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06-10-2020, 03:27 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 6
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Upgrading to 50 Amp
Hello all. I have a 1986 Limited that I am in the process of renovating/repairing/updating. I just purchased all of the components to change my 30 Amp power distribution center over to 50 Amp. I also purchased a new 100 Amp Converter charger but that's beside the point. The reason for my post is the Onan 6.5 NHE 1R/26101A. When I change the power center over, do I just connect in generator to one leg of the 50 Amp service and only power those things connected to that leg or can I jumper them somehow? The 6.5 can do up to 55 Amps but I would self limit the load when on the gen set.
Also, I haven't checked to see if I have an automatic switch, would I need to get a new one for the change to 50 Amp shore power? Maybe I should just get one to bring everything up to current tech?
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06-10-2020, 03:33 PM
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#2
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Moderator Emeritus
Newmar Owners Club
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Southern Indiana
Posts: 19,417
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Yes you should route power through a transfer switch rated for the 50 amp service. If done properly all the same circuits will work on shore or generator power.
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Steve
2002 Newmar Mountain Aire 4095
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06-10-2020, 07:52 PM
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#3
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: West Palm Beach, FL. USA
Posts: 27,671
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It's no different than using a 50A-->30A adapter to connect to a 30A power pedestal, i.e. you power both of the 50A hot legs from the single hot of the 120v source. Wire the genset's single 120v hot to both of the hot terminals L1 & L2) on the 50A/240v auto-transfer switch and all will be fine. You have less total power than a 50A source, but all circuits are available for use.
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Gary Brinck
Former owner of 2004 American Tradition and several other RVs
Home is West Palm Beach, FL
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06-10-2020, 08:44 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 35,405
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In betting that your generator has 2, 120 volt outputs and a pair of breakers or a double breaker. There is no 55 amp breaker in the RV is there ?
If you find both lines from the generator, ( one should be already at the 30 amp ATS ) and run them to the new 50 amp ATS, you will be covered.
If your second generator output runs a second AC, that you want to run on your new 50 amp service, you will need to rewire that. If you have a switch to choose front or rear AC, while on 30 amp power, that too will need to go. You will want 1 AC on each leg of the 50 amp service. That way you can run both on shore power.
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06-10-2020, 09:03 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 7,400
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...what twinboat said--would think a genset with 55 amps of output would be double- poled, not phased, but double=poled so its perfect to connect to your new system--one output for each legs....but only about half the capacity of your planned 50 amp service [100 amps total]….have heard genset like the 5500 Onan can run any two large appliances at the same time.….just have to make sure you install the proper gauges of wire and properly sized breaker boxes....also need to consider how you inverter/charge and battery bank will be integrated.....you are asking many of the right questions but it sounds like you could use some professional oversight to validate your upgrade plans.....
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Old Scout
2015 IH45 Foretravel
2003 Alpine 40' MDTS [Sold]
New Braunfels, Texas
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06-11-2020, 01:48 AM
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#6
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 795
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Here are a couple diagrams I saved to my library, but if someone can offer a detailed explanation on how power from a transformer gets to the RV, and how the Transfer Switch works, that would be much appreciated?
For example: Is the RV-Power-Pole 120V-50A or 240V-50A and then the Intelletec Power Management System (with the help of a Transfer Switch) spits the 240V in to 120V?
I'm very confused my the last drawing? Is it correct? ...It says 240V on the diagram, but I don't think this is correct?
* If it is, then is the 120V receptacle on the RV-Power-Pole tied to one leg of the 240V-50A circuit?
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06-11-2020, 05:43 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 35,405
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Quote:
Originally Posted by imnprsd
Here are a couple diagrams I saved to my library, but if someone can offer a detailed explanation on how power from a transformer gets to the RV, and how the Transfer Switch works, that would be much appreciated?
For example: Is the RV-Power-Pole 120V-50A or 240V-50A and then the Intelletec Power Management System (with the help of a Transfer Switch) spits the 240V in to 120V?
I'm very confused my the last drawing? Is it correct? ...It says 240V on the diagram, but I don't think this is correct?
* If it is, then is the 120V receptacle on the RV-Power-Pole tied to one leg of the 240V-50A circuit?
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50 amp is 120/240 volt. Its printed on the plug and outlet.
It comes from the power post, to the auto transfer switch and then on to the double 50 amp breaker in the panel. Touch both wires on that double breaker and you get 240 volts.
The double breaker splits the 240 volts into 120 volts to right side and left side breakers in some RV panels OR every other breaker in standard panels, using one leg and neutral at each breaker.
The generator will be the alternate power supply to the auto transfer switch.
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06-11-2020, 08:24 AM
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#8
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Junior Member
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 6
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Thank you all for the replies. Thank you Twinboat for a very detailed answer. Since I am gutting the MH in the process of my renovation, rewiring is on the list. Everything you assumed in your answer is correct. There is a separate breaker on the panel that says generator ac and there is a switch to select between front and rear AC when on shore power. I will get a 50 Amp ATS ordered. I am lucky enough to have the original wiring diagrams for the coach, I'll have to give it a look again and see if I can tell where the ATS should be. There is a diagram on the front of the panel as well so maybe it is part of the panel?
As for the professional help, I have a journeyman electrician on speed dial, my Brother-in-law. I'm no stranger to standard household wiring and plan to make sure this thing is wired properly. The only thing I was foggy on was the gen set. Never had one in an RV before and it "feels" different than plugging stuff into my portable generator.
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06-11-2020, 08:34 AM
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#9
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Junior Member
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 6
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