Forum Discussion

T_bone1's avatar
T_bone1
Explorer II
Jun 07, 2017

ATS question

A few days ago I started the generator and started the front a/c and all was well.Started the rear a/c and it ran for about 3 minutes and both quit.Started hearing a clacking noise from the rear.. Got out to look it over and discovered the ATS was kicking. I pressed the bar in the ATS and the generator started to load up,when I released it the generator unloaded..I am wondering what the deal is.. Any help is appreciated.I posted on Forest River forum and got no response..Thanks for your time!!
  • darsben1's avatar
    darsben1
    Explorer
    Jun 07, 2017
    First guess is relay is bad.
    Can you get a make and model number off the switch?

    Second guess is voltage off generator is to low to hold in switch.
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Jun 07, 2017
    check the generator voltage
    if its ok, then the ATS has died, and its time to replace it
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Jun 07, 2017
    T bone have you checked the output voltage when the genny is running?

    I generally hate transfer switches. They should never be used when "under load", so I don't see their advantage over a simple system of male and female plugs.
  • Joe417's avatar
    Joe417
    Explorer
    Jun 13, 2017
    "It will run 1 a/c fine. "

    Sounds like the contacts may be damaged enough(burned) that it can't pass the rated current unless you hold it closed.

    By "kicking" do you mean turning on and off?
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Jun 13, 2017
    T bone wrote:
    it is showing 123 volts no load
    Perfect. Now what is the voltage with one running and then two A/Cs running?

    Low voltage will cause the TS to drop out. And it could be defective. So manually engage the switch as you did before while you monitor voltage. Anything much below 110 is low. Do give it a few moments to stabilize after start up.
  • T_bone1's avatar
    T_bone1
    Explorer II
    Jun 14, 2017
    Ran it again yesterday and it all worked well.Who knows how it will act next time.

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