Sequence of events

[tnbendr]

So I'm plugged into 110 shore, since it's getting warm in SoCal, I wanted to run AC's for awhile and it gives me a chance to exercise my generator. My question is, do I have to always shut off the fridge, unplug the shore power and then start the generator and then turn the fridge back on?

[bubbles]

No.

[TURBS]

True "no"
But who told you that you should?

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "9 nights"

[rana]

If you are unplugging THEN starting your genset you don't need to do anything. It's only when you stay plugged in AND start up your genset that you want to shut off any heavy loads.

It minimizes the chance of arcing in your transfer switch when it flips over from shore to genset... or vica versa. If you're only applying power one at a time it's a moot point.

[tnbendr]

Originally Posted by Yarome

If you are unplugging THEN starting your genset you don't need to do anything. It's only when you stay plugged in AND start up your genset that you want to shut off any heavy loads.

It minimizes the chance of arcing in your transfer switch when it flips over from shore to genset... or vica versa. If you're only applying power one at a time it's a moot point.

I am not unplugging the shore and the only thing on is fridge, is that considered a heavy load?

[dan-nickie]

Originally Posted by tnbendr

I am not unplugging the shore and the only thing on is fridge, is that considered a heavy load?

Not to me. I consider the fridge a low power draw item.
I just turn off the Air Conditioners, then start up the generator with the shore power plugged in.

[TURBS]

Fridge draws under 5 amps.
A/c, microwave and water heater on electric would be high draws amps

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "9 nights"

[rana]

Originally Posted by tnbendr

I am not unplugging the shore and the only thing on is fridge, is that considered a heavy load?

Oops.. sorry. Thought you were unplugging, but it was part of the question. My bad.

What Dan and Turbs said... but also consider cumulative loads when switching electrical sources.

[NO3putt]

We always unplug from shore power when starting generator, easyier on the ATS and make sure ACs are off.

[tnbendr]

Thanks all! Just trying to get familiar with all the nuances...this forum and you guys have been a great help so far and one day I'll be able to advise a newbie!

[Campin Cajun]

It's also a good idea to let the generator run for a few minutes before putting a load on it. This allows any dampness to dry up before the load is applied. And also allows the gen to warm up.

This step isn't written in any book or manual. I live in the south in very humid conditions and it's the way I've been taught when bringing any genset online.

[Phil57]

Originally Posted by Campin Cajun

It's also a good idea to let the generator run for a few minutes before putting a load on it. This allows any dampness to dry up before the load is applied. And also allows the gen to warm up.

This step isn't written in any book or manual. I live in the south in very humid conditions and it's the way I've been taught when bringing any genset online.

Great advice. I've had mine stall out by putting a load in it before it's warmed up. It restarts with a big puff of black smoke. It can't be good for it. I learned to wait.

[tnbendr]

Originally Posted by Campin Cajun

It's also a good idea to let the generator run for a few minutes before putting a load on it. This allows any dampness to dry up before the load is applied. And also allows the gen to warm up.

This step isn't written in any book or manual. I live in the south in very humid conditions and it's the way I've been taught when bringing any genset online.

I did consciously wait (either common sense or dumb luck) before turning the AC's on.

[I-RV]

tnbendr If your shore line has enough amperage to run your AC's, then why start the generator. If your shoreline is insufficient, then it makes sense to start the generator. But once the generator is running, everything will be on the generator. The shoreline will be not used. X2 to the suggestions of shedding the load when the generator is started.

[dan-nickie]

I believe he said because he wants to exercise his generator while parked.

[ernest917]

I always turn off AC then UNPLUG, start gen and wait for the " beep " then fire up AC 's.... Rather be safe than sorry ... Have had multiple techs tell me that's the safest way....


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[dan-nickie]

Actually sometimes on hot days when I'm leaving a campground, I will start the generator with the air conditioner on. Everything keeps right on working when I unplug the power cord and I pull out of the campground with a cool coach. I know some of you are going to say its bad, but I do it anyway at my own risk.

[Phil57]

Dan I do the same thing. I never knew it was a bad thing to do. I know not to hit either side with a load but it never occurred to me that this would harm the transfer switch.

[tnbendr]

Originally Posted by I-RV

tnbendr If your shore line has enough amperage to run your AC's, then why start the generator. If your shoreline is insufficient, then it makes sense to start the generator. But once the generator is running, everything will be on the generator. The shoreline will be not used. X2 to the suggestions of shedding the load when the generator is started.

I am only plugged into a 15 amp 110 circuit, so I don't even want to try the AC. I wanted to run the AC and exercise the gen, especially now that I've learned it "needs" to run. It was a little dirty on the exhaust for awhile at first but I ran it for about 2 1/2 hrs...it's clean now!

[15berkxl]

The transfer switch is designed to disconnect the shore power and connect to generator power without causing harm. There is a break in power seconds in duration that no power is sent to anything in the coach. Otherwise the coach would attempt to sync with the local utility company and that would not go well. The a/c compressor will turn off during the transfer and by design will not restart for 5 minutes max. This prevents power surges to the a/c units and generator.