First,,, I did search the posts about 50 amp transfer switches, I didnt see the answer to the question I have. I would like to install a transfer switch,,, when I start my gen,,, I want the delay,,,, My cord is straight to my breaker box,,, my gen is connected to an outlet box,,, I can plug to either shore power or the gen box... I want to plug to the gen box while driving and keep appliance switches on,,, start the gen and recieve power,,, what goes where ????
Parallax Power Supply Model ATS 5070 Automatic Line/Generator Switch is what I use. Seems to work fine. Purchased it at a RV supply house. Believe it was $250, give or take a little.
Simple to hook up, and as the name says, the transfer is automatic. When I'm switching over, I turn most everything off. Just as a safety precaution. The unit has a 10 sec. delay.
Bill
At the beach in Ft. Myers. ;D
Quote from: Busnut83 on July 26, 2009, 09:58:59 AM
... I would like to install a transfer switch,,, when I start my gen,,, I want the delay,,,, My cord is straight to my breaker box,,, my gen is connected to an outlet box,,, I can plug to either shore power or the gen box... I want to plug to the gen box while driving and keep appliance switches on,,, start the gen and recieve power,,, what goes where ????
OK, I'm confused. If you have an outlet on the genny, and you intend to simply plug the shore cord into that outlet, and leave it plugged in there when not on shore power (an excellent setup, and the way many factory rigs are wired, BTW), why do you need a transfer switch at all?
If all you want is a delay, and your generator itself does not provide one, then all you really need is a two- or three-pole contactor rated for 50 amps (about $30, give or take) and a simple delay timer (also about $30, give or take). That would go between the generator and the receptacle.
If you want to use an ATS for this purpose, either because you don't want to fiddle with separate parts, or because you got a better deal on a 50-amp ATS than you could on a contactor, timer, and enclosure, then put the ATS between the genny and the receptacle. Wire the generator output to the ATS genny input, wire the ATS output to the receptacle, and leave the shore input to the ATS disconnected.
-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com
Yes,,, I was always told not to start my gen with a load,,, I can not shut everything off each time I run the gen driving down the road.... I was told an ATS would solve this ???? I dont know??? What do you suggest ???
Quote from: Busnut83 on July 26, 2009, 05:10:34 PM
Yes,,, I was always told not to start my gen with a load,,, I can not shut everything off each time I run the gen driving down the road.... I was told an ATS would solve this ???? I dont know??? What do you suggest ???
Well, as I already wrote, what I suggest for an automated solution is a contactor and a delay timer, mounted in an enclosure. But that will cost you from ~$40 (if you buy everything surplus or on eBay) to over $100 depending on where you buy the parts, and you need to be a bit handy.
That said, you should already have a main disconnect at your panel, mandatory for most installations. So the easiest and cheapest thing to do is to simply turn off this main breaker or disconnect until the generator has started, come up to speed, and warmed up a bit, then turn it back on.
-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com
Sean,,, Thanks for your reply,,, I am trying to follow you,,, No I do not have a main breaker,,, I have a breaker box with 6 20amp breakers in the gen compartment... 83 mci-9 njt...
A lot of it depends on what loads you are talking about. A few lights are not going to hurt the generator or the lights. The biggest issue is the air conditioner(s). They usually have a time delay and won't start for a few seconds after the power comes on. An electric, compressor type refrigerator might be a problem as would a heavy load like a water heater.
My MH has a switch to start the front AC from the driver's seat, a convenience I never would have thought of but one I appreciate.
It would be simple enough to build a time delay contactor as Sean suggests or even a manually controlled one from the driver's seat. It is also good practice to turn off the heavy loads before shutting down the generator.
Quote from: Busnut83 on July 27, 2009, 06:42:43 AM
... No I do not have a main breaker,,, I have a breaker box with 6 20amp breakers in the gen compartment...
OK, so before we tackle transfer switches and generators, you need to fix this. You will need to have a main breaker for your panel; this is a safety issue. With only individual breakers, it will be possible that all individual circuits are within their ratings, yet you might be exceeding the current rating of main wiring, shore cord, etc. Also, if you have or suspect some type of electrical problem (say, you smell electrical smoke), you want to be able to shut off power to everything at once. Lastly, this allows you to turn off all your loads together while, for example, starting the generator. Moreover, it is the law -- NEC section 551.45(c) says, in part:
"... A main disconnecting means shall be provided where fuses are used or where more than two circuit breakers are employed. A main overcurrent protective device not exceeding the power-supply assembly rating shall be provided where more than two branch circuits are employed."If your panel is the type that has a knock-out for a main breaker that's just not populated, you can add one. If it is a "main lug" type panel without a main breaker position, but you have two empty spaces, you may be able to use a branch circuit breaker as a main, back-feeding it, depending on what panel and breakers you are using. If neither of these is an option, you will need to get a small two-position box and breaker and install it in-line; the box should be no more than about $10 and the breaker will be around $12, plus miscellaneous fittings should bring it to around $25 total.
You'll need to break open your main feed anyway to install either the ATS or the contactor I mentioned earlier, so this is an ideal time to rearrange things to have a proper main breaker for your installation.
-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com