Forum Discussion

Hermosa's avatar
Hermosa
Explorer
Jul 08, 2013

Adding a 2nd remote start switch to a generator

Is it possible to have two remote start buttons on a Cummings Onan QG4000? My remote start switch is located in the center of the coach, just a terrible spot for it. I want to add a switch to the dash so I can fire it up as needed when driving. Would like to have both of them live / operational. Anyone with any info on this, it's greatly appreciated!

thank you.
  • Hermosa wrote:
    The reason I wanted the hour meter is it's digital, and I can tell when the genset is running. That's my current indicator that it's running. When on the road, it's hard to to tell if it's running if you aren't running the air or any otehr power equipment.If the switch had a light or an indicator the Generator is running, that would work too.

    Plug a 4 watt night light into an outlet. Instant indicator.
  • JaxDad wrote:
    If the second remote switch is wired correctly the hour meter on the original remote panel will still log hours even though you started the genset from the second switch.

    Likewise, you can start it from one & stop from the other and vice versa.

    The two switches are in parallel and the genset & hour meter don't know or care which one completes the circuit.


    The reason I wanted the hour meter is it's digital, and I can tell when the genset is running. That's my current indicator that it's running. When on the road, it's hard to to tell if it's running if you aren't running the air or any otehr power equipment.If the switch had a light or an indicator the Generator is running, that would work too.
  • JaxDad's avatar
    JaxDad
    Explorer III
    If the second remote switch is wired correctly the hour meter on the original remote panel will still log hours even though you started the genset from the second switch.

    Likewise, you can start it from one & stop from the other and vice versa.

    The two switches are in parallel and the genset & hour meter don't know or care which one completes the circuit.
  • I just ran ( Fished) a flat 4 Wire( Think Trailer Lights) from the new switch through the cabinets to the original switch .

    Spliced them into the wires coming from the Genset. The Hour meter on My setup is on the Genset!

    In retrospect It would be possible to use a Wireless Remote and a relay to accomplish the same thing.
  • Where did you splice the wires? I assume the easiest place would be where the extender wiring meets the generator? Did you extend the hour meter also? Thanks for the input.
  • Sure is! I found that the one on the dash was too far away from the Bedroom so installed aTwin switch on the Nightstand!

    I just purchased a remote switch from Onan for $35.

    Wired it in parallel with the existing switch.

    You can add as many switches as you want as long as You can do simple wiring!

    Mine lets Me get the Electric Heaters and Coffee Maker running before My Feet hit the Cold Floor!