when i started my onan 4k genset 1 im my class A it smoke the new power converter. any ideas what could cause this problem. it was unplug from shore power prior to starting the generator. only the fridge was running and nothing else. im thinking the time delay in the transfer switch but not sure.

Transfer relay will not cause a power surge to "smoke" any appliance. Odds are the Genset was either not at correct speed or it has a Voltage regulating problem. Possible voltage regulator if your Genset has one. SPEED (1800 RPMs) is 128 volts no load. If the Genset runs faster than 1800 the 120 voltage increases also. If someone turned the idle screw in to stop a Onan Genset from surging or running rough, that will INCREASE the engine speed and the AC voltage. DougReally need Year of RV and Model of Onan

"New power converter" ---often this is a clue, being the last thing that was changed before the incident.Did the converter work ok on shore power or was this the first time used?What is the converter connected to--how much of a load? Any changes to that wiring when putting in the new converter?How did it "smoke?" Is it just the reverse polarity fuses or big smoke from inside the casing?Why did you need a new converter? Same thing happen to the previous one?It would help to know more about the whole thing instead of thinking up all sorts of questions like those. :)

It has a transformer regulator. Is this the same as a voltage regulator

Convertor worked fine. Started blowing smoke from inside it. The old got a power surged due not bring on a surge protector.no load except with just fridge

Has the gen been run since the earlier power surge? Did things work ok? Or is this the first time since then? Anything else get fried in that power surge? (would a transfer switch fry from that?)Must have been batteries besides the fridge as part of the converter's load--any changes to batteries or wiring from them?Maybe not turn on any 120v items in the rig when on gen just yet, but with the gen running check the 120v with a three-light tester and a voltmeter before turning anything on that might get fried too.What is the model of the new converter? Warranty? Can you return to the workshop that installed it?BTW you can charge your batteries with an ordinary battery charger until you get a converter, and run the rig's 12v from battery, while still being able to run the 120v stuff from inverter, shore power, or generator (if the gen runs them ok)

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33 Replies

robertjhunt
Explorer
Mar 05, 2017
It has a transformer regulator. Is this the same as a voltage regulator
BFL13
Explorer II
Mar 05, 2017
"New power converter" ---often this is a clue, being the last thing that was changed before the incident.

Did the converter work ok on shore power or was this the first time used?

What is the converter connected to--how much of a load? Any changes to that wiring when putting in the new converter?

How did it "smoke?" Is it just the reverse polarity fuses or big smoke from inside the casing?

Why did you need a new converter? Same thing happen to the previous one?

It would help to know more about the whole thing instead of thinking up all sorts of questions like those. :)
dougrainer
Nomad
Mar 05, 2017
Transfer relay will not cause a power surge to "smoke" any appliance. Odds are the Genset was either not at correct speed or it has a Voltage regulating problem. Possible voltage regulator if your Genset has one. SPEED (1800 RPMs) is 128 volts no load. If the Genset runs faster than 1800 the 120 voltage increases also. If someone turned the idle screw in to stop a Onan Genset from surging or running rough, that will INCREASE the engine speed and the AC voltage. Doug

Really need Year of RV and Model of Onan

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