"Plug In" generator transfer switch/relay?

[5outta6]

When we purchased our used 2017 Coachman Leprechaun Class C I failed to notice that we have to plug in the power cord into a receptacle every time after starting the generator.
I didn't think of this or notice the sticker stating this at the time of purchase.

My old Jayco class C had the auto transfer switch so I thought they all did..

Anyway, Does anyone know of a 'plug in' relay or transfer switch that I could leave pluged in between the 30amp shore cable and the receptacle for generator power, to eliminate the need to go outside to use the generator?

Any info greatly appreciated

( Last year on on 9K mile trip in the Leprechaun , we didn't need the generator at anytime over 2 months.}

[I-Can-Am-Can-Yo]

I bought an automatic transfer switch from Amazon and installed it myself. It was personal preference. I wanted the 30 second delay to allow my generator to normalize before kicking in the AC power. It was a fairly simple inexpensive project but I felt like a proctologist working in the tiny box that Coachmen puts the electrical service in.

[wa8yxm]

Any Auto-Transfer switch can be made into a PLUG IN model but.. Don't do it.

How often do you transfer from Shore to Generator? or back? (usually only when moving, if then, or when power fails)

There are also alternative ways to transfer, lock out devices and such. I do not really like them that much however

And MANUAL switches (those are OK)

but... Do you have to go out to START the Genny or can you do it from INSIDE, if you have to go out.. just transer the plug.

[Joe417]

I don't remember seeing a "plug in" type ATS, although they may exist. It would be very simple to make your own if you really don't want to install one permanently.

I bought a 30 Amp on ebay last summer for around $40. It came in a metal enclosure about 7" square with knockouts for the 3 wires. It has the generator load delay circuit built in. It came with a diagram showing where to connect each of the wires.

All you would need to do is add the receptacle for your camper and 2 plugs for shore power and generator. They recommend you use wire clamps to hold the wires in the box and that you add a safety ground between the box and the camper chassis.

Very simple project.

[ctilsie242]

The best setup I've seen used a 3000 volt-amp Victron Energy Quattro. No transfer switch needed, and if you want to run the generator, shore power, both, or neither, feel free. Plus, the inverter can autostart the generator if the batteries get low, and it can deal with borderline A/C systems.

[DrewE]

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Pray tell WHY would you ever select a generator over a shore power pedestal?

Sometimes I wait a week before going outside because of a tropical storm. Hate to get wet just after taking a shower?

One obvious reason to choose the generator over the pedestal is because the power is out at the pedestal (and may be for some time).

One slightly less obvious reason is to operate the generator from time to time to make sure it's still working and to keep the gas in the carburetor from turning to varnish and keep the slip rings free of excess crud and so forth.

Sockets and plugs can have failures just as transfer switches (automatic or otherwise) can. Probably it's less commonplace, and usually it's less painful to repair, but it's not as though there's one means of switching that's forever and always trouble-free.

For the OP: There are (readily available) 30A rated double pole switches (with the same general size and shape as ordinary household light switches) that could be pretty easily wired into the generator output line and placed in the RV interior somewhere. That would permit one to plug the shore power cord into the generator socket whenever it's not connected to shore power but still start the generator unloaded. I tend to avoid using circuit breakers as switches on a regular basis, particularly if they are not rated for switching duty (e.g. SWD breakers). They're not really designed for repeated switching use on a regular basis. Obviously, occasional switching of them is just fine, such as for working on wiring or whatever, but preferably not as a regular activity.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

Pray tell WHY would you ever select a generator over a shore power pedestal?

Sometimes I wait a week before going outside because of a tropical storm. Hate to get wet just after taking a shower?

Stuff never fails until it does. It's not a minor "ithue" to bypass a charred automatic transfer switch.

I DO HAVE an automatic dishwasher...
See shows up Tuesdays and Saturdays...


Perhaps a power button on the armrest of the recliner, to fling one to his feet would be in order...?

[Horizon170]

I installed a transfer switch because I don't want to go outside in rain,sleet,snow to UN-hook from shore line and re-hook to an inside recept. because Coachmen was too darn cheap to install one.
In 20 years full timing I have never had an automatic transfer switch go bad.
To each his own.
Marvin

[5outta6]

beemerphile1 wrote:
I have always liked to simplicity of the receptacle.

A wise man....

[MEXICOWANDERER]

MOTHER FLETCHER'S DO IT YOURSELF PLUG N PLAY ADAPTER...

[beemerphile1]

I have always liked to simplicity of the receptacle.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

I will NEVER HAVE TO PAY FOR OR WORRY ABOUT A BAD TRANSFER SWITCH.

If the power plug was plug n play, I would press a button and the power cord would unwind itself and miracle it's way to the power pedestal socket and not only plug itself in -- but check for correct polarity and tightness.

You could not PAY ME $500 to force me to rely on an INSTALLED FOR FREE automatic transfer switch.

But then that's me...

[Jim]

Just got invited to play a round of golf so heading out for that after a quick shower. So the schematic will have to be 4 hours late or more. Sorry.

[DancinCampers]

If leaving the cord plugged in to generator, just turn main breaker off before starting gen, then after gen comes up to speed turn main breaker on.

[5outta6]

Dutch_12078 wrote:

Jim@HiTek wrote:
It's simplicity itself.

You just need a small Square D box with wiring knockouts, a 120 Volt coil DPST continuous duty relay, a few wire clamps and wire nuts.

You wire the Hot and Neutral of the incoming 30 amp cable to the Normally Closed contacts. The Normally Open contacts are wired to the Hot and Neutral of the generator.

The Common contacts go to the RV. The relay power leads are wired to the Hot and Neutral of the generator, just like the NO contacts.

So what happens is if you plug into shore power, power goes through the NC contacts and your RV is hot. Now, if you want to run the Generator, just start it up, and when power is available, it automatically closes the Relay, and you have power.

Takes just a couple hours to install it all and configure and wire it up. Let me know if you need a schematic.

Better make that a "DPDT" relay with contacts rated for a 30 amp or higher load. And make absolutely sure it's a "break before make" relay! Commercial automatic transfer switches often have arc suppression and/or a delay timer that allows the generator to get up to speed with a stable voltage before connecting a load to it.

I was wondering at the type of switch after searching for them after reading your post.
Yes, please post the schematic....
thanks

[5outta6]

Tal/IL wrote:
I'm sure you can find an electrician to install it. But, is it worth the $$$? I just leave my cord plugged into the generator receptacle any time I am not hooked to shore power. When I unhook and stow the cable, I just plug it in. If I don't need generator power, the cable is just stowed. But, if I need generator power, I just hit the dash button.

Mine says do not plug in power cord into generator until after generator is running...........