Auto Transfer Switch just failed

[MartyMoose]

Went to load up camper and found it with no power. Turned out that the transfer switch contactor will not energize and engage contacts.
The weird thing is that according to the wiring diagram, the shore and generator hookups are reversed.... it has always worked perfectly but I wonder if that's why it ended up failing. It's just laying in there and looks like it should be mounted vertically.
Will be hard wiring to get me though the weekend and order new one.
Seems to be good reviews of ESCO LPT502BRD but it will be a little more difficult to wire as all leads come in on one side.
Another reason why you need to have little DYI in you if your are an RVer.... 🙂

Any other suggestions?

[Bedlam]

My TH did not have an auto transfer switch. The built in Onan generator was wired to a female plug and you connected your shore power cord to it when you wanted to run on generator. My truck camper has an auto switch, but doing it manually is not that hard.

[RUFFSTUFF]

If I'm on shore power and start my generator, it will switch to the generator. Mind you I have only done this on a 20A connection (storage), but that's how it is.

[MartyMoose]

Thanks for the suggestions.
DYI - just stating that it's much easier to have an RV if you are handy and don't need to pull your camper to a dealer when something doesn't work.

Yes, the generator and "shore line" feeds were refersed.

The contactor moves freely. I can push down and it energizes the circui. Seems like the magnet that holds it in place when it senses power isn't getting the signal. I'll contact PD as hopefully it's a easy part to replace as replacing the whole unit would be a pain.

I hard wired the connection for now so I'm off camping for the weekend. Yes!!!

[time2roll]

http://www.bestconverter.com/100-Amp-Transfer-Switch_c_195.html

Maybe step up to the PD53-100

[Y-Guy]

Don't assume it's fried just yet, but you need to be safe about what I'll suggest.

I had issues with the transfer switch in my Raptor. I figured I needed a new one, but I didn't. I took the panels off so I could get to it, then while disconnected from all power and the generator off, I removed the panel covering the switch itself. I used an air compressor to blow it out. Then I powered it up, switch it and blew it again. I did this a couple times and never had issue with it again. Another friend had the same problem, he cleans his out about once a year as we both tend to camp around a lot of dust.

Might not help you but then again it might. Just be smart around the power.

[GordonThree]

Don't use emery cloth, like sand paper it will destroy the plating on the contacts. Use a contact burnishing tool.

[STBRetired]

I have an ESCO ES50M-65N transfer switch that I installed in 2015 and am pleased with it. It really doesn't matter which way it is hooked up. Switching the generator and shore power connections just switches which source it will use when both are present. Was pleased that the ESCO doesn't not hum as much as the previous Todd Engineering transfer switch did.

If the contacts are burnt, I would replace the transfer switch or the relays (if they are field serviceable). Cleaning with some emery cloth is temporary solution at best.

[pianotuna]

I would move to a much higher amp rating on the transfer switch. It may cost more but it ought to last a lot longer.

[GordonThree]

bob_nestor wrote:
I could be wrong here, but from my work on my transfer switch I think having the shore power and generator inputs reversed would just make the switch default to generator power. With shore power available a working switch would transfer the connection to shore power. Most installations are wired to default to the shore power connection and switch when generator power is available, and if both are providing power it would select the generator. In your case if both are providing power it would select shore power.

As for not switching, it could be as simple as dirty contacts in the transfer switch. A little emory cloth on the contacts and you could be back up and running.

That sounds logical.

If the switch is mechanical, it could be frozen as well, try banging on it a few times while it's energized.

Even if something's failed, it can't be too hard to repair - hopefully the relay / contactor is socketed and you just plug in a new one. Give PD a call, unless someone from PD is active in these forums, that's the only way to find out for sure.

[bob_nestor]

I could be wrong here, but from my work on my transfer switch I think having the shore power and generator inputs reversed would just make the switch default to generator power. With shore power available a working switch would transfer the connection to shore power. Most installations are wired to default to the shore power connection and switch when generator power is available, and if both are providing power it would select the generator. In your case if both are providing power it would select shore power.

As for not switching, it could be as simple as dirty contacts in the transfer switch. A little emory cloth on the contacts and you could be back up and running.

[GordonThree]

DYI = Do Yourself In?

What do you mean by the hookups are reversed?

Have you contacted PD? They seem to get glowing reviews by everyone here using their product.