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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: mks on January 09, 2011, 06:47:46 pm

Title: Running generator while using shore power
Post by: mks on January 09, 2011, 06:47:46 pm
Our coach is stored with 110 outlet power only.  We run the generator occasionally when doing maintenance, etc.    Is there a safety issue with running the generator while plugged in to elec>?
mks
2000  U320
Title: Re: Running generator while using shore power
Post by: Barry Beam on January 09, 2011, 06:58:04 pm
Quote from: mks –
Our coach is stored with 110 outlet power only.  We run the generator occasionally when doing maintenance, etc.    Is there a safety issue with running the generator while plugged in to elec>?
mks
2000  U320
Safety features are designed into the transfer switches to not allow two different power sources into the coaches electrical system at the same time.
But generally it is not a good idea.
It is not recommended to have high amperage loads such as roof air conditioners running when switching between power sources. Turn all appliances off before switching power sources.
Title: Re: Running generator while using shore power
Post by: Roadrunner on January 10, 2011, 10:11:34 am

I don't mean to highjack this thread, but after reading this thread I have a question about generator and shore power use.
My coach is stored plugged into 30 amp power and during cold nights I run the furnaces on low settings for protection. Yesterday the power in the house went out several times and then stayed off for some time. It was getting a little cold in the house so I grabbed the Kindle and went to the coach for a check and warmth. I started the generator and after a while I started both heat pumps just to exercise the generator. While setting there reading the shore power came back on and I noticed it because one of the heat pumps shut down. Evidently when the power at the pedestal came back on it tried to switch back over to there instead of the generator. My question is I was under the impression that the generator took priority over what power source the coach would use if both were available. 
Thanks for letting me but in.
Title: Re: Running generator while using shore power
Post by: Barry Beam on January 10, 2011, 10:16:23 am
Quote from: Roadrunner –

I don't mean to highjack this thread, but after reading this thread I have a question about generator and shore power use.
My coach is stored plugged into 30 amp power and during cold nights I run the furnaces on low settings for protection. Yesterday the power in the house went out several times and then stayed off for some time. It was getting a little cold in the house so I grabbed the Kindle and went to the coach for a check and warmth. I started the generator and after a while I started both heat pumps just to exercise the generator. While setting there reading the shore power came back on and I noticed it because one of the heat pumps shut down. Evidently when the power at the pedestal came back on it tried to switch back over to there instead of the generator. My question is I was under the impression that the generator took priority over what power source the coach would use if both were available. 
Thanks for letting me but in.

1999 was Shoreline Priority
Mid 94-Mid 01    Magnetek ATS-100 Furnace # 75D56633F Contactor Relays-Shoreline Priority

Mid 94-Mid 01    Lyght    LPT50CA     Contactors-Shoreline Priority

What has AC Priority on Foretravel RV (http://www.beamalarm.com/Documents/what_has_ac_priority.htm)
Title: Re: Running generator while using shore power
Post by: Roadrunner on January 10, 2011, 10:52:44 am

Thanks "again" Barry for that information. I should have done a better search; I should have known to check your site first.
And thanks MKS for letting me but in
Title: Re: Running generator while using shore power
Post by: mks on January 10, 2011, 07:09:39 pm
No problem,  good question.
  And thanks, Barry.  Now I know that shore power takes priority in our coach, and I've been wasting diesel fuel running the generator while plugged in.  ::)
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