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Old 07-02-2023, 09:08 PM   #1
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110 unplugged before/during generator use?

This may be another stupid question from me; but....
Im running the generator to power AC for an hour or so in the evening as Im plugged into 110 while mooch docking at daughters

Do I have to unplug the 110 before/during the time the generator is running?
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Old 07-02-2023, 09:12 PM   #2
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This may be another stupid question from me; but....
Im running the generator to power AC for an hour or so in the evening as Im plugged into 110 while mooch docking at daughters

Do I have to unplug the 110 before/during the time the generator is running?

Assume you have an ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch).



If so, it SHOULD be OK to start the generator while on shore power, as the ATS's job is to only allow one source of 120 VAC at a time.


But, the world is not always perfect, so "best practices" is to unplug before starting the generator.


More on "best practices": Turn off all high amp loads before disconnecting from shore power. Start the generator and let it warm up for a few minutes. Turn on loads in your RV. Turn loads off before shutting down the generator to allow it to cool down. Turn it off and replug into shore power.
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Old 07-02-2023, 10:40 PM   #3
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Thanks Brett. Those are clear instructions and good advice.
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Old 07-03-2023, 04:51 AM   #4
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What your doing is fine.

The Automatic part of the transfer switch is do you don't have to run outside and pull plugs.
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Old 07-03-2023, 06:46 AM   #5
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This is interesting. I have never owned an ATS. Curious about if and how well do ATS's handle paralleling of electricity sources before shedding/transferring power. Or do high draw items such as AC units suffer a "bump" if they are online at the time of transfer?
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Old 07-03-2023, 06:54 AM   #6
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This is interesting. I have never owned an ATS. Curious about if and how well do ATS's handle paralleling of electricity sources before shedding/transferring power. Or do high draw items such as AC units suffer a "bump" if they are online at the time of transfer?
Air conditioner systems have a safe guard built in as if they loose power or temp is met on thermostat, the compressor will not start again till the pressure is equalized between the high/low side to prevent compressor damage.
Heating element's and other items will start as soon as the power is transferred........
When on shore power and you start the generator(priority power) the transfer switch senses the generator power and drops the shore power contactor and the generator contactor pulls in supplying power.
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Old 07-03-2023, 06:56 AM   #7
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This is interesting. I have never owned an ATS. Curious about if and how well do ATS's handle paralleling of electricity sources before shedding/transferring power. Or do high draw items such as AC units suffer a "bump" if they are online at the time of transfer?
Look up any brand of ATS for their operation.

There will be a bump, no paralleling of power.
Best practice is to shut down Air conditioning for 5 minutes.
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Old 07-03-2023, 07:39 AM   #8
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Look up any brand of ATS for their operation.

There will be a bump, no paralleling of power.
Best practice is to shut down Air conditioning for 5 minutes.
Thanks. I thought so!
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Old 07-03-2023, 08:03 AM   #9
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What about shore power vs alternator?

Somewhat similar question I’ve always wondered. My slide operation requires engine running. When I start the engine it takes a minute or two before I hear the relay click and see the voltage increase to 14 plus. I always wait to see that before moving my Schwintek slides as I want the most power available. When connected to shore my volts are in the mid 13s. I always unplug before starting the engine. But if I were connected to shore, would starting the engine still allow the alternator to trip the relay and provide the additional voltage to the batteries for slide use? I always thought it would not trip because it sees the batteries do not need to be charged.
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Old 07-03-2023, 08:48 AM   #10
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Look up any brand of ATS for their operation.

There will be a bump, no paralleling of power.
Best practice is to shut down Air conditioning for 5 minutes.
I would shut down most everything, especially high draw items like a/c and water heater. Some electronics might not like the bump either. The transfer switch may be designed to handle a high amp load transfer but I figure it still helps to save arcing and pitting of the ATS contact(s).
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Old 07-03-2023, 08:58 AM   #11
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Somewhat similar question I’ve always wondered. My slide operation requires engine running. When I start the engine it takes a minute or two before I hear the relay click and see the voltage increase to 14 plus. I always wait to see that before moving my Schwintek slides as I want the most power available. When connected to shore my volts are in the mid 13s. I always unplug before starting the engine. But if I were connected to shore, would starting the engine still allow the alternator to trip the relay and provide the additional voltage to the batteries for slide use? I always thought it would not trip because it sees the batteries do not need to be charged.
That click you hear is a solenoid/relay connecting the engine's alternator to your coach batteries to send charge voltage to them. I'm surprised it takes so long to energize but that may be how newer systems are supposed to work. Has nothing to do with the automatic transfer switch. As far as your question, my guess is you'll get the click and higher voltage whether plugged into shore or not.
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Old 07-03-2023, 09:07 AM   #12
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hot switching “may” be bad for the relay contacts in the ATS or the power protection circuit if you have one. I would turn high amp usage devices (like AC, electric heat, electric hot water) off before attempting to hot switch.
or, just follow Brett’s advice to be safe

https://www.pickeringtest.com/en-us/...itching-relays
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Old 07-03-2023, 10:19 AM   #13
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I would shut down most everything, especially high draw items like a/c and water heater. Some electronics might not like the bump either. The transfer switch may be designed to handle a high amp load transfer but I figure it still helps to save arcing and pitting of the ATS contact(s).
Many say that, but the relay that actually turns on the compressor is tiny compared to any ATS. It switches that compressor on and off for years.
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Old 07-03-2023, 11:35 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wolfe10 View Post
Assume you have an ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch).



If so, it SHOULD be OK to start the generator while on shore power, as the ATS's job is to only allow one source of 120 VAC at a time.


But, the world is not always perfect, so "best practices" is to unplug before starting the generator.


More on "best practices": Turn off all high amp loads before disconnecting from shore power. Start the generator and let it warm up for a few minutes. Turn on loads in your RV. Turn loads off before shutting down the generator to allow it to cool down. Turn it off and replug into shore power.
Brett has given the best answer......Everyone can read how an ATS is SUPPOSED to work, but an older one, possibly on its last leg can glitch and not switch properly. Why take the chance? It's not something you do so often that it's inconvenient to just disconnect shore power and play it safe.

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