Can Shore Power and Generator be used at same time

[DocMike]

Technical HELP.

We will be “Drive-way Camping” in Georgia this weekend. My brother in law is providing 110 service (no AC use, I know) to the RV.

My question is, do you have to disconnect from Shore Power to run the generator? It is raining right now which means muggy this evening so I am sure the AC will be requested.

Doc

[ournextstop]

On RVs I have owned the transfer switch gives priority to the genset and will disconnect shore power when genset is running! So whether you physically disconnect the shore power, i.e. unplug it, or not the transfer switch will electrically disconnect shore power and use genset power for the RV.

[Chance]

Originally Posted by DocMike

Technical HELP.

We will be “Drive-way Camping” in Georgia this weekend. My brother in law is providing 110 service (no AC use, I know) to the RV.


...cut....

My 2 cents...

I would not necessarily assume you can't run the air conditioner, at least some of the time when you are not running other high-current loads like a coffee maker. It depends on many factors, but you may be surprised. I ran mine at home off a dedicated 20-Amp circuit while loading and unloading and never tripped the breaker.

It will depend on whether you will plug into 20-Amp or 15-Amp circuit at his house. It will also "greatly" depend on what else he has running on that circuit.

Additionally, it will depend on your AC model/size (13,500 vs 15,000 BTU/hr) and whether it's high efficiency or not. You likely have 15,000 BTU/hr standard AC -- seems popular option. Many will pull less than 15-Amps, particularly at night when the ambient (outside) temperature is lower. And unlike what many think, it will pull less current the colder you have the inside temperature.

If you can plug into a circuit that isn't being used much, particularly if it's 20-Amps, I'd try it. Obviously I wouldn't run the water heater (or fridge???) on electric, and if using hair dryer, coffee maker, microwave, etc... for a few minutes I'd turn off the air conditioner.

[JamieGeek]

The plug I plug my Axis into when its home is on the same circuit as a refrigerator (in the garage) and the bathrooms--they are all on the same GFI.

I frequently will run the A/C on it without issue. When its really hot out I have to unplug the refrigerator as the 15A circuit can't run both compressors at the same time. (Also if the wife uses a hair dryer in a bathroom the breaker will trip.)

(Keep kicking myself that I didn't get a proper 30A plug put in when I had the electrician there wiring up the 240V/50A plug for the EV.)

[DocMike]

Made it to Atlanta. Awaiting my brother in law to verify shore power. Still unsure of what would happen if I turn on the generator while on shore power. doc

[brucev]

Make sure the extension cord is rated for the current you plan to draw. If you use your shore cord with an adapter you should be fine but if you use an extension cord, most are not rated for the 15 or 20 amps you require. Even if the breaker doesn't trip, a cord too small can cause damage to the AC unit or even start a fire.

[mustang94]

I have done it a few times and ran the AC with out a problem, then turn gen off and everything went back to 110 volt shore power... just about the only thing would happen it didn't work right is you might blow a breaker for the 110 volt shore

[saddlesore]

DON'T DO IT!
By having both the shore power and gennie running, it creates a hell of a confusing mess to the transfer switch... ours eventually shorted out and caused a voltage/amperes spike... ended up having to replace all electronic's in coach ie: 2 tv's & booster for the antennae , microwave,power inverter,phone charger and one laptop.. spendy lesson

[Chance]

This should help explain how a system that is properly wired should work:

Electrical Tutorial - Chapter 4 - Transfer Switches

[DocMike]

Thanks for the info and the reference.
DocMike

[EA37TS]

Doc,

Not sure if the Axis/Vegas uses the Furrion ATS or if you have the manual but here it is if needed and/or helpful.

Furrion_Automatic_Transfer_Switch[1].pdf

[DocMike]

Well, I keep tripping the ground fault interrupt on the shore power plugin. Thanks again for all the earlier info.


DocMike

[bevedfelker]

Doc -- sounds like too much draw. Was the house circuit a 20 amp or 15 amp?

[Chance]

Originally Posted by DocMike

Well, I keep tripping the ground fault interrupt on the shore power plugin. Thanks again for all the earlier info.


DocMike

That's a common problem with many RVs when plugged to GFI outlets regardless of the load. It has to do with RV grounding. It is not over current that causes the problem.

If you can plug into a different outlet that doesn't have GFI protection, it will likely work just fine.

I have the same problem at home off my front porch. GFI trips every time without turning anything on. From other outlets it all works fine.

If you do an internet search you'll find this is a very common problem because home grounding and RV grounding may not be the same and it doesn't take much to trip a GFI.

[DocMike]

15 amp. Will regroup and check the setup at home on power line with no ground fault on a 20 amp breaker.


DocMike

[Dvan]

Most homes built in the last 20 years or so, will have a non GFI outlet in the garage somewhere for the sprinkler control.

[Mr Sunshine]

Originally Posted by DocMike

Well, I keep tripping the ground fault interrupt on the shore power plugin. Thanks again for all the earlier info.
DocMike

I have had to replace most of the GFIs in my 10 year old house. That simple step might be worth a try, especially if that GFI has been tripped several times.