Manual Transfer Switch?

[OnTheGo]

A recent thread about ATS's made me wonder if a manual switch wouldn't be better for me. ... started new thread so as not to hijack that one.

Our 2022 Greyhawk came equipped with an ATS and it functions as intended. That said, there will be very few (if any) times I start the generator while plugged into shore power, or vice versa. Would a manual transfer switch work in place of an ATS? I'm okay dealing with basic circuitry, but don't go much beyond so I would like to hear from the electrical minds.

I'm thinking a manual switch could be built sturdier, and eliminating the microprocessor would reduce the cost and be easier to replace. Our Greyhawk has the electrical compartment under the bed. Mounting a switch on the outside of the bed frame would not take away from its appearance, and reduce the run to the transfer switch.

I'm a fulltime Floridian. We were mentioned a couple of times in the thread and again in the youtube video. Southern Florida truly is a harsh environment for everything but concrete. Metal, plastic, and wood (think outside furniture) is good for about 2 years. So, an RV electrical system doesn't stand a chance.

[hoppers4]

The method I've seen on rigs without ATS is to install a plug in the power bay that has power from the genset. When you want to use genset power, simply move the plug from the pedestal and plug into the genset outlet.

I haven't heard of a manual switch being used for this purpose but that does't mean it can't be done. Might be easier to install than the above method.

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by hoppers4

The method I've seen on rigs without ATS is to install a plug in the power bay that has power from the genset. When you want to use genset power, simply move the plug from the pedestal and plug into the genset outlet.

That's how many rigs were set up in the early years too. Only drawback is having the cord hanging if you want to use on the road.

[Jagiven]

Originally Posted by hoppers4

The method I've seen on rigs without ATS is to install a plug in the power bay that has power from the genset. When you want to use genset power, simply move the plug from the pedestal and plug into the genset outlet.

I haven't heard of a manual switch being used for this purpose but that doesn't mean it can't be done. Might be easier to install than the above method.

X2, this is what I have most commonly heard of. ear the ATS wire an outlet to the feed wire from the Genny and from shore power feeds. Then have a male plug that feeds the MH distribution panel. Just plug into which ever source you want.

A quick search on amazon shows a manual selector switch, for two feeds. Might take a bit more wiring as you may need to bring wires from your ATS, to where ever you want to place your manual selector switch.

https://www.amazon.com/AC-Rotary-Swi.../dp/B000K2ILQI

For many posts, when ATS fail, it sounds like it was due to loose wire connections. Personally, I would recommend accessing the ATS, and your distribution panel and tightening all the electrical lugs. This will save you a lot of headaches down the road.

[hoppers4]

Originally Posted by Jagiven

For many posts, when ATS fail, it sounds like it was due to loose wire connections. Personally, I would recommend accessing the ATS, and your distribution panel and tightening all the electrical lugs. This will save you a lot of headaches down the road.

Excellent thought!

[OnTheGo]

Originally Posted by Jagiven

X2, this is what I have most commonly heard of. ear the ATS wire an outlet to the feed wire from the Genny and from shore power feeds. Then have a male plug that feeds the MH distribution panel. Just plug into which ever source you want.

A quick search on amazon shows a manual selector switch, for two feeds. Might take a bit more wiring as you may need to bring wires from your ATS, to where ever you want to place your manual selector switch.

https://www.amazon.com/AC-Rotary-Swi.../dp/B000K2ILQI

For many posts, when ATS fail, it sounds like it was due to loose wire connections. Personally, I would recommend accessing the ATS, and your distribution panel and tightening all the electrical lugs. This will save you a lot of headaches down the road.

Thank you Jagiven. I will maintain the stock ATS until it fails. It might last a long time, but I'm not confident. That switch on Amazon appears to be the answer. In essence, feeds coming from different sources that end up powering the same system - not rocket science. Also, before I buy from Amazom I will check with Digi-Key, probably one of your neighbors.