Transfer switch issue

[DNHOFFMAN]

A new issue came up today on our new-to-us 2001 Monaco Diplomat; it's been working fine, plugged into the 20 amp circuit in my shop. With the front air conditioner running, the EMS shows it drawing 14 amps. Today, with the front a/c running, plugged into the 20 amp circuit, I was testing & sanitizing the water system. I first tested the propane water heater, which worked fine. Turned off the propane heater &, without thinking, flipped the switch to turn on the electric water heater. In 10-15 seconds, the water heater shut off, the a/c shut off, & no lights showing on the EMS panel. Checked all the circuit breakers in the coach, the inverter & in my shop & still no 110 v service. Fired up the generator & everything works fine, including the EMS panel working. Could this have done damage to the automatic transfer switch, a Parallax ATS 501, or am I missing something else?

[2004Horizon]

Did your 2001 Monaco come with a Parallax 501? ... I think not!

Also, do you have rooftop AC or do you have a basement AC? IDK. I'm just asking?

I know you have "50A Service" but not all ATS are built the same even though they say they are 50A Service.

[2004Horizon]

Just to confirm, your PMS (and loads) works on generator and not on shore power... Hummm???

Here's what I think is going on:

On shore power you are running an extension cord which is overheating your 20A circuit breaker.

Solution: Go to a thicker extension cord. I.e., if you are using a 14g extension cord you now need a 12g entension cord.

Yes... i know your 14 used to work, but now it does not. I get that. ...Here's the thing: Your 20A breaker is getting weaker.

A) Change the breaker to a new 20A. Or...

B) Change the gauge of your extension cord from 14g to 12g and see if that works?

PS
A Paralax 501 is not the best replacement for a Parallax 5070. Why? The 501 uses Chinese Contactors and the 5070 uses old-school 8-pin contacts that can handle more amps on a continuous basis.

[DNHOFFMAN]

Originally Posted by 2004Horizon

Just to confirm, your PMS (and loads) works on generator and not on shore power... Hummm???

Here's what I think is going on:

On shore power you are running an extension cord which is overheating your 20A circuit breaker.

Solution: Go to a thicker extension cord. I.e., if you are using a 14g extension cord you now need a 12g entension cord.

Yes... i know your 14 used to work, but now it does not. I get that. ...Here's the thing: Your 20A breaker is getting weaker.

A) Change the breaker to a new 20A. Or...

B) Change the gauge of your extension cord from 14g to 12g and see if that works?

PS
A Paralax 501 is not the best replacement for a Parallax 5070. Why? The 501 uses Chinese Contactors and the 5070 uses old-school 8-pin contacts that can handle more amps on a continuous basis.

Yes, it's a Parallax ATS 501 & that is what was in the coach when we got it. You may be right about the 20 amp circuit breaker & extension cord. i'll check them next & let you know. thanks.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Back to basics. Start at the 20A outlet you plugged to and see if there is still 120v available. If yes, work your way toward the coach to see where power is lost. If no, work toward the house source to do the same. Somewhere there is no 120v power.

[DNHOFFMAN]

Originally Posted by 2004Horizon

Just to confirm, your PMS (and loads) works on generator and not on shore power... Hummm???

Here's what I think is going on:

On shore power you are running an extension cord which is overheating your 20A circuit breaker.

Solution: Go to a thicker extension cord. I.e., if you are using a 14g extension cord you now need a 12g entension cord.

Yes... i know your 14 used to work, but now it does not. I get that. ...Here's the thing: Your 20A breaker is getting weaker.

A) Change the breaker to a new 20A. Or...

B) Change the gauge of your extension cord from 14g to 12g and see if that works?

PS
A Paralax 501 is not the best replacement for a Parallax 5070. Why? The 501 uses Chinese Contactors and the 5070 uses old-school 8-pin contacts that can handle more amps on a continuous basis.

Problem solved; you were correct, it was the circuit breaker in my shop that was "weak". It had tripped, but didn't LOOK like it had tripped. Thanks for your help.

[2004Horizon]

You are welcome.

This reminds of water heater trouble...

Tip: The next time you gas water heater does not stay on, first try removing the thermostats that press up against your tank... and sand paper off the electrolysis that is preventing them from making contact with the tank. ...Just be sure you maintain the plastic insulator between the springs.

...If you don't know what I'm talking about, it all will make sense when you remove the thermostat. I.e., that plastic insulator is very important and must insulate the spring from the mounting tabs.

...What's this got to do with this post? Nothing. Other than the simplest solutions can make all the difference in the world. Just like running a thicker gauge extension cord to your RV. I.e., often, you really need 12gauge for anything more than 25' and this is especially true if you want to run an AC which put a higher load on the 15A/20A shore power outlet, because a long extension cord will heat up.

Which reminds me to say this: Your circuit breaker are rated in amps, but they really are thermal switches that react to heat. And now you know!

[DNHOFFMAN]

Originally Posted by 2004Horizon

You are welcome.

This reminds of water heater trouble...

Tip: The next time you gas water heater does not stay on, first try removing the thermostats that press up against your tank... and sand paper off the electrolysis that is preventing them from making contact with the tank. ...Just be sure you maintain the plastic insulator between the springs.

...If you don't know what I'm talking about, it all will make sense when you remove the thermostat. I.e., that plastic insulator is very important and must insulate the spring from the mounting tabs.

...What's this got to do with this post? Nothing. Other than the simplest solutions can make all the difference in the world. Just like running a thicker gauge extension cord to your RV. I.e., often, you really need 12gauge for anything more than 25' and this is especially true if you want to run an AC which put a higher load on the 15A/20A shore power outlet, because a long extension cord will heat up.

Which reminds me to say this: Your circuit breaker are rated in amps, but they really are thermal switches that react to heat. And now you know!

Thanks. I have created an Operations & Maintenance Tips document that I will add the water heater thing to this doc.