| Author | Message | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 3 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.240.213.222 Rating: N/A |
I have traced a low voltage problem to the transfer switch, shore side, producing about 40 volts....The generator side is putting out good voltage, over 120. Question: without taking the transfer switch completely out, is there anything I should look for that might be creating the problem? Thanx. RCB | ||
| Len Silva (Lsilva)
Registered Member Username: Lsilva Post Number: 34 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 71.29.24.79 Rating: N/A |
Thats a puzzler. What kind of transfer switch? They are either relays or mechanical switches and I can't imagine what could give you those symptoms except maybe a burned contact. Then it's unlikely that you would get the same voltage every time it operated. You have good voltage coming into the switch but low voltage leaving when on shore power, right? Can you see if the contacts are burned or dirty? You might try burnishing the contacts with a very fine (0000) emery cloth or burnishing tool. Don't use a file or sandpaper. Good luck, let us know any other info you come up with. Len | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 4 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.240.232.212 Rating: N/A |
Failed to post that it is an automatic switch. Good voltage to the 50 amp line plug, then drops to 40 at the point where the terminal in the switch is. The generator is good to go thru the switch. Am going to pull all four lines at the switch tomorrow to check continuity of the cord itself. RCB | ||
| Dave Brawdy (Dbrawdy)
Registered Member Username: Dbrawdy Post Number: 5 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 148.78.249.33 Rating: N/A |
First measure the shore voltage at the input connections inside the transfer switch and the voltage at the output connections of the transfer switch when it is in the shore position (generator off). This will eliminate any faulty wiring and connections. Is the 40 Volts measured with a load attached and being measured inside the coach? This could indicate defective shore side contacts or contacts not complete engaging in the transfer switch. If there is absolutely no load connected then you are reading voltage thru a high resistance contact (defective or not engaged), or your shore wiring has faulty connections at the plug or where connected to the transfer switch. With all voltage disconnected (and measured at zero) tighten all connections in the transfer switch - this should be done periodically anyway. Look for any signs of previously over-heated or burnt connectors, wiring, and relay/switch contacts. Be sure all voltage is disconnected before working on the transfer switch. Dave | ||
| Ed Jewett (Kristinsgrandpa)
Registered Member Username: Kristinsgrandpa Post Number: 260 Registered: 2-2003 Posted From: 64.24.212.132 Rating: N/A |
Is this a 120/240V system or just 120V? Are you reading from the hot to ground or to the neutral? Does your transfer switch also switch the neutral? Are the neutrals bonded? Is this a new system or has it been in service fof a while? Ed | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 5 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.240.213.159 Rating: N/A |
Interesting thing.........after many frustrating hours of chasing everything (starting with a complete set of 5 house batteries, three new Group 31 start start batteries, a new solar panel, a change of generators, changing the air conditioner and water heater to a different main box...and a couple of minor things like a new switch on the hot water heater......) the problem was... ....an extension cord that I have used for years to keep the system charged. Turns out that it was cut and burned in several places...provided erratic voltage and often no voltage at all. This has just happened in the past few days due to some construction going on around the property. Shortened the cord, put on a new female end and waalaa...  Thanx mucho for all the comments and yes, I did pull the 50 amp cord out of the switch which is how I located the problem. RCB '64 Crown Supercoach (HWC) |