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Topic: Generator/converter/wiring problem??? (Read 5 times) previous topic - next topic
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Generator/converter/wiring problem???
Yahoo Message Number: 57000
I suddenly have no power output from my Onan generator to the 120V outlets, microwave, or air conditioner. The generator starts, stops, and runs normally. The generator light is steady and not blinking any error codes. All appliances and outlets work normally on 120V shore power and all circuit breakers on the converter assembly and the one on the generator itself are OK. None were tripped and all were cycled, with no effect. My 120V wall outlet plug-in circuit analyzer reads "normal connection" on shore power, and "hot/ground reverse" when the generator is turned on. The last routine generator check was 4 days ago: it was run for one hour under load and all was normal at that time.

My knowledge of electrical circuitry is only basic, and I would be grateful for any input, such as what to look for, and where. Thanks in advance for any help on this one.

Will 2004 23.5 TK
Re: Generator/converter/wiring problem???
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 57002
Quote
I suddenly have no power output from my Onan generator to the 120V outlets, microwave, or air conditioner. The generator starts, stops, and runs normally. The generator light is steady and not blinking any error codes. All appliances and outlets work normally on 120V shore power and all circuit breakers on the converter assembly and the one on the generator itself are OK. None were tripped and all were cycled, with no effect. My 120V wall outlet plug-in circuit analyzer reads "normal connection" on shore power, and "hot/ground reverse" when the generator is turned on. The last routine generator check was 4 days ago: it was run for one hour under load and all was normal at that time.

My knowledge of electrical circuitry is only basic, and I would be grateful for any input, such as what to look for, and where. Thanks in advance for any help on this one.

Will 2004 23.5 TK
Will:
 On the right side of the squarish box on the generator (The front has the switch to start or stop it locally) is a breaker switch.  Turn it off and back on again.

It sounds as if the breaker tripped.

Good luck.

Gus Weber
Re: Generator/converter/wiring problem???
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 57065
Will,

It's remote, but it could be an early life failure of the transfer switch - that's the device that determines whether the genset or the shore power is providing the 120V - it's basically some relays and is a silver box mounted on the back of the converter (it's not part of the converter itself.
 See http://www.onr.com/user/spuds/rv/electrical.htm for some info on ours that failed.  I can't recall exactly, but it might have been either a year or two old when this happened to us.  Ours actually failed
 
Re: Generator/converter/wiring problem???
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 57069
Will,

It's remote, but it could be an early life failure of the transfer switch - that's the device that determines whether the genset or the shore power is providing the 120V - it's basically some relays and is a silver box mounted on the back of the converter (it's not part of the converter itself.

  I suddenly have no power output from my Onan generator to the 120V All appliances and outlets work normally on 120V shore power and all circuit breakers on the converter assembly and the one on the generator itself are OK. None were tripped and all were cycled, with no effect.

Michelle,

Thanks for your input. It is the transfer switch. Steve answered my email inquiry today, and sent detailed instructions on troubleshooting the problem. It involved pulling the converter out, accessing the transfer switch wiring, and undoing and switching the lead-in 120VAC line and generator wires. That done, everything ran normally on generator, and no power on line 120VAC. This is the second problem I've had with the converter assembly; shortly after taking delivery last September I had to replace the Parallax 7345 converter because of a constantly running cooling fan. Everything is still under warranty; I like doing my own repair work, but if this involves pulling and re-wiring the whole assembly, I might just let someone else get paid to do it .

Thanks again to you and Gus for your helpful suggestions, and I'll post a followup after this is resolved.

Will 2004 23.5 TK NFF (Not Fully Functional)