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Topic: Shore power and generator (Read 422 times) previous topic - next topic

Shore power and generator

 Can you, or is it advisable, to have the shore power plugged in while running the  generator? My negative connection on the battery charger for the start batteries came off so they are currently weak and now re connected and charging from the shore power. At the same time I have the generator and the AH running to "exercise" them. Advisable or not?
Peter
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: Shore power and generator

Reply #1 –
I have no specific knowledge here, but my understanding is that the automatic transfer switch box has a priority relay.  Some coaches may have generator priority and others shore power priority.  This tells me it will not connect both at the same time, only the one that is powered up and has priority. 
Keith
2003 U320 38' #6197

Re: Shore power and generator

Reply #2 –
Thanks for the comment. Usually I unplug the shore power and then start the gen. I then usually hear a click from the bed pedestal indicating the gen was taking over power. I did not hear that click this time
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: Shore power and generator

Reply #3 –
My coach has shore power the priority.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Shore power and generator

Reply #4 –
Usually, the genset has priority within the auto transfer switch [ATS], so anytime the genset is running, shore power will be disconnected and wont [click] transfer over if you plug into a pedestal.  If you are plugged in and on shore power and start the genset the ATS will transfer to genset anyway.  Also believe genset priority makes more sense with regard to how auto genset start function work.  As an aside, most surge protectors have a delay built in to analyze either shore power or genset or both, depending on how ATS is wired.  This delay could take several minutes. 
Old Scout
2015 IH45
New Braunfels Tx

Re: Shore power and generator

Reply #5 –
Yes I notice there is a delay in the click when the shore power is disconnected,and the gen set is then started. The click seems to come form the engine pedestal inside below the bed. Where would a surge protector be located in the system if there is one there already?
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: Shore power and generator

Reply #6 –
Quote from: OldScout –
Usually, the genset has priority within the auto transfer switch [ATS],
Also believe genset priority makes more sense

My coach is like "Oldguy's"coach as the shore power has priority over the generator. 
I agree that the other way around makes more sense.

Richard
Jan & Richard Witt
1999 U-320  36ft WTFE
Build Number: 5478 Motorcade: 16599
2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited w/Air Force One
Jan: NO5U, Richard:KA5RIW
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Re: Shore power and generator

Reply #7 –
Mine is generator priority but I am the 3rd owner so not sure if is factory.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean