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Topic: Plugging in your coach (Read 536 times) previous topic - next topic

Plugging in your coach

Hi everyone,

I have a 50A circuit at my home I use to plug in my coach when not in use.  I usually don't give much thought to just plugging it in, but the other day, I was thinking about this procedure a bit and thought I might ask everyone for their opinion.  Specifically, I'm thinking about the different ways this can be accomplished.  Normally, I plug the cable into the coach first, and then plug the other end into my wall receptacle.  What happens if I do it the other way by plugging it in to the wall first and then the coach?  Also, I never plug it in when my generator is running - I always turn off the generator first.  However, does that make a difference?  Can I also plug it in with the generator running?  If I do, what happens?  I have a Progressive surge protector installed in my coach (not the kind that plugs in-line outside of the coach, but the kind actually installed by Foretravel in the coach.)  Does that matter?  While plugging my coach in, I typically turn off my inverter first, but is that necessary?  Can I leave the inverter running while I'm plugging in the coach?

I'm just curious what other people do.

Thanks
 
Mark
1994 U280 Grandvilla, 40ft.
League CIty TX
Newbie :-)

Re: Plugging in your coach

Reply #1 –
Quote from: defendertx –
1.  I have a 50A circuit at my home I use to plug in my coach when not in use.

2.  Normally, I plug the cable into the coach first, and then plug the other end into my wall receptacle.  What happens if I do it the other way by plugging it in to the wall first and then the coach?

3.  Also, I never plug it in when my generator is running - I always turn off the generator first.  However, does that make a difference?  Can I also plug it in with the generator running?  If I do, what happens?

4.  I have a Progressive surge protector installed in my coach (not the kind that plugs in-line outside of the coach, but the kind actually installed by Foretravel in the coach.)  Does that matter?

5.  While plugging my coach in, I typically turn off my inverter first, but is that necessary?  Can I leave the inverter running while I'm plugging in the coach?
Mark,

Comments below are my opinion only, based on my experience with my coach.  Others may express different opinions.

1.  Excellent!  This is the best possible scenario for supporting your coach systems while parked at your house.

2.  AFAIK, the result would be exactly the same.  No difference.

3.  OK, this question is one of those "it depends" subjects.  Your coach is most likely just like mine: it came from the factory with a Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) that switches between the two possible 115V AC power sources.  The possible sources are shore power and generator.  The ATS will be wired to give one of those sources priority - that is, if presented with two AC sources simultaneously, it will always chose one over the other.  I don't know how your ATS is wired.  Your Operator's Manual might tell you, or you could pop the cover off the ATS and look at the wiring diagram - it will usually indicate which "input" has priority.

IF the ATS is wired correctly, and IF the ATS functions correctly, then plugging in with the generator running should not cause a problem.  If you plan to do this, it is recommended that you first turn OFF all your big AC loads (air conditioners, microwave, etc.).  This will help extend the life of the electrical contacts in the ATS.  I personally always disconnect from one AC source before connecting to the other source.

4.  No.  Depending on how the onboard surge protector is wired, it may or may not protect against problems with BOTH AC power sources.

5.  It my opinion, it is not necessary to turn off your invertor before plugging in.  The internal circuits in the inverter will handle the change in power source without any problem.  The Operator's Manual for the inverter should also provide a answer to this question.
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: Plugging in your coach

Reply #2 –
x2 on what Chuck said, I turn off the battery charger as well. My 10 year old ATS went west a couple of mos ago. I did a manual transfer switch from Bluesea. No more humming.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Plugging in your coach

Reply #3 –
I too had installed a 50 amp connection at my last home. I have a manual transfer switch. So not the same. But I would plug into the home connected to coach, check for polarity issues, if none, turn the transfer switch on. Check voltage. No need to turn off the inverter (mine is victron which has its own transfer switch. Since my inverter supplies my front ac unit, off Lithium batteries, I don't feel its imperative to turn off the ac. But its good practice to. I would not run the genny and be plugged into shore power, but if I did it would be with the transfer switch on shore. IF I wanted genny I would disconnect from shore power.
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired

Re: Plugging in your coach

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Journey, Roam, Explore –
I have a manual transfer switch.
You have a manual transfer switch.  Bruce also has a manual transfer switch, and so do I.  I did not bring up the case of manual transfer switches, because it does not directly pertain to the OP's question, and I did not want to muddy the waters.

But since it has been mentioned, having a manual transfer switch simply, by design, forces you to always disconnect from one AC power source before connecting to the other source.  With a manual switch, it doesn't matter if the generator is running when you plug into shore power.  The manual switch can only connect to one source at a time.  It is basically FOOLPROOF, which (when I am around) is a reassuring feature.

Transfer switch questions
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: Plugging in your coach

Reply #5 –
Chuck while I agree in theory, I have found that sometimes its best to be cautious. I'm sure something very bad could happen with 50 amps of power from shore and 50 amps of genny power coming together at the same time.. I guess its a trust issue. Maybe in a few years I will be there. But I would not want to go back to auto transfer switches in the coach. I like that I am the fail safe, even though I am not always sure I am....
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired

Re: Plugging in your coach

Reply #6 –
Not mentioned but something to think about, when plugging into or unplugging from a 50 or 30 amp power source I like to have the breaker off at the power source. That gives a clean break or contact vs rocking your heavy plug from side to side trying to get it plugged up or unplugged.. Turn power source breaker on when cords are secured or vise versa.. Hope I made that clear.. You are looking for a clean hook up and or separation. Just a pointer for anyone who may be new.
Dub McBride 1996 270
 

Re: Plugging in your coach

Reply #7 –
FWIW, an automatic transfer relay with a built in time delay can be thought of as an OR gate.  Your electricity is either coming from the mains or after a suitable delay your electricity comes from your on board generator.  One or the other.

Now, if you don't have electricity coming in from the shore or the genny you now have an AND situation.

If you don't have shore power AND you don't have generator power then you power source is your battery and your inverter.

AND, OR, NOT AND, NOT OR pretty much covers all situations.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.