I have a Lyght Automatic transfer switch that is malfunctioning. The convert is not charging the house deep cycle batteries when using the shore line or the generator. If I manually hold down the one of the switches it will stay down and the converter comes on and the batteries will charge. I see on my display panel the battery gauge lights go from 1 green light (1/3 power) to 3 green lights (full power). My question is..... can the contacts on the switches be cleaned with emery board (I used to do the all the time when cars had points in the distributors) or is it best to get an entirely new trasfer switch box.

It may not be so much the contacts as it is the armature of the contactor that is dirty, rusty, not allowing full engagement thus contacts are not completely seating to each other.

Are any of these something that can be cleaned or is it not worth the time to even try? Thanks for replying

Not familiar with your rig - assuming it's a 30 amp setup a new transfer switch only cost $60? and there are likely Youtubes on how to install. Just my 02.

"If I manually hold down the one of the switches..."Where is that switch that you -hold down- located?There is no intelligent way to guess the answerYou will need to troubleshoot this and find out the part that is not workingDo you own a hand-held meter that can detect voltage?Do you promise to be safe and wear gloves when working around live AC current?

2005 Gulfstream SunVoyager SE GM workhorse. It's a 50 amp transfer switch. I can get a new transfer switch fro $120 to $175 +/-. I guess the question is , Is it repairable and would it be worthwhile to get it working to the point that it is dependable. writing it down, I guess I know the answer. Get a new one and have peace of mind. I guess I'm looking for someone else's view point. Thanks again

Transfer switch not making contact automatically.

19 Replies

YC_1
Nomad
Nov 15, 2017
Yes you can clean the contacts. May be as simple as that. Be sure to tighten all the screws that are holding wires.

It is best to unplug from shoreline. Being silly of course. Make sure you do not have an auto start generator setup to turn on.
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Nov 15, 2017
I would love to diagnose your original switch and see exactly what went wrong. The layout is similar to the transfer switches I built for the Kelley II

Their burden was 35 amperes 240 AC and the first set of relays lasted 5 years or so (heavily salt laden marine atmosphere). A really crummy circuit at the fish processing plant defeated even a reasonably spread hysteresis gate.

The transfer switches I used to build used 1st generation 5mm diagnostic LEDs - one glance and any problem evident simply screamed its confession.
mikathi
Explorer
Nov 14, 2017
Yes L1 and L2 have power. Right now I've got it working but no way of telling if it'll keep working. I have a Lyght transfer switch (see photo). Any brand you would recommend over another. I'm leaning toward the same as I have so I don't have to move or add any new wires.
time2roll
Nomad
Nov 14, 2017
If you are holding down the contact to make it work it is not the contact itself. It is either the control module or the coil in the relay. Are you sure you have power on both L1 and L2 of the source?

However in the normal closed position the relay should pass power from one source or the other based an where the relay is stuck. I recommend a complete new switch.

http://www.bestconverter.com/100-Amp-Transfer-Switch
mikathi
Explorer
Nov 14, 2017
2005 Gulfstream SunVoyager SE GM workhorse. It's a 50 amp transfer switch. I can get a new transfer switch fro $120 to $175 +/-. I guess the question is , Is it repairable and would it be worthwhile to get it working to the point that it is dependable. writing it down, I guess I know the answer. Get a new one and have peace of mind. I guess I'm looking for someone else's view point. Thanks again
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Nov 14, 2017
"If I manually hold down the one of the switches..."

Where is that switch that you -hold down- located?

There is no intelligent way to guess the answer
You will need to troubleshoot this and find out the part that is not working
Do you own a hand-held meter that can detect voltage?
Do you promise to be safe and wear gloves when working around live AC current?
ksg5000
Explorer
Nov 14, 2017
Not familiar with your rig - assuming it's a 30 amp setup a new transfer switch only cost $60? and there are likely Youtubes on how to install. Just my 02.
mikathi
Explorer
Nov 14, 2017
Are any of these something that can be cleaned or is it not worth the time to even try? Thanks for replying
john_bet
Explorer II
Nov 14, 2017
It may not be so much the contacts as it is the armature of the contactor that is dirty, rusty, not allowing full engagement thus contacts are not completely seating to each other.

Forum Discussion

Transfer switch not making contact automatically.

19 Replies

About Technical Issues

Related Content

Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)

Autimatic Transfer Switch?

Automatic Transfer Switch

Automatic Transfer Switch problem

Automatic Transfer Switch problem