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Ramblin · 07-31-2012, 09:47 AM

Generac 5500 watt genny
No transfer switch
TRC Surge Guard 3456

While boondocking the other day, I was running the genny, and both AC units, when suddenly, I lost power. The genny unloaded but continued to run.

I went out to check the breakers on the genny, neither one was popped. I flipped them off and on anyway. The L1, L2 lights on the Surge Guard were not lit as if there was no output from the genny.

A couple of minutes later power came back, the surge guard started blinking its time delay and eventually restored power to the coach.

What could cause this?

**"007"** · 07-31-2012, 10:13 AM

A momentary kick on of one of the AC's compressors may have caused a interruption on control for transfer switch or a high enough fluctuation of voltage to surge protector.
I would check all the screw wiring connections in transfer switch and the wiring terminals on your surge protector.
Stranded wiring connections can loosen up with vibrations while you were driving coach and temperature changes.

Ramblin · 07-31-2012, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by "007"

A momentary kick on of one of the AC's compressors may have caused a interruption on control for transfer switch or a high enough fluctuation of voltage to surge protector.
I would check all the screw wiring connections in transfer switch and the wiring terminals on your surge protector.
Stranded wiring connections can loosen up with vibrations while you were driving coach and temperature changes.

Thanks.

There is no transfer switch, so that rules that out.

If there is power, the lights on the surge protector should be lit. There were no lights on the surge protector.

**"007"** · 07-31-2012, 10:38 AM

If you have to plug shore cable into electric box from Gen would still check all wiring connections in box and SP.
You do not need loose wiring will build up heat and melt wiring covers or even start a fire, sorry to say.

Ramblin · 07-31-2012, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by "007"

If you have to plug shore cable into electric box from Gen would still check all wiring connections in box and SP.
You do not need loose wiring will build up heat and melt wiring covers or even start a fire, sorry to say.

Thanks. When I get my coach back, I'll check all those connections. This happened twice, and the timing suggested to me that there was a thermal or overload disconnect or something like that going on. There was nothing in the owners manual for the genny that indicated any such capability.

Additionally, I shut down one of the AC units, and the problem never reappeared.

I may just take this opportunity to install a transfer switch, so I can strike that from my todo list.

Midniteoyl · 07-31-2012, 12:20 PM

Sure sounds like an internal overload protection.. what model is it? GP, LP, LG, XG, etc..

Ramblin · 07-31-2012, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midniteoyl

Sure sounds like an internal overload protection.. what model is it? GP, LP, LG, XG, etc..

I think its a 55G. The coach is not near me at the moment, so I can't verify.

Midniteoyl · 07-31-2012, 12:51 PM

I come up with a lot of '55G's. Quietpact, Primepact, Impact, etc.. all with different model numbers. I did see some with a 3rd breaker for the windings.. Read around and some think its dirty/worn bushings and slip rings.. One was a bad belt that slipped when under heavy load and eventually broke.

Heres a page with manuals: RV

And heres a Generac forum: Generac Generators (SEARS, etc.) - SmokStak

Ramblin · 07-31-2012, 01:31 PM

Mines a Primepact 55G with only 100 hours on the clock. Thanks for the links.

Midniteoyl · 07-31-2012, 01:38 PM

Think there's 2 or 3 Primepact 55G's manuals in that link (95xx-x).. look to all be the same in wiring.

The only service manuals I can find are the Quietpact, and this one.. page 25 starts the AC troubleshooting. notice one of the problems is the DPE Windings and also notice that your Genset most likely has a 2.5 amp fuse for this winding...

http://gen-parts.com/Manuals/0g7515revA.pdf