Help! Lost 120V power this morning

[MichBadger]

Newbie - 1st morning waking up in the new to us 2015 Sunseeker. Turned on the generator and got the furnace running. Plugged in a small space heater and then went to make a cup of coffee with a single cup Keurig. I actually noticed the Onan sound like it was laboring a bit, and then went smooth again. All 120V in RV is gone. I believe I only have (1) 15 amp GFCI protected circuit. I have checked all the circuit breakers and the GFCI and don't see any issues.

Is there a fuse on the generator itself or somewhere else I can check? I have a multimeter with me and can start checking connections. just not sure where to start since it seems that all 120V power is out in the coach.

[wmtire]

Yes the generator can have a circuit breaker. I think I have seen a schematic of the onan with the breaker kind off on the side of it

[MichBadger]

Yes, found a 30amp single pole breaker switch on the right side of the generator. Switched that and everything is back on.

The concerning thing, is why didn't the GFCI or breaker on the panel cut out if I went over 15 amps?

Before the trip, while in the driveway, I did have two space heaters hooked up while connected to my house 20amp service and tripped the 15 amp breaker on the RV panel. So it seems like it should work.

Thanks wmtire for answering quickly.

[Flybob]

A GFCI protects against a ground fault to prevent electrocution. It does not protect a circuit from over current. That is the job of a breaker (AC) fuse (DC).

[KyDan]

Glad you figured it out! Or glad wmtire figured it out.
In the future we suggest using your LP furnace to take the chill off
while you run the genny to make coffee.
Happy Trails!

[wmtire]

Originally Posted by MichBadger

Yes, found a 30amp single pole breaker switch on the right side of the generator. Switched that and everything is back on.

The concerning thing, is why didn't the GFCI or breaker on the panel cut out if I went over 15 amps?

Before the trip, while in the driveway, I did have two space heaters hooked up while connected to my house 20amp service and tripped the 15 amp breaker on the RV panel. So it seems like it should work.

Thanks wmtire for answering quickly.

Most likely you didn't go over 15 amps on a single circuit but did go over 30 amps cumulative on all circuits combined thus tripping the generators 30 amp breaker.

[transmission_doctor]

You have to be very parsimonious with the use of electric appliances in an RV. they usually do not have the same power capabilities that you have at home. Two of most all small appliances will usually trip a breaker, such as a toaster and a coffee pot, coffee pot and small heater, microwave and most any small appliance, curing iron and hair dryer, etc.

[WanderMore]

I suspect that when the generator came on line your power converter/battery charger started recharging your batteries as well as supplying power to other things. Just another load to add to your calculations.