Classic Winnebagos & Vintage RVs

Topic Boards => Generators => Topic started by: postman on November 06, 2017, 12:38 PM

Title: Change isolation circuit to manual Transfer Switch?
Post by: postman on November 06, 2017, 12:38 PM
(http://howdoinet.com/win/isoshore.JPG)

I have confirmed the Generac Impact 36 is working needs a steel fuel line to the tank. Above is the diagram of the isolation socket in the shore service cable box (drivers side). Has anyone had experience with converting this arrangement to an inside the coach manual transfer switch. Also, any suggestions on the switch.

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Title: Re: Change isolation circuit to manual Transfer Switch?
Post by: tmsnyder on November 07, 2017, 08:15 AM
So you want to select either the generator or shore power with a switch instead of physically moving the plug from one receptacle to the other?
Title: Re: Change isolation circuit to manual Transfer Switch?
Post by: legomybago on November 07, 2017, 10:32 AM
I don't see why you couldn't just wire in an automatic transfer switch? They aren't very expensive. You just wire your shore power cord to one side, and your generator to the other, then one set of outbound power wires coming out tying back into the system. I've personally never installed one, but I don't think it would be too difficult, as long as your wiring is all in the same compartment. That would be a great upgrade.
Title: Re: Change isolation circuit to manual Transfer Switch?
Post by: tmsnyder on November 07, 2017, 12:09 PM
My Holiday Rambler essentially came with this automatic transfer switch.  It's a DPDT relay that energizes when the generator is started up and automatically switches from shore power to generator power.  NO terminals connect to the generator, NC terminals connect to the shore power.


The only funny thing about this relay is there is a time delay built into it.  The generator starts, there is a ~10 second delay, then the relay switches over to the generator.  Give the genny time to get a little warmed up and less likely that it's going to putter off if it can make it through the first 10 seconds.

Title: Re: Change isolation circuit to manual Transfer Switch?
Post by: postman on November 07, 2017, 02:31 PM

Quote from: tmsnyder on November 07, 2017, 08:15 AM
So you want to select either the generator or shore power with a switch instead of physically moving the plug from one receptacle to the other?


Yes as suggested I have found automatic switches, but concerned about "Failure & or Smoke."





Title: Re: Change isolation circuit to manual Transfer Switch?
Post by: legomybago on November 07, 2017, 04:31 PM
Quote from: postman on November 07, 2017, 02:31 PM

Yes as suggested I have found automatic switches, but concerned about "Failure & or Smoke."
The auto transfer switch in my FMC is from 1975, works great, doesn't have a time delay built into it.
The auto switch in the In-laws 1986 coach works fine, we did have to replace a relay inside it when he first purchased the rig.
I wouldn't be afraid of "smoke", these are installed on all the higher end RV's
Title: Re: Change isolation circuit to manual Transfer Switch?
Post by: Froggy1936 on November 07, 2017, 05:34 PM
I installed an automatic transfer switch on my 77 Minnie The only problem i ever had was a loose connection , But it happened at the same time as a generator renew so it was scary, but easy to diagnose,  Just needed a screw tightened, They are fantastic, No moveing plugs around !  Frank
Title: Re: Change isolation circuit to manual Transfer Switch?
Post by: DaveVA78Chieftain on November 07, 2017, 07:24 PM
QuoteYes as suggested I have found automatic switches, but concerned about "Failure & or Smoke."

Automatic Transfer switches are common in newer coaches.  Biggest issue with them has been connections getting loose due to road vibration.  Typically the neutral lead.
Title: Re: Change isolation circuit to manual Transfer Switch?
Post by: Froggy1936 on November 07, 2017, 07:33 PM
Hey thats what i said  :D  Frank