Generator question

[macash]

Regular power goes off, I start the generator. Later, power comes on...Generator is running...must I unplug the main power line prior to the electricity coming back on....or is this not an issue. Can they both be on. I am concerned that if I am asleep or not right there that the generator will break down. Advice would be helpful. Thanks.

[RamblerGuy]

If the power came on in your coach when the generator was started, you have an automatic transfer switch that switched the power supply from the shore line to the generator.

As long as the generator is running, the transfer switch keeps the shore line isolated from the coach and generator, even if shore power is restored. You do not need to unplug the shore line if the generator is running. It will switch back to the shore line when the generator is stopped whether there's shore power available or not.

Electrical codes require a disconnect in the line between utility power and a generator, either for household or RV's. This is to prevent your generator from backfeeding the utility lines and possibly electrocuting a lineman who is working on a line that is expected to be dead. This can be done with an automatic or manual transfer switch, or with a plug.

Some coaches have a receptacle wired from the generator instead of a transfer switch. With those coaches, you have to plug the shore line into the generator output receptacle.

[Oaklevel]

Make sure you know what you have .....so you do not kill some one down line..... Is the generator part of the RV (Did it come with it and have a transfer switch or is it a generator you brought along) If you don't know unplug the rig from the pedestal.

[RamblerGuy]

Agree. The original poster needs to confirm he has an automatic transfer switch. If he got power when he started the generator but didn't have to do anything else, there should be one installed.

[macash]

Thanks for the quick response ramblerguy and Oaklevel. Very much appreciated! I bought a used 2014 395 amp xlr thunderbolt toyhauler, that has the rv generator onan cummins gas. No manuals available but wouldn't know how to check for a transfer switch. I would suspect however, with your replies, I would be, with the electrical codes good to go. VERY much appreciate your assistance. Macash

[taken]

Originally Posted by macash

Thanks for the quick response ramblerguy and Oaklevel. Very much appreciated! I bought a used 2014 395 amp xlr thunderbolt toyhauler, that has the rv generator onan cummins gas. No manuals available but wouldn't know how to check for a transfer switch. I would suspect however, with your replies, I would be, with the electrical codes good to go. VERY much appreciate your assistance. Macash

Yes, that trailer has a transfer switch as it came from the factory with the Onan. It is a forced option. So, generator and shore power are isolated.

PS: I've got the same rig on order right now...

[ykdave]

Yuppers, nothing to worry about.

Ill go out on a limb and assume that all of the 2014 395s used the PD52 transfer switch.

The transfer switch detects generator power-activates time delay(allows genset to get up to speed and warm up a tad)-switches RV to genset power and locks out/isolates shore power.

At that point the transfer switch will keep the shore power isolated until the genset is shut down (or genset breaker turned off), this prevents the aforementioned backfeed to the utilities and other fun things should their be a backyard electrician involved in the shore power feed LOL

So to answer your question, no its not an issue other than burning unnecessary fuel

[macash]

Again, all who replied many thanks for your top notch replies. Very much appreciated...one less thing to worry about