| Auto transfer switch [message #347853] |
Sun, 15 September 2019 09:54  |
6cuda6
Messages: 975
Registered: June 2019
Karma: -6
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So im getting ready to install a new converter and fuse block to replace the old buzz box thats croaking.....should i put in an auto transfer switch at the same time?
Ive also noticed that if you have dual a/c things are wired different ....i do not have dual a/c yet but i think thats going to be done as i have a line on 2 units for the price pf one....so what do i need to do or do i not need to do when it comes to the transfer switch and the dual a/c install.
Rich Mondor,
Brockville, ON
77 Hughes 2600
[Updated on: Sun, 15 September 2019 09:56] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Auto transfer switch [message #347858 is a reply to message #347853] |
Sun, 15 September 2019 11:38  |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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Bob Stone has a full parts list to convert a TT30 or 14-50 to "either or" breaker type using 14-50.. Manual flip rather than Auto which I would prefer.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
[Updated on: Sun, 15 September 2019 11:55] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Auto transfer switch [message #347861 is a reply to message #347858] |
Sun, 15 September 2019 13:48 |
mghamms
Messages: 466
Registered: March 2016
Location: Ware, Massachusetts
Karma: 2
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I didn't use a transfer switch.
Easy to just use the plug.
My converter/inverter is on one breaker and most outlets run off the inverter.
The roof AC's and water heater each have there own breaker. The refer and outdoor plug are on one also.
1977 Kingsley 455 as stock as it gets except lots of Ragusa parts
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| Re: Auto transfer switch [message #347866 is a reply to message #347862] |
Sun, 15 September 2019 15:21 |
mghamms
Messages: 466
Registered: March 2016
Location: Ware, Massachusetts
Karma: 2
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I plug the gen in when i disconnect the shore power,
1977 Kingsley 455 as stock as it gets except lots of Ragusa parts
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| Re: [GMCnet] Auto transfer switch [message #347873 is a reply to message #347866] |
Sun, 15 September 2019 15:41 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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When I converted my Royale from twin bunks and hanging bunks above them to
a full size bed that goes from side to side, I covered up the access to the
toggle breakers as well as the 12 volt fuse board and the old BUZZ BOX
battery destroyer.
So, I pulled out the buzz box and replaced it with a Progressive
Dynamics smart converter. That only left me with the problem of switching
the toggle breakers when going from the shore power cord to the 6000 watt
Onan. So, I installed an automatic transfer switch. It is wired so it
defaults to the generator whether the shore cord is plugged in or not.
Works great, it also has a timed delay to allow for the generator power to
stabilize. Sure beats crawling under the bed and switching breakers.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon
On Sun, Sep 15, 2019, 1:22 PM Mike Hamm via Gmclist
wrote:
> I plug the gen in when i disconnect the shore power,
> --
> 1977 Kingsley 455 as stock as it gets except lots of Ragusa parts
>
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| Re: Auto transfer switch [message #347885 is a reply to message #347853] |
Sun, 15 September 2019 18:54 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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I've had both an auto switch and a socket in the electric bay. I will not put in another transfer switch. The socket is passive, gives little or no trouble, and it's (very infrequent) failure mode I've probably worked with and on a hudred or more (fairly high power) transfer switches. A reliable one with useful control is expensive. A relay based one which transfers under load will eventually fail. If it fails with a contact fused you're headed for trouble.
All it gains you is the ability to not walk outside and move the power cord from the pedistal to the plughole. Since you usually know the power situation where you're stopping, you can set it before leaving or on the way.
--johnny
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: [GMCnet] Auto transfer switch [message #347886 is a reply to message #347885] |
Sun, 15 September 2019 19:09 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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The Royale power cord does not go into a compartment where you can manually
unplug it and plug in the Generator.
I agree that the manual method of plugging and unplugging is ALMOST
idiot proof. Just remember, we always seem to come up with a different
variety of idiot. (grin)
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon
On Sun, Sep 15, 2019, 4:55 PM Johnny Bridges via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
> I've had both an auto switch and a socket in the electric bay. I will not
> put in another transfer switch. The socket is passive, gives little or no
> trouble, and it's (very infrequent) failure mode I've probably worked
> with and on a hudred or more (fairly high power) transfer switches. A
> reliable one with useful control is expensive. A relay based one which
> transfers under load will eventually fail. If it fails with a contact fused
> you're headed for trouble.
> All it gains you is the ability to not walk outside and move the power
> cord from the pedistal to the plughole. Since you usually know the power
> situation where you're stopping, you can set it before leaving or on the
> way.
>
> --johnny
> --
> Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
> Braselton, Ga.
> I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me
> in hell
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
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| Re: Auto transfer switch [message #348008 is a reply to message #347853] |
Tue, 17 September 2019 09:59 |
TR 1
Messages: 348
Registered: August 2015
Location: DFW
Karma: -7
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I like the convenience of the automatic switch... If you get one and it is mounted in the cabinet inside the coach, you may want to look into one that uses DC powered relays... From what I'd read, the AC powered ones can hum, which would be annoying if you have it in the living area (vs in the "basement" like they are on a lot of SOBs....)
For what it's worth, my coach came with the Parallax switch.. It did not hum and seemed well made, but the switching was always somewhat noisy, and in the end, one of the relays froze up and I had to replace it as Parallax said they would not do repairs on out of warranty switches. I ended up going with the below switch... While the cabinet on it is plastic instead of metal like the Parallax, the switches are dead quiet even when they are switching over from one source to another... And the plastic cabinet is adequate on my installation as again, it is inside the coach in a cabinet...
http://www.bestconverter.com/Boondocker-50-Amp-Transfer-Switch-BD-ATS50-The-quiet-one_p_437.html#.XYDxKjZKiBY
I'd originally planned to replace my Parallax with a more expensive switch, but the seller ended up being out of the model I'd chosen, and he called me up and pitched me on the Boondocker and I took a chance... Seller said he'd stand behind it if I was not happy... So far it's been great. No regrets and the money saved is always a good thing...
Mark S. '73 Painted Desert,
Manny 1 Ton Front End,
Howell Injection,
Leigh Harrison 4bag and Rear Brakes,
Fort Worth, TX
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| Re: Auto transfer switch [message #348011 is a reply to message #347853] |
Tue, 17 September 2019 10:09 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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I'd have to have a look at the contactor(s) and interlock(s) before I'd use it. Harris used to use a large and unreliable contactor in their transmitters to reduce the start surge current. It was a common failure item and failure led to grief and a couple of fairly expensive resistors when it stuck.
--johnny
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: Auto transfer switch [message #348012 is a reply to message #347853] |
Tue, 17 September 2019 10:10 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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If the coach didn't come with a socket for the genset, use a three way 'air gap' disconnect.
--johnny
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: Auto transfer switch [message #348046 is a reply to message #347853] |
Tue, 17 September 2019 16:22 |
Russell K.
Messages: 178
Registered: October 2016
Location: Dunedin, Florida
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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Rich,
Go for it with the automatic transfer switch. You'll be glad you did.
I don't know about your 2 A/C question.
Safe Travels,
Russell
1978 Eleganza II, Dunedin, Florida
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| Re: Auto transfer switch [message #348069 is a reply to message #347853] |
Tue, 17 September 2019 19:27 |
Tilerpep
Messages: 404
Registered: June 2013
Location: Raleigh, NC
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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Your signature says "Hughes" which means I have no direct experience. However, just as a point of reference the GMC upfit coach runs both ACs anytime - on generator or shore power with a OEM 50 amp cord. My Royale runs only the center AC on a 30 amp shore power cord, but will run both on the generator (with an additional from Coachmen fuse box). So would recommend you keep discovering your existing situation or have an expert decipher it. If you look on BDUBs gmc site for manuals, you can get the Coachmen electric wiring diagrams and see if they tell you anything helpful.
Yet another solution I have seen is leave the main AC wired in a typical fashion, and the second (usually rear) air hard wired to a 20 amp plug that is plugged into a shore power connection when both a 30 amp and a 20 amp are available on the same pole. Someone else can comment if that actually provides two sources of power, but I'm just saying it has been done that way.
1975 Glenbrook, 1978 Royale rear bath
Raleigh, NC
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JFWIW
So I put in a 50A 3-pole contactor. I wired it to energize with shore power, but think I might swap that out since it's on shore power 99.99% of the time (no need to have a hot contactor under the rear bed). Simple enough, cheap enough, and WAY easier than a 3-way autoswitch.
