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Topic: Transfer switch failing or pushed too hard? (Read 236 times) previous topic - next topic

Transfer switch failing or pushed too hard?

Out on the road for a few days, pulled into a park late this evening. Hooked to shore power transferred as normal. We had Both roof airs going, and for some reason had the hot water on electric vs the usual diesel. So we had heavy electrical load being pulled. All was fine for about 2 hours then while watching TV we lose shore power, then it comes back, then it goes again, then back again... at this time I heard the transfer switch doing its thing...engage to shore, about 30 seconds later disconnect and repeat. Rather than risk damaging something went out and disconnected the shore power, and started walking things over. Left my meter at the house so couldnt check the park tower for erratic power at that moment....Lifted the bed to check things visibly all seemed ok but the transfer switch housing was much warmer than I ever remember it being in the past.

Shore 1st comes into a Progressive industries entire coach EMS-HW50C surge protector then the the OE transfer switch

When its home we stay on shore power 100% of the time and often run both roof units just to exercise them And have never noticed any issues. (note BOTH units also fairly new 15kDometic)

I left it disconnected and drove to the local WM for a cheap meter. Came back tested everything and found no erratic power being supplied from the park, so had my wife watch the display on the surge protector for any errors. All came on line as it should and no more problems now for about an hour.

Is it possible with all the load we just had the xferSw a bit near its limits? or are there any solenoids etc inside of it that might be aging? Ive never seen a xfer switch toggle back and forth like this one was doing.

Thanks for any info....this is a short trip, but were headed out for 2 weeks next month and if there is something that need attention asap when I get home I want to get on top of it..
Mike in AL
2001 U295
8.3 ISC 350
Build 5918

Re: Transfer switch failing or pushed too hard?

Reply #1 –
Check out and see that all the connections in the transfer switch are tight. A loose connection
can cause heat also low voltage will cause heat also.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Transfer switch failing or pushed too hard?

Reply #2 –
Did your Progressive show any faults?
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: Transfer switch failing or pushed too hard?

Reply #3 –
Quote from: oldguy –
Check out and see that all the connections in the transfer switch are tight. A loose connection
can cause heat also low voltage will cause heat also.

Absolutely the first step-- check tightness of all connections in the ATS and look carefully for burned or discolored wires (indicating overheating).
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: Transfer switch failing or pushed too hard?

Reply #4 –
I'll check connections this morning.....As for the progressive, it showed no faults.

If I had low voltage the progressive I think would have disconnected us.
Mike in AL
2001 U295
8.3 ISC 350
Build 5918

Re: Transfer switch failing or pushed too hard?

Reply #5 –
Not a thing loose.....had my wife plug us back into the pole power while I watched the physical transfer. Smooth as silk, not even any visible arcing on the contacts. Contacts for being 22 years old looks like those of a near new contact switch. Only thing making any sense is that the plug or the breaker on our lot may be having unseen issues and causing low voltage swings which the progressive was maybe picking up and causing the toggling....Ive worked their breaker a few times, but dont feel anything obvious wrong. All has been ok since reconnect last night.

The faults clear when the unit is unplugged and replugged, unless condition continues....I never saw any, but in talking with  wife she says she thinks she saw an E6 come up one time, which would have been low voltage condition.
Mike in AL
2001 U295
8.3 ISC 350
Build 5918