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Topic: Top Automatic Transfer Switch connector does not engage...  (Read 804 times) previous topic - next topic

Top Automatic Transfer Switch connector does not engage...

Lost power to the coach and was able to have a local electrician help out.  We isolated the problem to the top transfer box which had shore power incoming but the connector would not make contact or seat while there was power. However, when he pushed down the connector and it stayed down and power was restored. When power to box was turned off then back on the connector again needed to be pushed down manually to connect, any ideas on why connector not resetting?
I started the generator and that was working powering the coach even though one wire was a mess which we cleaned.
I guess is it best to replace transfer box any ideas on a new replacement model? My current model is the ATS 100, I attached the photo  of the box cover, hopefully, as I do not see it when I previewed my post 

Tony
Tony Pasquale
SOLD....
'99 U295 36'
WTFE, 04/99, #5572
Toad: 2020 Equinox

Re: Top Automatic Transfer Switch connector does not engage...

Reply #1 –
Photos added to post do not show up until you "save" the post and go back to the normal Forum view.

The individual contactors inside the transfer box can get "weak" from age/use.  They are replaceable.  Use safe working practices when working on 110V equipment.  BE SURE all power is isolated from box.

Or you can replace the whole box.  Search online for suitable replacement models.  See thread below:

Replace ATS100 110v? Lost all AC power. Replace/Fix? automatic power switch

Your electrician friend/helper should know where (locally) to buy a replacement part, if speed is important.
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: Top Automatic Transfer Switch connector does not engage...

Reply #2 –
Howdy Tony,
    I replaced mine several years ago with: PD52DCS Progressive Dynamics 
I followed Jack Lewis footsteps: A/C Electrical Issues, DC Side just fine!
I bought ours from Amazon.

I've seen this one recommended as well: Lyght LPT50BRD

I think the key is DC coils, much, much more quiet than original ATS 100.

Good Luck, Dave A
Dave and Nancy Abel
'00 U320 36' WTFE  Build #5669
'10 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
Livingston, TX  SKP's Fulltiming

Re: Top Automatic Transfer Switch connector does not engage...

Reply #3 –
There should be no need to replace the transfer switch. Foretravel used top quality components here.

Inside the transfer switch is a contactor (essentially a big relay) which has 2 replaceable wearable components. The coil that pulls the contacts together and the electrical contacts themselves. If you post a picture of the inside of the transfer switch box (make sure shore power is disconnected, the generator is off and the inverter is off before removing the cover), I can see what contactor is used.

I may be possible to just clean the contacts with sand paper and have functionality restored.
Bruce & Linda
2004 U295, Build # 6268, ISL400 CAPS
2016 Ford Explorer Sport or 1985 Jeep CJ7

Re: Top Automatic Transfer Switch connector does not engage...

Reply #4 –
Thanks all for your prompt replies ....I made the mistake of completing the shopping list at 4:00 PM at Wally World...just got back busy busy busy!
I will post a picture tomorrow afternoon...I have a plumbing chore to complete in the morning.  I would love to try and not have to replace the box if I can just be able to replace or clean the connectors.

Tony
Tony Pasquale
SOLD....
'99 U295 36'
WTFE, 04/99, #5572
Toad: 2020 Equinox

Re: Top Automatic Transfer Switch connector does not engage...

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Dave and Nancy Abel –
Howdy Tony,
    I replaced mine several years ago with: PD52DCS Progressive Dynamics 
I followed Jack Lewis footsteps: A/C Electrical Issues, DC Side just fine!
I bought ours from Amazon.

I've seen this one recommended as well: Lyght LPT50BRD

I think the key is DC coils, much, much more quiet than original ATS 100.

Good Luck, Dave A
Hi Dave,

I am not at the coach right now and I did not take any measurements of the ATS box, does the new PD52DCS transfer box fit in the same space on top of Box 2 as the original ATS 100?
Tony

Tony Pasquale
SOLD....
'99 U295 36'
WTFE, 04/99, #5572
Toad: 2020 Equinox

Re: Top Automatic Transfer Switch connector does not engage...

Reply #6 –
Tony, when my ATS contactor went bad, I replaced it with part #CR353ADY39A-GEGP which I purchased from Galco Industrial Electronics. Galco Industrial Electronics. Ordered online and received it within a couple of days. I can't find the billing receipt but it seems like it was around $65 +/-.

Like others already said, be SURE that the electrical is turned off/disconnected. Bad things can happen otherwise.

Be safe, hope this helps.

Larry
Larry Warren
1996  U320 36' SBID "Lola" sold 2020
Build #4970
Motorcade #18318

Re: Top Automatic Transfer Switch connector does not engage...

Reply #7 –
I had a similar problem. Ended up being the orange hi/lo voltage relay. Here is the thread that helped me diagnose the issue.

Need help - Lost shore power this evening
Dave & Danette
2005 Foretravel U270, 3620 PBLW, Build #6331
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2017 Can-Am Maverick X3 RR
2016 Polaris Turbo RZR
Motorcade #17839

Re: Top Automatic Transfer Switch connector does not engage...

Reply #8 –
Quote from: bpal –
If you post a picture of the inside of the transfer switch box (make sure shore power is disconnected, the generator is off and the inverter is off before removing the cover), I can see what contactor is used.

I may be possible to just clean the contacts with sand paper and have functionality restored.
Here are 2 pictures of inside of the Transfer switch....one with an arrow pointing to the connector which I need to push down to seat when shore power is on,  The other photo shows the connector wire on the generator side needing cleaning but this connector worked when the generator was started.
If I cannot find a replacement connector, I believe my best bet will be purchase the Progressive Dynamics PD52DCS box instead. Let me know what you think
Thank you, Tony


Tony Pasquale
SOLD....
'99 U295 36'
WTFE, 04/99, #5572
Toad: 2020 Equinox

Re: Top Automatic Transfer Switch connector does not engage...

Reply #9 –
Looks like what I replaced in reply #6.
Larry Warren
1996  U320 36' SBID "Lola" sold 2020
Build #4970
Motorcade #18318

Re: Top Automatic Transfer Switch connector does not engage...

Reply #10 –
Hi Tony,

Looking at the top two wires in the second photo you can see that they have gotten very hot. The Red wire is burnt at the connector and severely corroded. These need to be fixed before you install a new ATS.
Damage probably due to very high resistance at the connector or the contactor  .

Steve
Steve & Sandy
2003 U320 4220 WCDS, build#6160
Motorcade #17794
USMC '67-'71
 

Re: Top Automatic Transfer Switch connector does not engage...

Reply #11 –
Quote from: SteveB –

.....The Red wire is burnt at the connector and severely corroded. These need to be fixed before you install a new ATS.
Damage probably due to very high resistance at the connector or the contactor  .

Steve
Yes Steve, I will need to clean up a few of the wires before putting in the new Progressive Dynamics PD52DCS box I ordered this afternoon should be here in 4 business days.
Thank you,
Tony
Tony Pasquale
SOLD....
'99 U295 36'
WTFE, 04/99, #5572
Toad: 2020 Equinox