Transfer switch

[starcraft69]

If i install a 3000 watt inverter to a transfer switch and I am running on the inverter power. Then go start my portable generator that the rv is plugged into. When it transfer to the generator power is there any loss of power? Can my TV and cable box be on and running? I was looking at the PowerMax PMTS-30 30 Amp Automatic Transfer Switch.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

I heard back from Pinella's. They include a 50 amp remote controlled transfer switch--but he recommend a 70 amp for a 23.3 amp plug. I'll start searching for one that fits.

[wa8yxm]

My Inverter's internal transfer switch. ther TV won't even blink.

HOWEVER ... The big problem is when transferring INDUCTIVE loads (motors) as they an break the transfer switch. so if you have inductive loads on the transfer switch load side. SHUT THEM OFF FIRST.

[2oldman]

My Dtv box would reboot even on the fastest xfer switch.

[Cydog15]

starcraft69 wrote:
If i install a 3000 watt inverter to a transfer switch and I am running on the inverter power. Then go start my portable generator that the rv is plugged into. When it transfer to the generator power is there any loss of power? Can my TV and cable box be on and running? I was looking at the PowerMax PMTS-30 30 Amp Automatic Transfer Switch.

We use the Boondocker ATS-30 with no problem and they are silent because they use the DC coil relays. Several Inverters and generators and no problems. The Parallax units hummed and were noisy.

BD ATS-30

[starcraft69]

MrWizard wrote:
most transfer fast enough there should be no problem
going from inverter power to generator

the problem that sometimes occurs is when going back to inverter from generator

most generators do NOT disconnect power when you hit the off button
they "wind down"
that is keep producing power at a lower level until it drops below the voltage needed to hold the transfer switch
say the switch doesn't drop out until 70 volts AC, but the TV etc.. shut off when the voltage drops below 90vac

so you loose power. so everything shuts off and reboots

built in Onans do this, also most portable generators

i experience this everyday with my TV, when shutting down my onan and going back to inverter

the champion remote start 'inverter' powered gensets
are one of the few that I know about, that shut off power, when the remote off button is pushed, and worked well for me in the past, in other RVs
i think this is done to protect the inverter electronics from load spikes from heavy loads winding down, like A/C compressors

one way of mitigating the issue is to use a small UPS (300-500VA/watt) between the RV outlet and the electronics, the ups doesn't care where the input power comes from and keeps everything power during the switch over
to the ups. the switch over is the same thing as a 'burp' on the power line. just a momentary glitch in power, its job is to keep the power going
the downside, is remembering to turn off the UPS, when your done with the inverter and going to bed
it has a very small battery and will be dead in the morning when you 'power up', very many cycles like that and the UPS battery will be shot
UPS have very small chargers, are meant to be on in standby all the time, switching back forth several times a day .. no effect works great, but forgetting to turn it off, when NO power is available to maintain it, will leave its internal inverter on and drain the battery
they are designed to be drained and cycled up and down

Thank you so much for taking the time to give such detailed answers I really appreciate it.

[pianotuna]

Mr Wizard,

My Yamaha 3000 iSEB does have a manual switch that I can use to disconnect power so that the "spin down" effect does not occur.

I wish the Pinella remote had the option to use that. I should look into the amperage that it can switch. It does do at least 15 amps. HMMMMMM time to write an email to Mr Pinella.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

Sometimes it works. But transfer switches don't last too well which they are switched under a high amp load. The contacts burn.

There are some hybrid inverters that will share the load. However, I've had one of those catch on fire. I think it is best to disconnect the loads and then transfer the power.

[time2roll]

I have read some posts where a satellite box will reset very fast and will trigger from a transfer switch. Yes you can leave them on but it is possible that they would reset if switched to generator power.

BTW you probably only need 300 watts to run the tv/cable box. Much easier install. You can wire the transfer switch to run this circuit with inverter power as priority so that it does not switch unless the inverter is shut off. You could then run the generator and charge the battery or make some popcorn. For inverter I recommend sine wave only.

[MrWizard]

most transfer fast enough there should be no problem
going from inverter power to generator

the problem that sometimes occurs is when going back to inverter from generator

most generators do NOT disconnect power when you hit the off button
they "wind down"
that is keep producing power at a lower level until it drops below the voltage needed to hold the transfer switch
say the switch doesn't drop out until 70 volts AC, but the TV etc.. shut off when the voltage drops below 90vac

so you loose power. so everything shuts off and reboots

built in Onans do this, also most portable generators

i experience this everyday with my TV, when shutting down my onan and going back to inverter

the champion remote start 'inverter' powered gensets
are one of the few that I know about, that shut off power, when the remote off button is pushed, and worked well for me in the past, in other RVs
i think this is done to protect the inverter electronics from load spikes from heavy loads winding down, like A/C compressors

one way of mitigating the issue is to use a small UPS (300-500VA/watt) between the RV outlet and the electronics, the ups doesn't care where the input power comes from and keeps everything power during the switch over
to the ups. the switch over is the same thing as a 'burp' on the power line. just a momentary glitch in power, its job is to keep the power going
the downside, is remembering to turn off the UPS, when your done with the inverter and going to bed
it has a very small battery and will be dead in the morning when you 'power up', very many cycles like that and the UPS battery will be shot
UPS have very small chargers, are meant to be on in standby all the time, switching back forth several times a day .. no effect works great, but forgetting to turn it off, when NO power is available to maintain it, will leave its internal inverter on and drain the battery
they are NOT designed to be drained and cycled up and down