transfer switch

[BillC]

 Hi  My automatic transfer switch is not working and I would like to replace it with a simple switch, and I"m not having any luck with google. can someone help with a link or recomendation as what to do.  Bill C

[cody]

What I did was to wire an outlet to the generator and planted the outlet in the bay, the power cord is hardwired to the breaker box so for the cost of the outlet and a piece of wire i've got a fool proof system, either the cord is plugged into shore power or it's plugged into the generator outlet, no inbetween, no mistakes, no failures.

[Freedom Rider]

Hi Cody,

I know you use the Honda Inverter generator. I didn't know that those could be hardwired since they have outlets already built in. When you get a chance could you show pictures of your set-up? I would like to use the Honda as well...just trying to think through the system. Thanks!

[cody]

The power cord is whats hardwired directly into the breaker box, the generator has a 30 amp cord plugged into it and terminated in the center bay with an outlet, the power cord plugs into it there or at a power post but can't be both.

[BillC]

Thank you Cody that will be what i do if i cant find switch soon      Thanks again  Bill C

[John316]

Did you get my pm, Bill?

God bless,

John

[James77MCI8]

Cody's Idea is the best way. A 30 amp or 50 amp double pole double throw switch will be large and expensive.

[TomC]

Cody's method is the simplest.  But- it always seems that when you least expect it, the power will go out in the campsite during a major storm that doesn't let up for hours. Either you go out in the rain to switch the plug in the bay, or wait the storm out hoping you don't need power for those few minutes or hours.
I would suggest a simple switching like I have.  I have four 50amp circuit breakers inside the bus with a slide plate that only allows two breakers to be used at a time-two for land line and two for generator.  So switching from land line to generator involves turning the two land lines off, sliding the plate over to uncover the generator breakers, then just turn on the generator breakers.  No leaving the comfort of the bus, or getting wet, etc.  And the breakers are standard Square D breakers that were bought at Home Depot, so replacement on the road is easy, if needed.  Good Luck, TomC

[grantgoold]

My esco auto transfer switch has gone out for the 2nd time in one year. These are limited to about 12kw so I have decided to go the manual switch so I am not stuck somewhere waiting for a new computer chip.

The manual switch that hits my genset rating and seems to fit the bill can be found on the following website.

http://www.reliancecontrols.com/ProductDetail.aspx?TCA1010D


Let me know your thoughts!

Grant

[PCC]

I have custom built a number of both manual and automatic cut-over switches (up to 200 AMPS) for generators in homes and RVs.

If you provide the specs on the power requirements, the size of your generator, and your power panel main breaker ratings, I can recommend how to set it up, and build it, if you want me to.

Keith

[Sean]

Manual transfer switches in 50a/250v ratings are enormous and expensive.  The one Grant linked sells for over $200.

By contrast, simple ATS in these ratings can often be found for less than $100 and are less than one quarter the size.

I would suggest the first step is to diagnose why the ATS is not working.  You might find that one of the inputs has a problem, which you'd need to correct anyway even if you changed to a manual switch.  Beyond that, many ATS problems can be cured with components selling for less than ten bucks.  Repairing the switch in place (assuming it is even an ATS problem) will almost certainly be easier than replacing with a manual switch, which might even require replacing some wire due to differences in fitment.

Can you tell us what make and model of ATS you have and what the symptoms are?

-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com

[gus]

Mine is just like Cody's and works like a charm even if it requires a little effort.

This also provides an opportunity to check out the genset and wiring face to face once in a while, not a bad thing.

There is probably more chance of an auto switch failure in the middle of a stormy night than an RV park power failure. If this happens just switch to DC!

[Dreamscape]

Our 50 amp cable is hardwired into the breaker panel, gen set has a double 50 amp breaker, power pole also has a double 50 amp breaker. It's simple, switch from one to the other for your needs. Our panel is in a bay, where a PO mounted it, I just left it there. I know, I'm lazy.  We don't have all the fancy stuff and I try to use the KISS method as much as possible.

I like it!

Paul

[cody]

I'm not only incredibly lazy but for the past year I've also been poor, so that compliments the lazy side of me quite well lol.  As a matter of fact i've concidered building a front porch on the bus cause my neighbor has a hound with nothing to sleep under lol. ( thats how poor I am lol, or is the pc term 'financially challenged" now lol)

[Paso One]

 Cody I'm getting to like you more and more with all your comments. I also took the idiot proof method.  I actually have three manual choices, shore, generator, inverter,  All this is in my utility room. (old back door )