Microwave doesn't get power when using generator

[Niels Jensen]

I get no power to my Microwave when using generator power. The microwave works fine on shore power. I've checked the breaker panel and everything looks OK. What to do?

[Duckogram]

The OP has a 2016 MBS 2400W.

[Bama Rambler]

Which generator do you have?

Have you checked the breaker at the generator? It is a rare occurrence but I have seen one side of a double pole breaker be tripped and the other not. Also some generators have two single pole breakers instead of a double pole breaker.

Have you checked the transfer switch to make sure that all the wiring connections are clean and tight?

[5picker]

Originally Posted by Bama Rambler

Which generator do you have?

Have you checked the breaker at the generator? It is a rare occurrence but I have seen one side of a double pole breaker be tripped and the other not. Also some generators have two single pole breakers instead of a double pole breaker.

Have you checked the transfer switch to make sure that all the wiring connections are clean and tight?

X2

Is the microwave the ONLY thing that doesn't work off generator -vs- shore power?

[Niels Jensen]

I do have a 2016 Sunseeker MBS 2400W.
The generator is an Onan 3.6 Kw.
Its raining like hell today, but I tried to find a breaker on the gen. Didn't find it.
I have a Progressive Dynamics PD4000 Series Power Control Center. It has breakers and fuses galore, and all look good.
I've owned the Sunseeker for one year. The generator/microwave worked fine until yesterday.

[Niels Jensen]

I believe everything else worked off the Gen except the Microwave. I'll confirm that tomorrow and report back.

[BobHanke]

If you have an electric fireplace, there may be a switch to send power to it or the microwave.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by Niels Jensen

I get no power to my Microwave when using generator power. The microwave works fine on shore power. I've checked the breaker panel and everything looks OK. What to do?

My first thought would be the transfer switch. A relay is involved and they are often a failure point.

If the Transfer Switch is bad you won't have any AC from the Generator, anywhere except at the input of the transfer switch. A quick check with a Multimeter at the Transfer Switch input with generator running can save a lot of "guessing and chasing" time.

[mike.t]

GFI

[JLeising]

If you have 120 volts AC from the generator everywhere except the microwave, a different problem than no 120 anywhere from the generator.
Many devices will run without 120. Two that will not are the microwave and the air conditioning. An alternative test for 120 volts could be plugging a 120 volt device (or an AC voltmeter) into one of the outlets and see if it works.
My first guess - based on my experience - is that you have no 120 from the generator anywhere, and the circuit breaker on the generator baseplate is tripped. I have recovered from this problem by switching that breaker completely off, then back on. I don’t know why that breaker occasionally trips - but mine does. Next step if not that breaker would be the transfer switch, as noted above. Also, others on this forum have found wiring problems between the generator and the transfer switch.
If you have 120 volts from the generator everywhere except the microwave, a different problem. If the microwave works on shore power but not on generator, and you have 120 volts from the generator elsewhere, a very confusing problem.

FYI, Jim

[JoePa77]

Maybe the plug came lose on the microwave. That happened to me that the road vibration caused it to come out. I opened the access panel and saw the cord not connected, so I simply plugged it back in. Also expanded the prongs so it wouldn’t happen easily again.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by JoePa77

Maybe the plug came lose on the microwave. That happened to me that the road vibration caused it to come out. I opened the access panel and saw the cord not connected, so I simply plugged it back in. Also expanded the prongs so it wouldn’t happen easily again.

I believe the OP indicated the microwave works fine on shore power... just not when on the generator. If the microwave was simply unplugged... it wouldn't work on shore power either.

[JoePa77]

Originally Posted by 5picker

I believe the OP indicated the microwave works fine on shore power... just not when on the generator. If the microwave was simply unplugged... it wouldn't work on shore power either.

I am so very sorry. I didn’t see that written by the OP. I will be more careful about comments going forward. Thanks for the input.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by JoePa77

I am so very sorry. I didn’t see that written by the OP. I will be more careful about comments going forward. Thanks for the input.

WELL... DON'T LET IT HAPPEN AGAIN!
[emoji23][emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]

Seriously. It's all good and I miss things too. I'm just trying to keep the thread on track as lots of folks will jump into a thread in the middle (read only your post or the last couple posts but not the entire thread) and then go down the wrong path.

[BehindBars]

Originally Posted by mike.t

GFI

Your suggestion is very vague, but if I interpret it correctly, can you explain how GFI has something to do with the microwave operating correctly on shore power but not on the motorhome’s generator power?

[JoePa77]

Originally Posted by 5picker

WELL... DON'T LET IT HAPPEN AGAIN!
[emoji23][emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]

Seriously. It's all good and I miss things too. I'm just trying to keep the thread on track as lots of folks will jump into a thread in the middle (read only your post or the last couple posts but not the entire thread) and then go down the wrong path.

I will try my best.
lol 😂

[wmtire]

Originally Posted by Niels Jensen

The generator is an Onan 3.6 Kw.
Its raining like hell today, but I tried to find a breaker on the gen. Didn't find it.

Originally Posted by Niels Jensen

I believe everything else worked off the Gen except the Microwave. I'll confirm that tomorrow and report back.

I don't know your RV experience so am going to start out with basics, which may not apply to you. You will have two different electric systems as far as the house part of your motorhome goes. Some stuff works off 12 volt DC and some stuff works off of 120 volt AC. This thread link below will go into that with more details.


https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...nt-152813.html



If for some reason the circuit breaker on the generator is tripped, none of your 120 volt AC items may have worked and you only noticed the microwave. Your 12 volt DC items would still function off the battery, giving you a false sense they were being powered via the generator.


On some of the Onans the circuit breaker is off to the right hand side of the panel like in this picture. If so, you may can see if it's tripped and turn if fully off and on again to reset it to be sure.

[newRVer]

Did you measure the AC voltage while on generator? It's possible that the Genset is not creating enough voltage for the microwave to power up. I.e. could be a issue with the genset or there is a wiring issue. On a side note, does the AC work while on generator?

[Duckogram]

Originally Posted by Niels Jensen

I believe everything else worked off the Gen except the Microwave. I'll confirm that tomorrow and report back.

Lets be patient and wait for the answer. Lot’s of mud slinging around until then.

For the OP You might need this:

[Niels Jensen]

Yippie!!! I checked the 120 V outlets and they had no power either. Next I looked more carefully for the breaker reset switch, as shown in the second diagram some dude sent. Yup, it was "off". The switch looks like a regular on-off switch. That did the trick.

Thanks to everyone who chipped in!