Is it safe to start generator while on Shore power?

[nalasha79]

We have a 2016 Thor Four Winds 28z and I am wanting to start the generator for "exercise" but I am currently plugged into shore power. I would like to know if I need to disconnect before turning the genny on.

I figure the Automatic Transfer Relay should be able to handle "what to do", but I want to be sure and I tend to believe there are others out there with this question looking for a PRO answer that they can trust before cranking it up.

[sky_blue]

Doesn't matter. You can start it up if you are plugged into shore power or not. BUT, if you are starting it up to exercise it (as recommended - once a month), unplug it and turn on the air to put a load on the generator.

Another excellent idea is to change the oil and filter after the first 10 hours.

[nalasha79]

Thanks for this information!

[Kev]

Originally Posted by gbrown

Doesn't matter. You can start it up if you are plugged into shore power or not. BUT, if you are starting it up to exercise it (as recommended - once a month), unplug it and turn on the air to put a load on the generator.

Another excellent idea is to change the oil and filter after the first 10 hours.

Is there a filter on this generator? I changed the oil did realize there is also a filter.

Kev

[EA37TS]

When starting the generator you can keep shore power plugged in because the ATS will automatically switch the power over to the generator. It is advised that you disconnect from shore power because the transfer from shore to generator could cause some arching and premature wear on the ATS contacts if both are under power during the transfer to shore and back again when the generator is turned off.

When I exercise the generator I simply kill the breaker to my 50 Amp receptacle and leave the cord plugged in. Once the generator is shut down I then turn the 50 amp breaker back on.

[Chance]

Originally Posted by gbrown

Doesn't matter. You can start it up if you are plugged into shore power or not. BUT, if you are starting it up to exercise it (as recommended - once a month), unplug it and turn on the air to put a load on the generator.

Another excellent idea is to change the oil and filter after the first 10 hours.

Great point on placing a load on generator to exercise it. In winter or cold/cooler weather the air conditioner may not put much load on generator, so I used a portable 1500-watt heater instead. I don't like running AC when it's too cold anyway.

[JamieGeek]

Originally Posted by Chance

Great point on placing a load on generator to exercise it. In winter or cold/cooler weather the air conditioner may not put much load on generator, so I used a portable 1500-watt heater instead. I don't like running AC when it's too cold anyway.

This is exactly what I do as well.

[nosticks]

Originally Posted by Kev

Is there a filter on this generator? I changed the oil did realize there is also a filter.

Kev

No filter.