Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Starting Generator While Connected to House Power (Read 291 times) previous topic - next topic

Starting Generator While Connected to House Power

Summer is in full force in Florida...92 degrees with feels like near 100. We've had the coach on 50 amp shore power with AC running here at the house as we pack.

We'll be running with the generator tomorrow as we travel. Can I safely start the generator with AC running while connected to shore power, then turn off and disconnect shore power. Then start engine to depart?

Thanks
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: Starting Generator While Connected to House Power

Reply #1 –
Quote from: floridarandy –
We'll be running with the generator tomorrow as we travel. Can I safely start the generator with AC running while connected to shore power, then turn off and disconnect shore power. Then start engine to depart?
Thanks

While you can do that, it is pretty hard on several of your electrical system components. Changing power sources under high loads arcs the points in the ATS. And starting a generator and immediately taking it to high output-- well, it would be like starting your car from completely cold and immediately doing 0-80 MPH.  It can be done, but not the best.

Better to shut off high-amp loads first.
Unplug shore power.
Start generator and let it warm up for a few minutes.
Add loads to generator.
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: Starting Generator While Connected to House Power

Reply #2 –
Perfect. Sorta figured that was the answer but wanted to double check. Thanks Brett.
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: Starting Generator While Connected to House Power

Reply #3 –
There should be a delay built into the ATS for the generator switch over, but it's much nicer on the system to drop the loads and let the generator warm up a bit. I don't like having the ATS switch under loads because it will arc the contacts and eventually make them fail.
1991 U300 Side Aisle 6V92 Silver #3897
2004 U320 40' #6246