Forum Discussion

Explorer

Jul 03, 2018

Switching from Genny to Shore Power under load----bad?

Got to the trailer and started the genny its been over a month.
Then plugged into shore power with an amp reader because i was curious if it would switch over.
Started the A/C and let it run for awhile.
Then turned off the genny with both A/Cs cranked full blast.
Only hooked up to 15amp.
Ran and killed the front bedroom manual hand dial.
Then turned the main room thermostat to off.

What damage can that cause to the electrical switch and the air conditioner?

35 Replies

pianotuna
Nomad III
Jul 03, 2018
Not recommended. Do not repeat the "experiment".
MrWizard
Moderator
Jul 03, 2018
one time only , you might not have done anything

but this type of thing is what pits and burns the contacts in the TS
after repeated times, they become damaged enough to cause problems
they only need to stick together one time to cause something like your generator to burn out

shore power and generator don't mix, and the generator will lose the fight
wopachop
Explorer
Jul 03, 2018
Whew thats good to hear thanks!!
time2roll
Nomad
Jul 03, 2018
No harm but I would not do it every day.
CA_Traveler
Explorer III
Jul 03, 2018
You actually had 2 A/Cs running on 15A?

I don't switch under heavy loads as a electrical transient may cause equipment to quit or cause some degree of stress to the equipment. And relays switching under heavier loads can cause arcing on the terminals and shorten their life.