Disconnect Power When Using Generator?
We lost power to all sites in our park today. The park let us run our generators, but said we should disconnect our RVs from the power pedestal first. Why?
Forum Discussion
:When power fails you should keep it off for 3 full minutes Normally starting the Genny will take that long.. If you are in a trailer you will manually (most likely) Transfer the plug from the park to the genny. IN a motor home like mine you have an auto transfer switch
IF you transfer "HOT" (that is turn on the Generator or turn it off) especially with the A/C running two bad thins can happen
1: The ATS (Auto Transfer Switch) contactors can weld in place and disable the thing
2: damage to the air conditioner as it tries to Re-start with a full head of pressure (Takes 2-3 mintues to blead down)
Also if the ATS fails in one type of failure you can back feed the park. That one I've never seen happen personally. but I do know how it can happen.
Finally some folks have fancy "Back feed" systems (A cord with two male plugs, also known as a "Suicide cord" in this system you have to remember to flip switches (The main breaker) to OFF before you fire it up.. Very dangerous there is a reason it's called a "Suicide cord" and you can easily backfeed the park damagign your rig, the park's electrical system. your generator and killing a lineman.. Though that sounds extreme.. it has happened.
IF you transfer "HOT" (that is turn on the Generator or turn it off) especially with the A/C running two bad thins can happen
1: The ATS (Auto Transfer Switch) contactors can weld in place and disable the thing
2: damage to the air conditioner as it tries to Re-start with a full head of pressure (Takes 2-3 mintues to blead down)
Also if the ATS fails in one type of failure you can back feed the park. That one I've never seen happen personally. but I do know how it can happen.
Finally some folks have fancy "Back feed" systems (A cord with two male plugs, also known as a "Suicide cord" in this system you have to remember to flip switches (The main breaker) to OFF before you fire it up.. Very dangerous there is a reason it's called a "Suicide cord" and you can easily backfeed the park damagign your rig, the park's electrical system. your generator and killing a lineman.. Though that sounds extreme.. it has happened.
