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Inverter Issue- After Gen Auto-Start Test

December 24, 2019, 04:40:15 pm

I had a great idea today.  Why not test the 2001 U270 dash auto-start generator feature?

I opened up the coach-
1. Turned on all lights.
2. Turned on heat.
3. Turned on 120v TVs.
4. Wait awhile.

Since the tv's were functioning I know the inverter was creating 120v from the batteries.

The auto-start did turn the generator on.  Fantastic.  I let it run for +/- 90 minutes. I got tired of waiting for it to stop so I turned it off.  I then started the engine. 

Before turning everything off I looked at the Xantrex 3012 SW control panel and it showed around 14v at the batteries, and it indicated the were substantially charged by way of the "bar chart" graphic.

When I went back to the batteries only, no 120v electricity was, or has been available since.

The green light which indicates the inverter was on was lit.  I noted that the "Search Mode" was disabled.  No faults reported.

I did not have any moderate resistive loads to plug in, just the electronic loads, TV etc. (not sure if it needs a minimum load to kick in to action)

I started the generator up again, transfer switch closed, and 120v was restored to the coach.

I will be breaking out the manual. I was hoping for advice from someone who recognizes what I may be doing incorrectly.

I suspect it may be a battery issue.  But I just had a load test and was told, "All Good".

Long winded I know, just trying to be thorough.

Thanks for reading.

-FT

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Re: Inverter Issue- After Gen Auto-Start Test

Reply #1 – December 24, 2019, 04:50:12 pm

Please confirm that you checked for 120 VAC from the inverter only at the outlets that are powered by it (through the sub-panel at foot of the bed).

If so, check for a tripped breaker on the inverter itself.

Also, please add your coach info to your signature so you get answers appropriate for YOUR coach.

Thanks.

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Re: Inverter Issue- After Gen Auto-Start Test

Reply #2 – December 24, 2019, 05:02:46 pm

Thank you for your response. 

I did check the television receptacle at the front of the coach  and (1) receptacle at the kitchen countertop.  Just used the actual plugged in devices while being fed by generator vs just batteries. 

I am gathering my tools, including my multimeter.  More thorough investigation to come.

I am going to sit down with the manual. I will look for an overcurrent device on the inverter itself. I am not familiar with it yet, but it makes sense that one would exist.

Updated the signature.  Thanks again.

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Re: Inverter Issue- After Gen Auto-Start Test

Reply #3 – December 24, 2019, 06:40:04 pm

I did it!!!!  It is working on batteries alone.

This system is new to me so I need to do more reading to see if what I did had anything to do with it, or coincidence.

Brett, thank you for your time.

-FT

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Re: Inverter Issue- After Gen Auto-Start Test

Reply #4 – December 24, 2019, 09:38:39 pm

What did you do???

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Re: Inverter Issue- After Gen Auto-Start Test

Reply #5 – December 24, 2019, 10:08:56 pm

It happened again.  Going to read the troubleshooting section tonight.

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Re: Inverter Issue- After Gen Auto-Start Test

Reply #6 – December 27, 2019, 07:41:03 pm

Hello once again.

I have had the opportunity to get out my tools and start with a real investigation of the problem. I have found that there is a 2nd transfer switch, underneath the transfer switch which alternates between shore and generator power.  This ATS is working intermittently.

Does anyone understand the logic behind the control circuit which operates the coil of the inverter relay within ATS #2.  The inside of the lid does not include the control diagram, only the power wiring. 

It appears to me that the control circuit utilizes a rectifier and a timing relay.  I think these are the likely candidates for causing my issues getting control voltage to the coil of the inverter's power relay.

Currently, the only power feeding the small subpanel is from ATS #1 (shore power/generator) by way of a closed power relay in ATS #2.

I may just replace the ATS completely.

Both ATS are Magnatek 100.

Thanks for any input.

-FT

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Re: Inverter Issue- After Gen Auto-Start Test

Reply #7 – December 27, 2019, 07:53:53 pm

Yes, many Foretravels have two ATS's.  The second one/the one you are referring to has:
IN from main breaker box (so either generator or shore power).
IN from inverter

Out to sub-panel.

The reasoning is that you may wish to run loads on the sub-panel supplied circuits while on shore or generator that could exceed the specs of the transfer switch within the inverter itself. 

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Re: Inverter Issue- After Gen Auto-Start Test

Reply #8 – December 27, 2019, 08:11:58 pm

Thanks for the response Brett.

I may not have worded my thoughts clearly. 

I believe the previous owner had a Foretravel reseller install the newer inverter.  I could be mistaken.

I do not intend to modify any of the electrical distribution.  I am only trying to confirm my understanding of the system, to be specific the control circuit which energized the coils of the relays.  I wanted to make sure of this so that I can compare the current system behavior with the intent of the design.  I wish they provided a control circuit diagram on the cover.

I only intend to repair and replace malfunction/aging components (of proper size and rating) to get things up and running.

As always, thank you for your time.

-FT

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