Receptacle not working with Generator running...

[nmcmilla]

Just noticing this today on day 3 of no hookups, I had to hunt for a receptacle with power. The 3rd pair I tried worked. So my question is "should all receptacles work when running the generator?" I know they all work on shore power. I am out of my warranty period.

[TurnerFam]

no, they probably won't. The factories usually have only several set up for powered usage while on the generator, or on the inverter(if you have one). The generator may not have the same output as your 30a or 50a Shore Power cord connection, so limiting the number of outlets is akin to saying that the generator is not designed for numerous connections.

usually a residential fridge is the first concern, then a TV outlet, and maybe one other for general purpose usage.

[nmcmilla]

Thanks!

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by TurnerFam

no, they probably won't. The factories usually have only several set up for powered usage while on the generator, or on the inverter(if you have one). The generator may not have the same output as your 30a or 50a Shore Power cord connection, so limiting the number of outlets is akin to saying that the generator is not designed for numerous connections.

usually a residential fridge is the first concern, then a TV outlet, and maybe one other for general purpose usage.

I completely disagree. Everything that has 120 VAC power when on shore power has 120 VAC power when supplied by the generator because the transfer switch is in front of the power distribution panel.

It is much more likely that a GFCI has tripped if the receptacle has had power before.

[Travelin' Texans]

Would have to totally agree on the GFCI! From my experiences with rvs & the folks that build them, that system of not powering outlets on generator is WAY to complicated for them to design/build. I do agree that you may not be able to use all outlets on the generator, but you most likely couldn't on shore either.

[Gary A]

Originally Posted by Tfryman

I completely disagree. Everything that has 120 VAC power when on shore power has 120 VAC power when supplied by the generator because the transfer switch is in front of the power distribution panel.

It is much more likely that a GFCI has tripped if the receptacle has had power before.

Yep, agree

[Bob Denman]

I'm pretty sure that you're limited to about one outlet; if you're running on battery power.
But if your generator is running, and you don't have the ability to power everything: you've got to look for what has changed.
I agree with the above posts...
Good luck!

[bevedfelker]

On my Vegas all the 110 receptacles work when on Generator. The generator provides power to the automatic transfer relay. The transfer relay applies shore power or generator power (whichever is operating) to the AC distribution buss in the converter.

[nmcmilla]

So as many suspected it was that my GFCI had tripped. Found the same receptacles not working once I plugged in, so next time I run the generator I'll check but I will expect them to work! It was great to get the comments, thanks Nancy

[Bob Denman]

Glad to hear that it was a quick and easy fix!
Thanks for letting us know what caused it...

[nmcmilla]

I think I caused it as I had disconnected wires to the house batteries (to conserve while stored) then reconnected and immediately went off grid for 4days. Note to self: reset GFCI on reconnect

[Bob Denman]

When I bought my rig; I had NO idea that I'd need to amass the skills of a:
Carpenter
Plumber
Electrician
Roofer
Auto Mechanic
Plus an Accountant, so that I can afford to pay for all of it!

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by nmcmilla

I think I caused it as I had disconnected wires to the house batteries (to conserve while stored) then reconnected and immediately went off grid for 4days. Note to self: reset GFCI on reconnect

I don't see how doing anything on the DC buss would cause a GFCI to trip; but, stranger things have happened.