Been searching for hours to see if ok to run generator with umbilical plugged in....
Thanks much,
Jim
'92 GV w/8.3 Cummins(starts & runs now)
Jim,
Not sure what "Automatic AC switch you have in the foot locker under the bed". Are you talking about an ATS (no switch)? Switch for engine block heater? Other?
Assume you are asking if you can run the generator with the shore power plugged in and turned on.
First question is WHY?
Second question is whether you still have the ATS or if you or a previous owner has rewired the 120 VAC from generator and shore power?
So, IF, repeat IF your ATS is working properly, you can start the generator with shore power still connected. If it is not working properly you could "let the smoke out of some of your 120 VAC items".
Bottom line is that it is always safer to disconnect from shore power before starting the generator.
And to put an even finer point on it, shut down heavy loads before starting the generator. Give it a couple of minutes to warm up and then gradually add loads. Shut off all loads and let it cool down for a couple of minutes before shutting down the generator.
Thanks, Bret. I still don't know the proper nomenclature for things on my coach. I am aware of the precautions you mention. Just curious if the generator overrode the shore power. Didn't know what to call the auto switching that did this.
Thanks much for your time in replying.
Jim
Did not know what Bret was calling ATS - thanks to our search function, I now do...
Jim
Jim,
You might want to add your year/model coach to your profile signature, that way it shows up in all your posts.
Do you have the schematics for it? Those will show whether the automatic transfer switch for YOUR coach has generator priority or shoreline priority. Not all are the same.
I only have wiring diagrams. Are schematics available? Wiring diagrams only tell us what is connected to what. Don't help much with the "how"....Gonna go now and try to edit my profile. Thanks Michelle.
Jim
What Brett said, in spades! I not only shut the pedestal breaker down, but manually unplug the cable. With all the "automatic" bells and whistles these coaches have, should the transfer switch fail, one could be facing a coach buck loss, or worse!
ATS= Automatic Transfer Switch. In most Foretravels in the "electrical compartment" at the foot of the bed.
Two inputs: generator and shore power.
One output: to 120 VAC main breaker box.
Easy to see the large-gauge cables coming in and out.
Thanks again, Brett - back in 1953, at Sampson AFB, that was my "foot locker" at the foot of the bed...every time I get on here I learn - thanks to all you folks!
Jim