IOTA Transfer switch seems to be sticking

[toban]

I have a DSDP Newmar. I have noticed when I start my generator, the transfer switch clicks after starting but it doesn't click right over for a contact. I lightly tapped the top of the box and it clicks further to make a contact. I shut down the generator and started it again to activate the transfer switch again and it clicks right over.

What does one do to fix this situation? Can you clean or lubricate the swivel points inside? It doesn't take much to have the contacts come together with a light tap on top of the box. As I said, I've repeated this process over and over and it clicks right over after the initial tap.

Any suggestions for me?

Toban

[winepress]

dougrainer wrote:

bullydogs1 wrote:
Doug

I value your wisdom and knowledge but my friends IOTA switch heated the contacts and a burning smell ensued...enough to scare anyone..that's why I called it a ticking time bomb.

It was the LOOSE connections that caused the problem, NOT the Iota. Doug

If you use this transfer switch(IOTA)you need to periodically check the terminals. The problem is the terminal bar, it is made from aluminum and the wiring is copper, which is not a good mix. Add that the enclosure is made from plastic is another problem. Tick, Tick.

[dstock50]

Depending on use all relay contacts need to be burnished, my IOTA delay circuit card failed, they replaced it quickly, they also have a small over ride switch on the circuit card, WARNING make sure all power is off when working on this box.

[toban]

Since I was the original poster, I thought I'd pass on the message that I had replaced my IOTA transfer switch with a Progressive Dynamics 50 AMP switch and it works great now with the generator. The allen screw connectors were tightened well.

Thanks for your help and answers.

Toban

[dougrainer]

bullydogs1 wrote:
Doug

I value your wisdom and knowledge but my friends IOTA switch heated the contacts and a burning smell ensued...enough to scare anyone..that's why I called it a ticking time bomb.

It was the LOOSE connections that caused the problem, NOT the Iota. Doug

[time2roll]

I would just replace it with a premium switch.

http://www.bestconverter.com/PD53-100-100-Amp-Transfer-Switch_p_520.html#.VtpIHpwrKUk

And yes make sure the wires are tight.

[bullydogs1]

Doug

I value your wisdom and knowledge but my friends IOTA switch heated the contacts and a burning smell ensued...enough to scare anyone..that's why I called it a ticking time bomb.

[Corkey05]

Toban ... Any power to your coach has to go through the transfer switch. The switch decides when to move the source to generator or shore power. So, if you use the coach, you use the switch.

The only time it's not in the loop is if you're running on Inverter (if you during boondocking).

It might not be your problem, but it's a known problem with a known safety issue bad enough for an industry wide recall.

[toban]

Yes, I have a 2004 DSDP but the transfer switch from the generator has not been used that much. I only have 130 hours on the transfer switch from the generator. The rest of the time I've been plugged in.

The switch just started to stick now. Initially, it does not want to click right over to make a contact but does when I gently tap the top of the box. I then have tried it many times after by shutting down the generator and starting again and it switches over no problem many times tried after the initial start.

The points haven't been used that much with that many hours on the generator.

Toban

[dougrainer]

bullydogs1 wrote:
I switched mine out with another and IOTA would not make good on it until it actually failed.....it is a ticking time bomb...

Right. What will happen if it fails? NOTHING. No Ticking Time Bomb or any such type problem. It will just FAIL, NOTHING ELSE. The Recall had to do with the OEM INSTALLS, NOT a fault of the Iota part. The OEM's were NOT torquing the screws correctly and the 120 wires could then possibly be loose and cause arc'ing and generate heat. I sometimes wonder where the Sky is Falling people get their misinformation. Doug

[bullydogs1]

I switched mine out with another and IOTA would not make good on it until it actually failed.....it is a ticking time bomb...

[dougrainer]

You have the 2004 DSDP? If so, I would replace the 50 amp transfer box. You could take it apart and file the relay points. Odds are the relay points are pitted from years of engaging with a load. Your symptoms point to that. You can also find just the relay's and remove the old and rivet the new ones in, but I would just replace the Complete Transfer Box. After 13 years, that is not a big cost to do. Doug

[The_Texan]

Here is a LINK to a post I made last week about the IOTA ATS. Mine was doing the same, as far as the contactor(relay) chattering and sticking. The IOTA is a time bomb just waiting to go off.

[Corkey05]

toban wrote:
I have a DSDP Newmar. I have noticed when I start my generator, the transfer switch clicks after starting but it doesn't click right over for a contact. I lightly tapped the top of the box and it clicks further to make a contact. I shut down the generator and started it again to activate the transfer switch again and it clicks right over.

What does one do to fix this situation? Can you clean or lubricate the swivel points inside? It doesn't take much to have the contacts come together with a light tap on top of the box. As I said, I've repeated this process over and over and it clicks right over after the initial tap.

Any suggestions for me?

Toban

What year?

Just FYI, but NTSB recalled The transfer switch described below for Monaco coaches 2008 thru 2011. To my understanding it was industry wide.

Instructions provided by Jayco

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V060000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Potential Number of Units Affected: 249

Summary:
NAVISTAR IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 BEAVER AND CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2011 MONACO, AND CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2011 HOLIDAY RAMBLER RECREATIONAL VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 25, 2007, THROUGH AUGUST 26, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH IOTA ITS-50R 50 AMP AUTOMATIC TRANSFER SWITCHES.

THE IOTA ITS-50R 50 AMP AUTOMATIC TRANSFER SWITCH BUS BAR AND/OR ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS MAY BE INADEQUATE TO HANDLE THE ELECTRICAL LOAD.

Consequence:
ELECTRICAL OVERLOAD OF THE TRANSFER SWITCH COULD LEAD TO OVERHEATING, AND A FIRE, INCREASING THE RISK OF PROPERTY DAMAGE, PERSONAL INJURY, OR DEATH.

[wallynm]

Not sure what you mean by "click right over" but there is a built in delay. Try starting the generator and see what happens without doing the tapping routine.

toban wrote:
I have a DSDP Newmar. I have noticed when I start my generator, the transfer switch clicks after starting but it doesn't click right over for a contact. I lightly tapped the top of the box and it clicks further to make a contact. I shut down the generator and started it again to activate the transfer switch again and it clicks right over.

What does one do to fix this situation? Can you clean or lubricate the swivel points inside? It doesn't take much to have the contacts come together with a light tap on top of the box. As I said, I've repeated this process over and over and it clicks right over after the initial tap.

Any suggestions for me?

Toban