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Topic: disconnect of electric power (Read 442 times) previous topic - next topic

disconnect of electric power

Sitting here in a pretty good thunderstorm outside of Bangor, ME, and I got to wondering. If the electric service was to go out, and I cranked on the gen set, would it be sending juice back down the line (if I was still plugged in)?

Seems like the ATS should prevent that, but just wondering.

Thanks,
Len
Len and Deb Speiser
1999 U270 36'
2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
You're either on the bus, or you're off the bus!--Ken Kesey
If you're lucky enough to live in a bus, you're lucky enough!

Re: disconnect of electric power

Reply #1 –
Not possible, sp and gen contacts are mechanically separate and cannot be connected at the same time.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: disconnect of electric power

Reply #2 –
Yes, and I believe Foretravel wired the ATS to have "generator priority" meaning if the generator is running, it is supplying the coach power,  regardless if you have shore power connected or not. If anyone has seen otherwise, please chime in.
Peter and Tammy Fleming
1991 U300 GV 40 - Sold, owned for 4 years
Downsized to Roadtrek Popular 210 class B

Re: disconnect of electric power

Reply #3 –
Quote from: prfleming –
Yes, and I believe Foretravel wired the ATS to have "generator priority" meaning if the generator is running, it is supplying the coach power,  regardless if you have shore power connected or not. If anyone has seen otherwise, please chime in.
Believe Barry and Cindy's coach had shorepower priority.
Think it varies by coach and Foretravel whims..
"Our transfer switch has shore power as priority. If generator is running and shorepower is  ............ , coach was power by shorepower only.<br>It used to be that if we were plugged  ............  switch, 'fools' transfer switch to thinking that shorepower is not plugged in, so transfer switch will power  ............ .<br>I think some other coaches have a generator priority, to eliminate this conflict.<br><br>I have only  ......"
quote is from barry and cindy in the foretravel yahoo archive, for some reason cannot cut and paste or link them.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: disconnect of electric power

Reply #4 –
In a thunderstorm, I strongly suggest disconnecting from shore power.  Surge protectors are not designed to protect against nearby lightening strikes.

But, other posters are correct, your ATS prevents two sources of 120 VAC from being connected at the same time.  It is EITHER generator or shore power (or if you have one inverter).
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: disconnect of electric power

Reply #5 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
In a thunderstorm, I strongly suggest disconnecting from shore power.  Surge protectors are not designed to protect against nearby lightening strikes.

Agree 100% (and just did that here in TN).  We always unplug in severe weather. 

Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320