Auto transfer switch

6

6cuda6

Active member
Jul 1, 2019
945
163
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59
Ontario, Canada
So im getting ready to install a new converter and fuse block to replace the old buzz box thats croaking.....should i put in an auto transfer switch
at the same time?

Ive also noticed that if you have dual a/c things are wired different ....i do not have dual a/c yet but i think thats going to be done as i have a
line on 2 units for the price pf one....so what do i need to do or do i need to do when it comes to the transfer switch and the dual a/c install.
--
Rich Mondor,

Brockville, ON

77 Hughes 2600
 
I didn’t install a transfer switch until many years after major wiring
updates. It’s not necessary by any means, and moving the plug is solidly
reliable.

But now that I have it, I love it. The main advantage is that it does not
switch the circuits until the generator has produced stable power for 30
seconds or so. My cheap Generac generator is MUCH happier with that
feature.

Rick “leaving the dual AC question for others” Denney

On Sun, Sep 15, 2019 at 10:55 AM tonka6cuda6--- via Gmclist <

> So im getting ready to install a new converter and fuse block to replace
> the old buzz box thats croaking.....should i put in an auto transfer switch
> at the same time?
>
> Ive also noticed that if you have dual a/c things are wired different
> ....i do not have dual a/c yet but i think thats going to be done as i have
> a
> line on 2 units for the price pf one....so what do i need to do or do i
> need to do when it comes to the transfer switch and the dual a/c install.
> --
> Rich Mondor,
>
> Brockville, ON
>
> 77 Hughes 2600
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
'73 X-Glacier 230 "Jaws"
Northern Virginia
Offlist email: rick at rickdenney dot com
 
Bob Stone has a full parts list to convert a TT30 or 14-50 to "either or" breaker type. Manual flip rather than Auto which I would prefer.
--
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
 
I didn't use a transfer switch.
Easy to just use the plug.

My converter/inverter is on one breaker and most outlets run off the inverter.
The roof AC's and water heater each have there own breaker. The refer and outdoor plug are on one also.
--
1977 Kingsley 455 as stock as it gets except lots of Ragusa parts
 
I plug the gen in when i disconnect the shore power,
--
1977 Kingsley 455 as stock as it gets except lots of Ragusa parts
 
> I plug the gen in when i disconnect the shore power,

Manual transfer switch....guesd that works too....lol.

--
Rich Mondor,

Brockville, ON

77 Hughes 2600
 
That's why the cable is always connected to the generator when not connected to shore power

Am 15. September 2019 15:55:14 GMT-03:00 schrieb tonka6cuda6--- via Gmclist :
>Im just thinking if i want to start the generator while driving....
>--
>Rich Mondor,
>
>Brockville, ON
>
>77 Hughes 2600
>
>_______________________________________________
>GMCnet mailing list
>Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

--
Regards

P O Schmidt
 
When I converted my Royale from twin bunks and hanging bunks above them to
a full size bed that goes from side to side, I covered up the access to the
toggle breakers as well as the 12 volt fuse board and the old BUZZ BOX
battery destroyer.
So, I pulled out the buzz box and replaced it with a Progressive
Dynamics smart converter. That only left me with the problem of switching
the toggle breakers when going from the shore power cord to the 6000 watt
Onan. So, I installed an automatic transfer switch. It is wired so it
defaults to the generator whether the shore cord is plugged in or not.
Works great, it also has a timed delay to allow for the generator power to
stabilize. Sure beats crawling under the bed and switching breakers.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon

On Sun, Sep 15, 2019, 1:22 PM Mike Hamm via Gmclist
wrote:

> I plug the gen in when i disconnect the shore power,
> --
> 1977 Kingsley 455 as stock as it gets except lots of Ragusa parts
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
I've had both an auto switch and a socket in the electric bay. I will not put in another transfer switch. The socket is passive, gives little or no
trouble, and it's (very infrequent) failure mode I've probably worked with and on a hudred or more (fairly high power) transfer switches. A
reliable one with useful control is expensive. A relay based one which transfers under load will eventually fail. If it fails with a contact fused
you're headed for trouble.
All it gains you is the ability to not walk outside and move the power cord from the pedistal to the plughole. Since you usually know the power
situation where you're stopping, you can set it before leaving or on the way.

--johnny
--
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
 
The Royale power cord does not go into a compartment where you can manually
unplug it and plug in the Generator.
I agree that the manual method of plugging and unplugging is ALMOST
idiot proof. Just remember, we always seem to come up with a different
variety of idiot. (grin)
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon

On Sun, Sep 15, 2019, 4:55 PM Johnny Bridges via Gmclist <

> I've had both an auto switch and a socket in the electric bay. I will not
> put in another transfer switch. The socket is passive, gives little or no
> trouble, and it's (very infrequent) failure mode I've probably worked
> with and on a hudred or more (fairly high power) transfer switches. A
> reliable one with useful control is expensive. A relay based one which
> transfers under load will eventually fail. If it fails with a contact fused
> you're headed for trouble.
> All it gains you is the ability to not walk outside and move the power
> cord from the pedistal to the plughole. Since you usually know the power
> situation where you're stopping, you can set it before leaving or on the
> way.
>
> --johnny
> --
> Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
> Braselton, Ga.
> I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me
> in hell
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
I like the convenience of the automatic switch... If you get one and it is mounted in the cabinet inside the coach, you may want to look into one
that uses DC powered relays... From what I'd read, the AC powered ones can hum, which would be annoying if you have it in the living area (vs in the
"basement" like they are on a lot of SOBs....)

For what it's worth, my coach came with the Parallax switch.. It did not hum and seemed well made, but the switching was always somewhat noisy, and
in the end, one of the relays froze up and I had to replace it as Parallax said they would not do repairs on out of warranty switches. I ended up
going with the below switch... While the cabinet on it is plastic instead of metal like the Parallax, the switches are dead quiet even when they are
switching over from one source to another... And the plastic cabinet is adequate on my installation as again, it is inside the coach in a cabinet...

http://www.bestconverter.com/Boondocker-50-Amp-Transfer-Switch-BD-ATS50-The-quiet-one_p_437.html

I'd originally planned to replace my Parallax with a more expensive switch, but the seller ended up being out of the model I'd chosen, and he called
me up and pitched me on the Boondocker and I took a chance... Seller said he'd stand behind it if I was not happy... So far it's been great. No
regrets and the money saved is always a good thing...

--
Mark S. '73 Painted Desert,
Manny 1 Ton Front End,
Howell Injection,
Leigh Harrison 4bag and Rear Brakes,
Fort Worth, TX
 
I'd have to have a look at the contactor(s) and interlock(s) before I'd use it. Harris used to use a large and unreliable contactor in their
transmitters to reduce the start surge current. It was a common failure item and failure led to grief and a couple of fairly expensive resistors when
it stuck.

--johnny
--
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
 
If the coach didn't come with a socket for the genset, use a three way 'air gap' disconnect.

--johnny
--
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
 
Fourteen years ago when I rewired my coach, I also put in a 50 Amp Transfer Switch BD ATS50. I didn't have enough room below the closet for both
entrance panel and the ATS, so I took the electronics out of the ATS panel, moved things around in the entrance panel and put the ATS electronics in
the entrance panel with the breakers. The transfer has a 30 second delay that you have to get use to, but has worked flawlessly for 14yrs. That being
said, it will probably give me trouble on this weekend outing :roll: JFWIW
--
Larry
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
 
My Royale has a new genset (Onan Emerald Plus 6500) in the bay, which runs to a female 50A plug that the "shore power" cord plugs into. That was fine
and (to me) preferable to complicating the system.

That was fine until I installed an inverter, and really wanted to make sure that it didn't get into a fight with my generator or shore power (it would
lose either way). ;) So I put in a 50A 3-pole contactor. I wired it to energize with shore power, but think I might swap that out since it's on
shore power 99.99% of the time (no need to have a hot contactor under the rear bed). Simple enough, cheap enough, and WAY easier than a 3-way
autoswitch.
--
Mark Hickey
Mesa, AZ
1978 Royale Center Kitchen
 
It looks as if my beloved PO installed a Trans-Tech 30 amp Gen Switch. When I plug in to shore power I hear a beep from inside the coach. Might be
the switch, it might be a shocked mouse. I've never seen the manual plug-here-not-there setup. Thank you, PO. Of course he also installed their
"Power Guard" that I think is some kind of delay. It's decommissioned as the delay seems to be set to "later."
--
Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
 
Rich,
Go for it with the automatic transfer switch. You'll be glad you did.

I don't know about your 2 A/C question.

Safe Travels,
Russell
--
Russell Keith,
1978 E2 "Harry" 403 (still carbureted), Danny Dunn Tranny, Thorley, Stock Brakes w/Remote Vacuum Brake Booster, Quad Bags, Dakota Digital Dash, 6.5 kW
Onan, Dunedin, Florida
 
Your signature says "Hughes" which means I have no direct experience. However, just as a point of reference the GMC upfit coach runs both ACs anytime
- on generator or shore power with a OEM 50 amp cord. My Royale runs only the center AC on a 30 amp shore power cord, but will run both on the
generator (with an additional from Coachmen fuse box). So would recommend you keep discovering your existing situation or have an expert decipher it.
If you look on BDUBs gmc site for manuals, you can get the Coachmen electric wiring diagrams and see if they tell you anything helpful.

Yet another solution I have seen is leave the main AC wired in a typical fashion, and the second (usually rear) air hard wired to a 20 amp plug that
is plugged into a shore power connection when both a 30 amp and a 20 amp are available on the same pole. Someone else can comment if that actually
provides two sources of power, but I'm just saying it has been done that way.

--
1975 Glenbrook, 1978 Royale rear bath
Raleigh, NC
 
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