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Delay when plugging into shore power.

August 14, 2012, 09:03:52 pm

I have noticed that my coach has a delay of 2-3 minutes before I get shore power when first plugging in.  Is this normal?
Thanks, Mike

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Re: Delay when plugging into shore power.

Reply #1 – August 14, 2012, 09:09:15 pm

It is if you have a built-in/hardwired surge protector.  The delay is there to protect things like air conditioners.

-M

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Re: Delay when plugging into shore power.

Reply #2 – August 14, 2012, 09:31:17 pm

Michelle,

Our U300 is a lot like Mike's but the delay is not consistent. Sometimes we get instant voltage on the meter but frequently, it may take several minutes.

Where is the surge protector normally installed? Under the bed? Any brand names to look for?

Pierce

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Re: Delay when plugging into shore power.

Reply #3 – August 14, 2012, 09:40:28 pm

Pierce,

Aftermarket hardwire units could be installed anywhere between shore cord and circuit panel.  Common location is near the transfer switch.  Progressive Industries and TRC/Surge Guard are two common mfrs.

Both our portable Surge Guard and now our hardwired Progressive unit had/have roughly a 2 minute delay before passing power as they run their checks.  Our Dometic air conditioners (or perhaps it's the wall control) also have a delay, roughly 2 minutes.

Michelle

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Re: Delay when plugging into shore power.

Reply #4 – August 14, 2012, 10:02:47 pm

Yes, first question is if you have a built in surge protector or monitor with a built-in delay.

If not, wonder if someone hooked up a replacement ATS backwards:  such that there is a delay on shore power instead of a delay on generator power???

What is the delay (if any) when you unplug from shore power and fire up the generator?

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Reply #5 – August 15, 2012, 12:05:19 am

I would bet someone hooked up a surge guard. I have a 2 min 17 second delay and it seems to take forever on a hot summer day.

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Re: Delay when plugging into shore power.

Reply #6 – August 15, 2012, 12:19:58 am

I have a remote bypass switch on mine and if it tells me the current is good I will switch it to bypass and when current come through will put it back on delay,  since the AC is not on anyway.

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Re: Delay when plugging into shore power.

Reply #7 – August 15, 2012, 04:56:33 am

When I installed my Progressive Model EMS-LCHW50C the unit was factory set for a 15 second delay.  The other setting is 136 seconds (2min 16sec).  To reset back to 15 seconds is a simple change by moving the jumper wire on the circut board.

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Re: Delay when plugging into shore power.

Reply #8 – August 15, 2012, 03:02:53 pm

Started the generator this morning and in 30 to 35 seconds the power was on. The AC units start blowing air immediately after the voltmeter is up, green light on but the compressors take about 3 minutes before they start. Pretty normal as far as later AC units go.

When I plug into shore power, I can immediately hear a relay click and power is usually on in about the same time as above. In colder, damp weather, the time from the plugin/relay click to available 120V may be the same or extend to as long as 10 minutes. It never fails to come on.  Just don't like the uncertain wait.

Entry voltmeter indicates between 110 and 111 with both AC units operating but with a digital voltmeter plugged into several different outlets, the house voltage is right on at 120V AC operating and 121V with AC off. Before worrying about low generator voltage, check outlets with meter. Analog voltmeter is about 10% low on ours.





Thanks for the posts,

Pierce

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