Auto transfer switch

[surclan1]

Have to disconnect shore power before running generator. 2018 Thor Windsport.
how do I test. tired of dealing with camping world.

[The Gritz Carlton]

Have you called Thor Customer Service Owners Only Number at (877) 855-2867? FWIW, I always disconnect shore power before running generator anyway. Not sure if it could happen, but I'm avoiding a possible fault in the transfer switch that could feed power from both sources. I may have the same issue as you but I'll never know. Post what you find out.

[16ACE27]

You don't have to disconnect shore power. You should turn off all major AC loads like the Air Conditioner, microwave, etc. Start the generator; after the time out the ATS will switch to generator power as it is given preference over SP if both are available.

[The Gritz Carlton]

Ted....is there any possible chance of a malfunction with the switch as I said above, and coach receiving power from both sources? I'm not sure how these switches are powered.

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by The Gritz Carlton

Ted....is there any possible chance of a malfunction with the switch as I said above, and coach receiving power from both sources? I'm not sure how these switches are powered.

Not without the switch melting into a blob. They are break-before-make switches so the moving part breaks contact with one side before making contact with the other. If they could connect them both at the same time every supply breaker would immediately trip due to the current rush with the sources being out of phase.

[The Gritz Carlton]

Thanks...that noise we hear must actually be the movement from one set of contacts to the others. We use portables at the race but sometimes need bigger power for just a few minutes (microwave or hair dryer and A/C's together). I can just leave the portable going...switch over to house, then go back to portable without changing anything other than Onan on and off...nice!!

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by The Gritz Carlton

Thanks...that noise we hear must actually be the movement from one set of contacts to the others. We use portables at the race but sometimes need bigger power for just a few minutes (microwave or hair dryer and A/C's together). I can just leave the portable going...switch over to house, then go back to portable without changing anything other than Onan on and off...nice!!

We do the same thing when boondocking, run a Honda 2K on the SP plug but have the capability of the Onan 4K when needed.

[surclan1]

When I turn gen on it trips shore circuit and gen circ breaker.

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by surclan1

When I turn gen on it trips shore circuit and gen circ breaker.

Has it always been that way? Wouldn't surprise me if it was wired wrong from the factory or you have connecting wirenuts that have come loose and are shorting out. Time to go find your ATS and have a look.

[TurnerFam]

Originally Posted by surclan1

When I turn gen on it trips shore circuit and gen circ breaker.

so, it sounds like you are plugged into shore power, but want to run the generator. But why?

if you do, the ATS(auto transfer switch), if you have one, is designed to automatically 'sense' the output of the Generator, and switch over to it automatically. It does not matter if you have shore power, or not - that's the switch's ONE job. There's no 'fear' of it connection both at the same time - it's impossible.

If you are experiencing tripped breakers, then let us know EXACTLY which breakers you are referring to: the Shore pedestal's breaker, your Coach's Main breaker, or the breaker(s) on the Generator itself, and exactly what you are doing the moment these trips happen.

we'd love to help if we can understand the details...

[surclan1]

Pedestal shore power trips and circuit breaker on gen trips but not main. We are told to run generator occasionally for preventive maint.

[surclan1]

Also has been that way from day one

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Tfryman

Has it always been that way? ........ Time to go find your ATS and have a look.

Originally Posted by surclan1

Also has been that way from day one

[TurnerFam]

while you are unplugged from shore power, and the generator is OFF...

find your ATS, and tighten each and every connector/screw...
sometimes these work their way loose after the factory installs them.

also, while you are 'tightening' things, do the same for each breaker in your
Main panel - the lower screw for each breaker. These can be loose as well.

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by surclan1

Also has been that way from day one

I'll be in Sanford on Saturday and heading back north to Lake City in the afternoon/early evening. If you like I can swing by your way on my way back with a flashlight and multimeter and help you scope it out. Send me a PM if you are interested (assuming you are in the Leesburg area).

[The Gritz Carlton]

Service on a Silver Platter!!! What a true friend!!

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by The Gritz Carlton

Service on a Silver Platter!!! What a true friend!!

Well, maybe a brass platter.
And we can't be friends yet; I've never met the guy.
And keep it on the down low. If CW get's a whiff of this they'll put a hit out on me.

[The Gritz Carlton]

Still...very nice gesture!! You're right...the minute CW finds out someone can do something correct the first time, it's a threat to their existence.

[surclan1]

I appreciate the offer but I feel like I need to learn this rig for myself. Cw not very helpful

[16ACE27]