[windsorbill]

Originally Posted by edge68474

How easy is it to damage the contacts in the transfer switch??
I had the MH plugged in to an outlet from my garage and a breaker tripped in the garage. I don't think I turned everything off in the MH when I reset the breaker. Now I don't have any power from the outlet in the MH.
I checked the breakers in the bedroom, reset them. No power. Looking through my manual I don't see any where else there is a breaker for that part of the system. Did I miss something? In the morning I am going to take a look around again and see what I can do.
If the contacts are damaged, can a person just replace those or do you replace the whole switch?
Thank you much. We want to leave Saturday morning. Need to get this straightened out.

What you did shouldn't damage the transfer switch. Is your EMS lighting up saying you have shore power?

Did you check to see if your invertor circuit breaker is tripped?
Mine is right on the invertor

[WA Larry]

Sorry, I'm not familiar with your coach model, but thinking out loud... No power to anything, or just a particular outlet? If the whole coach AC, check your power outlet from the garage and make sure you are actually getting power after resetting the breaker. If just an outlet or a series, is it a GFI protected circuit? Check or reset any GFCI receptacle breakers. The breakers in the bedroom, are they your main panel or GFCI?

Next, I would think about unplugging the MH and running the generator so the transfer switch moves to the generator input. If you're heading out on the road, it may be a good idea to run the generator and all of your systems anyway. Do you have AC power while running the generator?

After you exercise your systems from the generator, assuming you have AC power with it running, shut it down. Plug the MH back in. The transfer switch should switch back to provide power from the power cord. Try the coach AC power now.

Let us know your findings, and good luck.

[vsheetz]

Determine exactly what is not working. Non inverted items such as air conditioning? Just items on inverter circuits? Just 12vdc items? Do some of these work on generator but not shore power, or vice versa? Answering these questions will help you and others to close in on the fault.

[l1v3fr33ord1]

Larry-

Our coaches are the same year, make and length, with different floor plans. I believe that means our electrical systems are almost identical, if no one has modified them.

Below is the 120V equipment layout drawing for your coach.

A frequent culprit are the GFCI outlets. There is a reset button on the one in the bathroom. Press it and see if that restores 120V to the outlets.

I also sent you a private message.

[Rkesselus]

I would suggest you get a meter or test light and start at the transfer switch and see where you loose the power.

[funjnt]

I know in our coach all the ac outlets go through the one gfci breaker in the bedroom. So if the gfci trips which it will now and then when plugging in etc. all ac is out that goes through the inverter. I would check your gfci yes.

[RV Pirate]

I don't think you damaged the transfer switch. Start at the panel in the garage. Make sure you have reset the breaker. If it tripped like you said, you have to physically push it all the way off to reset it before turning back on. You with feel a little resistance as you push it towards off. After that, make sure the outlet in the garage now has power and then work your way thru your RV's electrical system starting where you plug into and working your way in. Hope this helps..

[edge68474]

You guys are the best, really. I only expected maybe one reply at this time of day, I'm an early riser, looks like some of you are to.
Ok then, I have some things to check out when it gets daylight. I was worried about this one. I am NOT handy when it comes to electrical. But I see in my future, electrical experiences. That's a good thing.
I have a multimeter but I'm not that up on it, YET.
I will get back to you. Thanks a bunch, you are Great.

[wa8yxm]

I suspect your problem is elsewhere.. Depending on the outlet and the motor home there are several suspects

First.. Automatic transfer switches do not care of HOT Switching under laod. that is start the generator WHILE connected to live shore power with the A/C's running (OR other heasvy loads) or shut the generator down WHILE PLUGGED IN ..

To "Fix" this two procedures
Starting generator.. Turn off main breaker, wait 3 minutesk start generator (NOTE You can skip turning off the breaker if shore power has failed)
Stopping .. Turn off main breaker, stop generator, wait 3 minutes and restore main breaker.

Hotswitching with low load (Just converter and perhaps TV) will not damage.

Now. You say you have no power from OUTLET inside the motor home.. Just one???? you did use the singular

Depending on the RV and outlet power path is...

Shore--Cord--Transfer switch==Breaker box-=(inverter)--(Sub panel)---(GFCi)---Outlet

IF it is the transfer switch NOTHING WILL WORK, not the Fridge not the Microwave and not the Air conditioner(s) (Use the fan only setting)

Some inverters (And generators too) have a circuit breaker or two on them others use sub panels That is I(F you have a circuit breaker

Outlets in areas where water may be present.. patio, Kitchen/bathroom sinks, Dining table, are supposed to be protected by a Ground Fault Detector (GFCI) Usually the outlet in the bathroom is the GFCI but theyu do hide them.

In that power path all items in Prens ( Item ) are optional depending on the RV (Inverter and sub panel) and path GFCI

[veraken]

Do you have a surge protector? If not, you should seriously consider installing one.

We have a Progressive Industries EMS unit installed before the transfer switch. The display tells me when power is present.

Progressive Industries, Inc. | Rv Surge Protection

[OLYLEN]

If you have no power to or in the coach the transfer switch is most likely the problem "IF" you have power at the power cord plug. Running the gen for a quick check for power would be a good check, but first If power at the plug I would whack the transfer switch with a rubber hammer or you hand, might be just hung up. Also might take the cover off the transfer switch and check all wires for position and being tight. Checking the power source, the Gen test and the transfer switch checks incoming power through the switch. Next is the power panel in the MH itself. Of course the meter is a great help as it confirms power right where you test. Lots of vids on the meter use, might just look for a couple minute to do a quick learn.

LEN

[edge68474]

I knew it. A simple thing, usually is for me.
The outlet in the garage I was plugged into was for work lights. There are 6 total in my garage. In order to lower the draw on the breaker, I turned OFF the lights. DUH. Turning OFF the lights, turns OFF the power . Do it again Larry, .
So with all of your help, I am learning, AGAIN. So I am going to SMILE, keep your notes I printed out, and load up the MH for tomorrows departure.
I'm kind of chuckling here, hope you are too. What can I say, except, thanks for your help, YOU ARE " THE BEST "
PS. Generator is exercising as we speak. Runs pretty smooth. I think we got a pretty good used MH with low miles, just under 30,000.
Have a GREAT DAY!!

[RV Pirate]

Glad it was that simple. I've learned a ton of stuff from the folks in here.. I'm sure you will too.