Slow Transfer Switch
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Joined: Oct 2015
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From: Wyoming
Slow Transfer Switch
The ambient temperature is in the 50's, but the rest of the trailer is probably still coming up to that temperature. The generator starts OK. Power from the generator isn't available for a good three minutes. I haven't timed it, but it could be longer than three minutes.
Is this a sign of a problem with the generator, a lazy transfer switch or just due to cold weather?
Is this a sign of a problem with the generator, a lazy transfer switch or just due to cold weather?
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I've heard of some that won't put out power if they're really cold, until they warm up a little. I think that's the older ones though.
Also some won't find stable power for a bit if they're not at the prescribed speed because they're running cold, and without stable power won't send any at all to avoid brown-out, overvolt, and/or bad frequency conditions.
How well has the maintenance been done on it?
Is it under warranty?
Also some won't find stable power for a bit if they're not at the prescribed speed because they're running cold, and without stable power won't send any at all to avoid brown-out, overvolt, and/or bad frequency conditions.
How well has the maintenance been done on it?
Is it under warranty?
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From: Wyoming
The generator had a level 2 maintenance performed about a year ago and the Cummins/Onan repair facility. That involved valve adjustment, plugs, filters and oil. It gets run once a month, all year. The oil gets changed once a year, regardless of low hours.
The trailer is a 2006 model, so it is well out of warranty. I'm the third owner.
The trailer is a 2006 model, so it is well out of warranty. I'm the third owner.
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From: Wyoming
I don't know. It's not located in the generator compartment. It's mounted near the converter and the breaker panel, inside the trailer.
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Okay so it could be that the transfer switch is slow . . . or has a waiting period built into it . . . or it could be that the generator is slow about providing power such that the transfer switch doesn't see a power source to switch to until the generator gets around to supplying it. If you're good with a meter and wiring diagrams you could probably find this out easily enough. If not, it's not something that someone without some experience should be poking around at.
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From: Wyoming
I think there is an outlet in the generator compartment. I wonder if that it direct from the generator instead of going through the transfer switch. I'll have to try that out.
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That's a good idea, but if it is in a wall and not directly in the generator then odds are good it's part of the electrical system and not wired directly to the generator.
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Joined: Oct 2015
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From: Wyoming
12" of snow today has changed my plan to get to the storage lot this weekend to do a test of the electrical system. 
On the off chance that it's actually the transfer switch, are there any suggestions on how to buy a new one? This isn't a common item that comes up for replacement in the towing forum here.
I think I'm going to wait until summer and see if the switch-over time goes back to the 30 seconds that I recall it being. But I figure it doesn't hurt to start the research process. I replaced the 120v/12v converter as well as the water pump last year. The converter was a proactive replacement while the pump was reactive.
On the off chance that it's actually the transfer switch, are there any suggestions on how to buy a new one? This isn't a common item that comes up for replacement in the towing forum here.
I think I'm going to wait until summer and see if the switch-over time goes back to the 30 seconds that I recall it being. But I figure it doesn't hurt to start the research process. I replaced the 120v/12v converter as well as the water pump last year. The converter was a proactive replacement while the pump was reactive.
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Joined: Apr 2000
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From: Mills River
The ATS may contain some smarts that keep it from connecting to the generator until the generator voltage and/or frequency are “within spec” for a minimum time period. This is intended to keep the generator from stalling / stumbling when (very) cold and a heavy load is connected.
HTH,
Jim / crewzer
HTH,
Jim / crewzer
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From: Bristol, TN.
Having a 3 minute delay in the ATS is entirely normal for some transfer switches and the receptacle in the compartment is tied to the electrical system and runs through the transfer switch. If in doubt, get the model off the transfer switch and call the manufacturer.
Steve
Steve
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From: Wyoming
The ATS may contain some smarts that keep it from connecting to the generator until the generator voltage and/or frequency are “within spec” for a minimum time period. This is intended to keep the generator from stalling / stumbling when (very) cold and a heavy load is connected.
HTH,
Jim / crewzer
HTH,
Jim / crewzer
Having a 3 minute delay in the ATS is entirely normal for some transfer switches and the receptacle in the compartment is tied to the electrical system and runs through the transfer switch. If in doubt, get the model off the transfer switch and call the manufacturer.
Steve
Steve
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Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Bristol, TN.
If it's due to cold then I'm not concerned.
Opening up the cabinet and pulling out the entire electrical "system" that includes the breaker box, fuse box, converter and the transfer switch, isn't a lot of fun. I've done it twice before so I know how to it. It's just a pain to do it.
Opening up the cabinet and pulling out the entire electrical "system" that includes the breaker box, fuse box, converter and the transfer switch, isn't a lot of fun. I've done it twice before so I know how to it. It's just a pain to do it.
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From: Wyoming
I'm _assuming_ that it's where I think it is. But I could be wrong. I recall seeing a couple sets of 120v wires coming into a box and one set going out. I thought that was the transfer switch. I haven't seen anything else that caught my eye.
