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Old 08-13-2021, 01:14 PM   #1
oakland ironworker
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Installing manual transfer switch ground wire?

I have a this rotary 3 pos manual switch for my 110v transfer between shore and my inverter https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SQP3YRG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Can I just run the hot and neutral through the switch and bypass the ground. Or do I need a switch with a third terminal.


I have a 30amp rig
 
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Old 08-13-2021, 02:02 PM   #2
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People have had so much trouble with the automatic transfer switches I just make mine. I use squareD industrial breaks. They will never go bad. I have them in the shop that are switched on at least once every day under load for 40 years and still work like new.
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Old 08-13-2021, 02:49 PM   #3
Daryles
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You really do need the ground wire connected to its counter part.

Here's a video of a transfer switch install. You can see the ground wire coming in and connected to the other ground wires on the box chassis.

https://youtu.be/zTjOECEhYDM
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Old 08-13-2021, 02:59 PM   #4
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I will use the ground. I was wondering if I can run inverter ground and shore ground straight to breaker panel ground bus and by pass the switch
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Old 08-13-2021, 06:33 PM   #5
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There should be no reason to have the ground switched. The grounds all can remain tied together, as they are not current carrying conductors like the hot and neutral conductors are.
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Old 08-14-2021, 12:30 PM   #6
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That is what i thought just checking
thanks
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Old 08-26-2021, 01:00 PM   #7
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Transfer switch

Quote:
Originally Posted by mlh View Post
People have had so much trouble with the automatic transfer switches I just make mine. I use squareD industrial breaks. They will never go bad. I have them in the shop that are switched on at least once every day under load for 40 years and still work like new.
Lynwood
I'm looking to connect my Westinghouse 4500 portable generator to the front end of my 3582RL 5er. It does not have a generator prep. How does your "transfer switch" work? Where/how does it connect into your HC system? Does your generator plug into a 30a or 50a receptacle? I'm thinking of using a 50a receptacle even though I only have a 30a plug on the generator, just in case I need to plug into shore power from the front.
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Old 08-26-2021, 02:19 PM   #8
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You can just plug your shore line into the generator and your done. Thats what I do with my generator. My transfer switch is for my inverter
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Old 09-09-2021, 09:34 AM   #9
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You can just plug your shore line into the generator and your done. Thats what I do with my generator. My transfer switch is for my inverter
I want to be able to connect the generator to the 5er at the front end. My shore power connection is in the rear. That way I can fire up the generator while we're still traveling and run the A/C to have things cooled down by the time we stop for the day. Also, if we're boondocking, I won't need to lay out my shore cable all the way.
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Old 09-09-2021, 09:58 AM   #10
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I'm looking to connect my Westinghouse 4500 portable generator to the front end of my 3582RL 5er. It does not have a generator prep. How does your "transfer switch" work? Where/how does it connect into your HC system? Does your generator plug into a 30a or 50a receptacle? I'm thinking of using a 50a receptacle even though I only have a 30a plug on the generator, just in case I need to plug into shore power from the front.

After looking at the Westinghouse and Onan 4500 watt inverter generator I think they are the exact same generator. The Onan isn’t built by Onan it’s private label just like the Westinghouse just cheaper.
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Old 09-09-2021, 01:10 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CraigB in FL View Post
I'm looking to connect my Westinghouse 4500 portable generator to the front end of my 3582RL 5er. It does not have a generator prep. How does your "transfer switch" work? Where/how does it connect into your HC system? Does your generator plug into a 30a or 50a receptacle? I'm thinking of using a 50a receptacle even though I only have a 30a plug on the generator, just in case I need to plug into shore power from the front.
Many members have added a front plug, either 30 or 50 amp, for generator plugin or just convenience. Personally I would use a 50 plug to maximize the capabilities.

The transfer switch senses what power supply (usually generator or shore power) is available and switches automatically to it based on a preference for shore power.

Without an existing transfer switch, you have a couple of options. Obviously you can install a transfer switch which works auto-magically. Some I know how just mounted two female receptacles of the back wall of the pass-thru compartment. One is connected to the rear power supply and the other is connected to your new front power wiring. They then add a male plug to the wiring from the power panel that they plug manually into the appropriate power supply source (rear or front).

Not having a transfer switch means you have to cut the power cable to the power panel (circuit breaker box) which is behind the rear wall of the pass-thru compartment. Either install the transfer switch there or modify the cabling to support the manual plug switch idea.
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Old 03-31-2022, 04:37 PM   #12
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Is a Manual Transfer Switch available?

I know this is a relatively old thread but I am now in the same predicament. I don't want an automatic transfer switch but would rather install a manual switch as I would only be using it on rare occasion and most of the auto switches make some noise. Has anyone seen a manual switch for this application?
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Old 03-31-2022, 05:51 PM   #13
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Look at Posts #8 and #9 in this Tread. https://www.montanaowners.com/forums...ad.php?t=86634

Someone I know mounted two female receptacles of the back wall of the pass-thru compartment. One is connected to the rear power supply and the other is connected to your new front power wiring. They then added a male plug to the wiring from the power panel that they plug manually into the appropriate power supply source (rear or front).

Try doing a Search for "manual transfer" or "transfer switch" and you might find other solutions.
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Old 03-31-2022, 05:56 PM   #14
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They are made but I don’t know where to find one. I use them because they are much more reliable. I make my own using two Square D breakers with one leave between them. It cuts one one on the same instant it cuts one off and will never go bad.
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Old 03-31-2022, 08:40 PM   #15
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They are made but I don’t know where to find one. I use them because they are much more reliable. I make my own using two Square D breakers with one leave between them. It cuts one one on the same instant it cuts one off and will never go bad.
Lynwood
I can't visualize what you are describing. Is this some sort of sub panel? Can you post a picture or diagram?

Thanks
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Old 03-31-2022, 09:05 PM   #16
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Something like this is all that would be needed. Two pole switch that has one line side (source side) and two load positions, so it's called a double pole double throw switch. https://www.amazon.com/Eaton-240-Vol...08KNXJXE&psc=1
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Old 03-31-2022, 10:26 PM   #17
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Maybe something like this?

Baomain Universal Rotary Changeover Cam Switch SZW26-63/D303.3D 660V 63A 3 Position 3 Phase with Master Switch Exterior Box LW28-63/4 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H5GZ53G...Q2XYTB6FYCNTXK
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Old 04-01-2022, 08:44 AM   #18
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Sorry I don’t have a picture but what Daryles has a link to seams perfect for what you are looking for. It’s 3 phase but you can use only two connectors. You really do need a switch where you can’t have both connectors on at the same time. If you have two switches you can have them both on at the same time and that is dangerous. They might have a single phase switch. I have a machine shop and can make things I need. Mine took a couple days work.
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Old 04-02-2022, 05:07 PM   #19
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Originally Posted by Daryles View Post
Maybe something like this?

Baomain Universal Rotary Changeover Cam Switch SZW26-63/D303.3D 660V 63A 3 Position 3 Phase with Master Switch Exterior Box LW28-63/4 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H5GZ53G...Q2XYTB6FYCNTXK
Bought it. Thanks.
Now to install it.
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Old 04-02-2022, 07:16 PM   #20
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Nice transfer switch for you.
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