Transfer of power

[Mark S]

Today we head out on our first journey in the Seneca . All the last minute questions are now bouncing around in my head.

If we are travelling with the generator and air conditioning on, when we arrive at the campground should I turn off the a/c and generator before connecting to shore power? Or will the transfer switch do a smooth transition of power? And yes, I am using a Progressive EMS.

Also, does it matter if I leave the Norcold refrigerator ice maker control arm in the on or off position when not hooked to water? Is the selenoid looking for water if there is no pressure?

Ok, I need to go do last minute packing. It sure seems like this RV had a lot more storage capacity before we loaded everything. Lol

Thanks Mark

[rgolding]

We always turn everything off, before turning everything on under a different power source. Do we have to, No, but why strain equipment. AC Compressors really don't like the slam of change.

On the ice maker, it won't try to fill with water, if the arm is up. If you shut the water off, outside behind the refrigerator grill, it still searches for water if arm is not held up.

Enjoy your trip!

[Marcm157]

I agree with turning everything off before switching power sources. It may not be necessary with a quality transfer switch but I subscribe to the better safe then sorry practice.

[Robbbyr]

Turn the icemaker off by lifting the arm when driving. It will only make ice when 120-volts is available, but running with the generator on to stay cool makes that possible when driving. The water can slosh out of the icemaker making a mess in the freezer. Guess how I know!

As far as the transfer of power I have the DW turn off the AC units a few minutes prior to arrival at the campground to take the load off of it. Then I let it run unloaded until I park to go register then shut it down. I was taught long ago (Navy) that it was best to let it cool down somewhat without an electrical load prior to shutdown. 5 minutes is usually enough.

[Mark S]

Great, thanks. I love that I can wake up in the middle of the night and you guys are there for me

Thanks again.

[memphis02]

Maybe it's just dumb luck, but I've not ever had an issue with the ice maker dousing my freezer... I just let 'er go... -I suddenly fear I've jinxed myself.

[Robbbyr]

You have to be running the generator since our Norcolds only make ice when on genny or shore power. You also have to have your water valves in the "Normal" (pump and tank) mode with the water pump on. If you have done all that and not found a frozen blob in the tray and bottom of that freezer - lucky you! You must be on smoother roads than I tend to drive on!

[Rick-in-Houston]

in all the years of owning MH I have never turned off the a/c when arriving to the camp ground. I just plug-in flip the breaker and wait a few minutes before killing the gen and everything just switches over and keeps running.
Now I feel like Memphis...I have just jinxed myself.

[SloPoke]

Originally Posted by Robbbyr

As far as the transfer of power I have the DW turn off the AC units a few minutes prior to arrival at the campground to take the load off of it. Then I let it run unloaded until I park to go register then shut it down. I was taught long ago (Navy) that it was best to let it cool down somewhat without an electrical load prior to shutdown. 5 minutes is usually enough.

I agree with Robby... here is an excerpt from the Onan Manual on our Generators:

Starting And Stopping Procedures
Your Cummins Onan generator can be started and stopped from the integral
control panel on the generator, or from the optional remote control panel inside the
vehicle if your RV is so equipped. Your Operator’s Manual outlines the simple steps
for starting and stopping. Remember to:
• Before starting the generator, turn off air conditioners and large electrical loads.
• Before starting in cold weather, turn off all appliances for best long-term
performance.
• Prime by holding stop (all Quiet Diesels, Quiet Gas 3600-7000).
• To start - press and hold start at the control panel or at the set.
- Quiet Diesel: auto pre-heat flash, then crank/start
- Don’t over-crank with no start
• Before turning on appliances, let the generator warm up for a few minutes.
• Turn off air conditioners and large electrical loads and allow the generator to run
for 3-5 minutes before stopping, to allow the generator to cool down.