Generator question

[CTWebb]

Hi all , I am trying to learn as much as I can about the on board generator before I take it back to the dealer. I have the Onan 5500 Lp, It has two breakers on the gen set , one is 20amp and one is 30amp, Is it common if I turn one of the breakers off it kills all power to the camper , It doesn't matter which breaker I turn off.I was under the impression each of the breakers powered different areas of the camper.

 

[bncinwv]

Each breaker should supply a separate leg of power to the power center, just as you shore cord does. What you are describing is not normal.
Bingo

 

[Rainer-MOC]

Could this be wired incorrectly?

Has it worked previously, or never?

 

[CTWebb]

Thank you Bingo, I have to take this back to the dealer that done the install and I have a feeling they are going to give me a hard time fixing this.

 

[CTWebb]

Rainer , It does work now, it is a new unit. I had a previous post about it not running both a/c units at the same time. So it looks like the way the generator is wired up it would not do any good to swap the second a/c unit to the other post in the breaker panel.The dealer was pretty set on the generator is not made to run two a/cs. After a couple of posts on here and help from other mocers I have learned this unit has power to run both with power to spare.

 

[bncinwv]

If I was a guessing person (often am!), I would start the wiring check in the Automatic Transfer Switch. Just a hunch but have them double check all connections, particularly ground and neutral.
Bingo

 

[DevilDog-TC]

Could it be that the 20A and 30A breaker equal the 50A required to power the RV and without one or the other, it will not power the RV?

 

[bncinwv]

quote:Originally posted by Captain Joe

Could it be that the 20A and 30A breaker equal the 50A required to power the RV and without one or the other, it will not power the RV?

Don't think so, our 5500 Onan has two 30 amp breakers and will run no problem with one or the other or both engaged. Keep in mind that the rigs will function (with power management) on a 30 amp shore power connection also. It does present a question though, does the generator exhibit the same problems with all electric appliances off in the rig (particularly the air conditioners).
Bingo

 

[CTWebb]

Yes Bingo , I have tried turning everything off but the two a/c units . Sometimes they would run but 90% of the time it would cause the power to go out and cause the transfer switch to click like it is trying to reset. If I let it keep clicking it will eventually trip the 20 amp on the gen set. I called keystone this morning and explained my situation, They told me the generator should run everything as if it was connected to shore power.
I am trying to get as much info as I can because I believe the dealer is going to try and get out of correcting the problem.

 

[B52H line chief]

My guess is you have a transfer sw. problem. A bit to technical to explain here.

 

[DevilDog-TC]

Thanks Bingo