MrWizard wrote:
all these people that say, turn on generator with out unplugging shore power are ignoring the fact that shore is still hot, and your switching hot loads
something that DOES NOT HAPPEN in a power failure
and it does not happen IF shore power is unplugged
several people have come on here after having a failure in the TS and burning out a generator or appliances
by starting the generator while plugged in
The burning out of a generator or appliances can not solely be attributed to starting the generator while plugged-in . . . which could be a possibility but not always.
When engineers came up with the system of switching power sources. . . whether it's solar, standby generator, windmill or thermal-- they've had spent considerable amount of studies to make sure that their product is safe for consumer. After going through rigorous tests their product is still subjected to certification by Underwriter Laboratories.
To dismiss that their effort is bunk and therefore does not deserved to be heeded is being ignorant and outright dangerous.
The problems that invariably arise is mainly the result of users (especially Rvers) who take it upon themselves to make changes. . . maladjustments that cause the equipment to not function the way it was designed for.
Case in point is messing with the generator speed (governor). This has adverse effect on the output voltage. The speed which influences the expected output voltage must be precisely adjusted to match with the electronics that must provide the right feedback to other component in order to achieve a smooth trouble free operation.
An unstable and low generator RPM would cause the transfer switch to flutter off and on. This constant oscillation would wreck havoc on the connected load, or even the generator itself.
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No man knows his true character until he has run out of gas, purchased something on the installment plan, and raised an adolescent. (Marcelene Cox)