No electric power in MH

[bulletbob]

I keep my Vegas 25.6 plugged into 30 amp shore power at my home. Due to expected cold weather this week, I plugged in an electric heater to keep things warm overnite. When I returned the next afternoon to check on status, I found no power in MH.

I checked power supply and found 120 volts all the way up to outside wall plug of MH. I checked the voltage at the hardwired Progressive Industries Electrical Management System behind the main power center and found none.

I cranked generator and checked power again at the EMS and found none.

The only thing I could think of between the electrical plug on outside of MH and the EMS was the Automatic Transfer System. So I pulled the rear wall panel and contorted my body so that I could see under the fresh water tank and locate the ATS. There it was, a 7x8" box 5" tall in a 10" tall space screwed down at all four corners. Apparently put in before the back wall and holding tank due to the rear angle of the screws. I was able to get it out and found this (see attached photo).

I took the ATS and the generator input out of the line and just wired shore power directly to the EMS.

Any suggestions as to what/why this happened?

Should I go back with another Progressive Industries 5100 or another brand?

Thanks in advance for your input.
Mike

[16ACE27]

Common problem with poor wirenut high resistance connections. The ATS may be fine, just need to replace the wirenuts with better quality connections. Many people replace with WAGO splicing connectors.

[bulletbob]

Thanks for your response. There seems to be a fair amount of “green colored” corrosion on one of the relay contacts and some fasteners in bottom of box. Also some pitting on contacts. Do you think it is still salvageable?

Again thanks for your reply.

[paulwadley]

It is a good thing that you thought about looking at it. Those could cause a major fire inside your coach.


Paul

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by bulletbob

Thanks for your response. There seems to be a fair amount of “green colored” corrosion on one of the relay contacts and some fasteners in bottom of box. Also some pitting on contacts. Do you think it is still salvageable?

Again thanks for your reply.

The picture is too dark to see the actual status of the relay and its contacts. If the relay is damaged, replace the whole thing. They're not that expensive and available on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Technology-Re...dp/B00IYUPRUG/

[Metalman]

Here is a better photo of the Automatic Transfer Switch


I would buy a new ATS.

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Metalman

Here is a better photo of the Automatic Transfer Switch


I would buy a new ATS.

Yep, that relay looks too toasted. He's lucky the RV didn't burn to the ground.

[bulletbob]

I appreciate all of the replies. I posted to see if my theory of a bad wiring connection could have been the cause of this.

The bare copper wire in lower left corner is the scorched/burnt Neutral with the remains of a burned wire nut on the end. It was originally attached to the other charred wire in lower left corner that connects to the relay. This was the Neutral wire going to the EMS and the power center.

I ordered a new one today.

Thanks again for the input.
Mike

[Stevemcb]

Make sure you use a toque measuring wrench and follow instructions on toque specifications for the screws especially on the relays. My unit was a Southwire Unit and they sent me the toque specs for the screws and lugs. They have to be fairly tight. Definitely can be a fire hazard. Your unit is not repairable. It is a good thing you caught it now rather than on a trip.

[Scubawise]

Originally Posted by bulletbob

I keep my Vegas 25.6 plugged into 30 amp shore power at my home. Due to expected cold weather this week, I plugged in an electric heater to keep things warm overnite. When I returned the next afternoon to check on status, I found no power in MH.

I checked power supply and found 120 volts all the way up to outside wall plug of MH. I checked the voltage at the hardwired Progressive Industries Electrical Management System behind the main power center and found none.

I cranked generator and checked power again at the EMS and found none.

The only thing I could think of between the electrical plug on outside of MH and the EMS was the Automatic Transfer System. So I pulled the rear wall panel and contorted my body so that I could see under the fresh water tank and locate the ATS. There it was, a 7x8" box 5" tall in a 10" tall space screwed down at all four corners. Apparently put in before the back wall and holding tank due to the rear angle of the screws. I was able to get it out and found this (see attached photo).

I took the ATS and the generator input out of the line and just wired shore power directly to the EMS.

Any suggestions as to what/why this happened?

Should I go back with another Progressive Industries 5100 or another brand?

Thanks in advance for your input.
Mike

Hi fresh water tank behind my bedroom drawer under right side of rear closet. Is the ATS under the actual water tank?
Do you have a picture?

[10scDust]

I didn't see it mentioned, so I will, use some sort of electrical di-electric grease on the connections, or de-oxidation grease to prevent corrosion.

I put some in the wire nut before putting it on. Notice your own problem areas and apply it there. I'd also put some where every ground connection is too.

[Metalman]

After looking at the photo, it is possible that moisture was a problem inside the ATS switch. The ground wires are very dull looking. Though perhaps the fumes from burning insulation caused the dullness. I don't think that wire nuts are appropriate for mobile applications due to vibrations. High current carrying applications can add to the problem. There are crimp-on connectors and set screw butt connectors that might be better.

[Stevemcb]

Agree with metalman. I do not have any wire nuts in my ATS. My main wires are hooked directly to the transfer switch relays. I would not like my ATS under the water tank either but….

[bulletbob]

Thanks again for these replies. The new ATS has "quick flip connectors" see pic attached.


Scubawise: the ATS is under the left side of freshwater holding tank. I'll see if I can get a pic tomorrow.

[Scubawise]

Originally Posted by bulletbob

Thanks again for these replies. The new ATS has "quick flip connectors" see pic attached.


Scubawise: the ATS is under the left side of freshwater holding tank. I'll see if I can get a pic tomorrow.

Great job did you remove all the drawers or the bottom shoe rack ?

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by bulletbob

Thanks again for these replies. The new ATS has "quick flip connectors" see pic attached.


Scubawise: the ATS is under the left side of freshwater holding tank. I'll see if I can get a pic tomorrow.

Well isn't that convenient! What brand/model is that? Maybe Thor should start using them as OEM parts.

[bulletbob]

Yes, I found these connectors quite easy to use.
Progressive Dynamics Transfer Switch with Quick Flip Connectors - Plastic Case - 30 Amp - 120V Item # PD5110010Q

[bulletbob]

Scubawise, you asked for pic of ATS placement. See attached photos.


1. shows location of screws holding in my "magazine rack" After removing screws, the "magazine rack" was jammed in tight but did come out with little coaxing. I only put 2 screws in it (one on each side) when I closed it up the first time I removed it months ago. The two have held it in place without any issues.


2. shows "magazine rack" removed exposing fresh water holding tank.


3. shows location of ATS and water pump. You just about have to stand on your head to remove screws at four corners of ATS.


Hope these help.


Mike

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by bulletbob

Scubawise, you asked for pic of ATS placement. See attached photos.


1. shows location of screws holding in my "magazine rack" After removing screws, the "magazine rack" was jammed in tight but did come out with little coaxing. I only put 2 screws in it (one on each side) when I closed it up the first time I removed it months ago. The two have held it in place without any issues.


2. shows "magazine rack" removed exposing fresh water holding tank.


3. shows location of ATS and water pump. You just about have to stand on your head to remove screws at four corners of ATS.


Hope these help.


Mike

Mike; you're doing a great job of adding to the Forum's knowledgebase.

[Scubawise]

Originally Posted by bulletbob

Scubawise, you asked for pic of ATS placement. See attached photos.


1. shows location of screws holding in my "magazine rack" After removing screws, the "magazine rack" was jammed in tight but did come out with little coaxing. I only put 2 screws in it (one on each side) when I closed it up the first time I removed it months ago. The two have held it in place without any issues.


2. shows "magazine rack" removed exposing fresh water holding tank.


3. shows location of ATS and water pump. You just about have to stand on your head to remove screws at four corners of ATS.


Hope these help.


Mike

Mike you are the best ! Lora and I appreciate. I saved to our Amazon album !