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Topic: Transfer switch problem? (Read 446 times) previous topic - next topic

Transfer switch problem?

Leaving Albuquerque this morning, unplugged from shore power. Molly called out the microwave had lost power. Checked remote panel, said inverter on and working. Checked the inverter, led flashing every two seconds, inverter thinks it's working. Nothing that feeds from inverter subpanel has power. Tripped and reset 50 amp breakers on main and inverter subpanel. No help.

Started generator, everything works.

We have a Magnum ms2812 inverter and rc50 remote.

The only thing I can think of is a failed #2 transfer switch. Anything else I should try before digging down to that switch?
Mike & Molly Patronick
2001 U320 40'
2011 Forester

Re: Transfer switch problem?

Reply #1 –
The first thing to do it pull the lid off the transfer switch and see if you have power there. Once just after I bought the coach
the transfer switch wasn't working and I manually got it going. I was going to find out why it didn't work that time but it has never
not worked since.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Transfer switch problem?

Reply #2 –
Correct-- remove lid for #2 ATS and check connections and for power IN and OUT from inverter.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Transfer switch problem?

Reply #3 –
Also smell for smoke or burned electrical stench.  If a contactor coil or wiring is fried, it will be obvious from the stink.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Transfer switch problem?

Reply #4 –
You can bypass the #2 ATS switch if it's not working.  Just move the wires around.  Your inverter should have an internal transfer switch.
Forest & Cindy Olivier
1987 log cabin
2011 Roadtrek C210P
no longer 1999 36' U320 build #5522
2013 Rzr 570 & 2018 Ranger XP1000
2006 Lexus GX470
2011 Tahoe LT 4x4
Previous 1998 45' 2 slide Newell, 1993 39' Newell

Re: Transfer switch problem?

Reply #5 –

You can bypass the #2 ATS switch if it's not working.  Just move the wires around.  Your inverter should have an internal transfer switch.
[/quote]
That's a great idea I think I will look at doing that.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Transfer switch problem?

Reply #6 –
Quote from: oldguy –
That's a great idea I think I will look at doing that.
Be sure to check the specs to see if your inverter can handle switching 50 amps.  Some can - some can't.

We got rid of both of our factory ATS boxes.  The shore power/generator ATS was replaced by a manual 3-way switch (shore/gen/off).  The inverter sub panel ATS was removed and that function is now handled by the internal circuit in our MS2812.  Works like a charm!  Automatic switching between inverter and 50 amp pass-through happens so fast nothing in our coach even realizes the power source changed.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Transfer switch problem?

Reply #7 –
Chuck I have the same inverted that you have. When installing it I would have liked pulling in #10 wires for the inverter but it looked
like it would be hard has anyone done it.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Transfer switch problem?

Reply #8 –
Quote from: oldguy –
When installing it I would have liked pulling in #10 wires for the inverter but it looked like it would be hard has anyone done it.
Not sure what you mean by "#10 wires for the inverter".  I'm a English major so lots of 'lektrick discussions are over my head.

There are several Forum threads covering the installation of inverters.  Try the search function to see what you find.

We had our Magnum inverter installed at AM Solar (Springfield, OR) the same time they installed our PV system.  I don't know all the specifics about how they wired it.  I do know they ran fresh 4/0 battery cables from the inverter to the house batteries (POS and NEG cables).  The AC wiring to/from inverter is just standard sheathed cable AFAIK.

1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"
 

Re: Transfer switch problem?

Reply #9 –
Chuck the wires to the inverter are 12 gauge wires but for 2800 watts it should be 10 gauge and as I knew that I would never be
maxing out the inverter I know I was OK. Sorry Chuck I should have said 10 gauge not #10 wire.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport