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Topic: Believe in Electricity ? (occasional transfer switch issue on shore power) (Read 595 times) previous topic - next topic

Believe in Electricity ? (occasional transfer switch issue on shore power)

Maybe someone here has knowledge of these magic things.

Last Fall, first trip, in an RV park. I plugged into the 50A socket, the xfer SW didn't make. Tried the 30A same. Ran the cord to share another pedestal, the other guy was plugged into the 50A socket, I plugged into the 30A. I know...I was on one leg of his. Worked, then he left, I plugged into the 50A socket he had left, nothing, plugged back into the 30A, nothing. Called the owner, who called an electrican. Tested all sockets, both pedestals and all checked good. After they left I dinked with it some more and all of a sudden the transfer switch made, and all was good. No more problems. Came home where I have a multi A pedestal, plugged in, all was good. Plugged into another pedestal, 30A, at my home, not a problem. Needed to relocate the FT for a couple of days, on the second day, for kicks, plugged into my Honda 2000 generator....worked fine. Went to Quartzsite, no problem until I tried to connect to my Honda again, wouldn't accept the power. The onboard generator is fine. The coach has a Progressive Ind power thingy, but it is after the transfer switch.
I'm guessing that the pull down coil on the shore side of the transfer switch is the problem...anyone else care to guess ?

(Fixed spelling and made title more descriptive - Michelle)
Dave W. (AKA Toyman )
'03, 270, 36', Build 6095, Pulling whatever I hook it to.

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
Dr Seuss

Re: Believe in Elactricity ?

Reply #1 –
Don (Aristocart) had a similar problem at Quartzite with a Honda generator.  Of course his on board generator wouldn't work either.
He wound up replacing the Progressive EMS and plugged in at a campground- everything good.  Don't understand why it happened.
Maybe Don can shed more light on the subject.

Hope that helps.
Ted & Karen
2001 U270 36' - sold after 12 years full timing

Re: Believe in Elactricity ?

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Ted & Karen –
Don (Aristocart Acousticart ::) ) had a similar problem at Quartzite with a Honda generator.  Of course his on board generator wouldn't work either.
He wound up replacing the Progressive EMS and plugged in at a campground- everything good.  Don't understand why it happened.
Maybe Don can shed more light on the subject.

Hope that helps.

In our case, plugging in to the Honda 2000 generator fried the progressive industries EMS after about 45 seconds. It may have been a case where it was on the cusp of dying anyway, but I have no way of knowing for sure. Ours is in front of the transfer switch, and just before everything died, the voltage from the Honda. Before the Progressive Industries EMS fried and died, the Power Watch showed reverse polarity (red light) and the voltage indication was pegged at 130 volts. Many on the forums use the Hondas, apparently with Progressive Industries blessing with the protection turned off (except for the surge protection, which can't be turned off). This is because the Honda puts 60 volts each on the hot and neutral... this isn't true of all inverter generators, but is true of the Hondas. My experience apparently isn't common, but I won't be plugging into that kind of a set up again! It kind of dominated my Quartzsite experience this year, whereas last year, it was dominated by a botched installation of our Airfare Airforce One system. Maybe next year, I will have a chance to relax!
Don
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Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: Believe in Elactricity ?

Reply #3 –
The thing that confuses me is that the Honda worked fine here at home base. One thing I've found, some times, on the little generators, there is a need to tie the ground and common side together with a cheater plug. Don't remember how mine is presently configured, but whatever it is, it hasn't changed. When the weather breaks I'll try the Honda again here.
Dave W. (AKA Toyman )
'03, 270, 36', Build 6095, Pulling whatever I hook it to.

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
Dr Seuss

Re: Believe in Elactricity ?

Reply #4 –
Dave,
I'm not sure as to the type transfer switch that was used in a '03 U-270 but all are made pretty much the same.  It sounds like you have some pitted contacts in the transfer switch relay. Ours is pretty simple to change out.  The whole rely is also available if it is burnt beyond repair like this one Replacing a Transfer Relay


Pamela & Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Believe in Elactricity ?

Reply #5 –
My xfer SW is composed of two Siemans motor starters a couple of time delay relays, and a few other things. The motor starters SHOULD last forever in an application like this....but I think they arer"fixable" if it is the contacts.
Dave W. (AKA Toyman )
'03, 270, 36', Build 6095, Pulling whatever I hook it to.

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
Dr Seuss

Re: Believe in Elactricity ?

Reply #6 –
         Dave, One thing I would check is the lugs where the  wire makes into the transfer switch from the Progressive EMS to be sure there isn't a loose connection. I know when I installed the EMS it was a bugger to get the #6 wire tied in properly. Also you may want to check the same in the EMS box and also the junction box on the bay ceiling. Just a thought before you start replacing parts.

    Off topic but hope you guys are enjoying the coach otherwise. I am looking out the window at 40" of snow on the ground and sure do miss it right now!

          Dean
Dean & Deirdre

2012 Arctic Fox 22GQ
Was 2003 U270

Re: Believe in Electricity ? (occasional transfer switch issue on shore power)

Reply #7 –
Thanks for the reply Dean, I'm waiting on the weather to get nice, then gonna hit it. I hope I find the real problem! Hate things that "fix themselves" without exposing the problem.

5000+ GREAT miles since we left your place. May make another run to Alaska this summer...or maybe Labradore ? You do still have wheels.....
Dave W. (AKA Toyman )
'03, 270, 36', Build 6095, Pulling whatever I hook it to.

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
Dr Seuss

Re: Believe in Electricity ? (occasional transfer switch issue on shore power)

Reply #8 –
Can you try a different power cord?
John Duld
1995 U320C SE 40'