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Old 04-16-2013, 02:48 PM   #1
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1988 34.5' Airstream 345
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AC Plug-in went dead

Was running on AC power at the camp site and everything went dead. I have DC power and AC power to the control panel. All AC plugs went dead but carry juice when I run on generator. I have an '88 345 MH and I don't hear sound coming from my converter unit. It shows power coming in the outside cord but nothing at the breakers. When I start the generator my breaker show charge. The refrig. still runs shows AC and runs even though AC wall plugs are dead without generator. How would I check my converter located under stove and sink cabinets? Mr. D.
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Old 04-16-2013, 03:31 PM   #2
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Sounds like a transfer switch issue.
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Old 04-16-2013, 03:51 PM   #3
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The only thing your converter could do to the AC plugs is take down the circuit that it's on by throwing the breaker, it doesn't supply any power to the 120V system, just the 12v DC system that is likely running off the batteries for you. Since running the generator energizes all the interior plugs, I think 92landyacht has pegged it, you likely have a transfer switch problem.
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Old 04-17-2013, 06:50 AM   #4
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Thanks for the info., now where do I locate the transfer switch on my 345?
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Old 04-17-2013, 07:24 AM   #5
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Ahhhh!! The million dollar question. I still haven't found mine on my 92 LY 36'. Maybe you'll have better luck. Sorry for no help, but I'm sure that others will chime in.
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Old 04-17-2013, 02:10 PM   #6
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Thanks for the info., now where do I locate the transfer switch on my 345?
There are two transfer switches. One should be under the dinette seat that sits near or on top of the generator compartment.

The second one if I remember correctly should be next to where your shore power cord comes into the motorhome. The shore power cord should go directly to the transfer switch and then one line from the transfer switch will go to your main circuit panel and the other line will head off to the generator transfer switch.

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Old 04-18-2013, 07:34 PM   #7
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Thanks again! I assume that it will be easy to identify but if memory serves me right, my shore power comes off a windup reel and into a typical electrical box. 1234
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Old 04-18-2013, 07:37 PM   #8
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Somewhere near that electrical box should be a box that is about 6" square with a hinged lid. That would be the transfer box. Should have three cables connecting to it.
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Old 04-18-2013, 07:40 PM   #9
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[QUOTE="Mr. D;1288119"]Thanks again! I assume that it will be easy to identify but if memory serves me right, my shore power comes off a windup reel and into a typical electrical box. This is all located in a rear compartment were the water hose on a rewind is also located. I will start tracking lines and get back with what I find. Mr. D
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Old 04-18-2013, 07:55 PM   #10
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Remember the transfer switch will be HOT as long as you are plugged in to shore power or have the gen set running.

You might want to check the circuit breaker at the CG pedestal also the reel type power cords have been known to go bad.
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Old 04-19-2013, 10:43 AM   #11
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I have been able to eliminate the reel as the problem and have tested power to where the splice occurs at the first box. Interior monitor panel shows AC as well as the refrigerator, but no plugs. Do these switches appear as electrical boxes, breakers, I'm not sure what to look for. So much of my wiring is hidden. I guess it comes down to tracking conductivity and hopefully being able to access the points in question. Thanks again, Mr.D
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Old 04-19-2013, 10:47 AM   #12
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Sorry for the last note I did not read all the post, will look for 6" box or anything similiar.
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Old 04-23-2013, 01:25 PM   #13
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Good news, bad news, I located both of my relay switches and after reading about their operation in the AS manual have determined both are working properly. Good news, I now have full power with shore power plugged into my garage 110. Bad news I can not duplicate the original problem, the only difference is the camp power was a 30 amp 220 and home power is a 15 amp 110. Any ideas? Is it possible for the other 110 on my plug when on the 220 could cause something to kick off? Not knowing the cause is a little disconcerting to say the least. Thanks for all your help will update if more news becomes available. Mr. D.
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Old 04-23-2013, 02:28 PM   #14
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30A campground power is 120, not 240. The only difference should be amperage available, assuming there is nothing wrong with the campground plug.
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Old 04-23-2013, 04:01 PM   #15
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Wouldn't be the first time a campground was wired wrong. Could have been an open common or ground. If you have 30amp service it's ONLY to be used with 120V and NOT 220/240V. 50amp units are designed for 240V input that's split into two (30 and 20amp) 120V circuits. There are cords that can be used to allow a 50amp plug to be used on a 30amp unit, but it only splits one of the 120V circuits off of the 240V.
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Old 04-23-2013, 04:41 PM   #16
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Wouldn't be the first time a campground was wired wrong. Could have been an open common or ground. If you have 30amp service it's ONLY to be used with 120V and NOT 220/240V. 50amp units are designed for 240V input that's split into two (30 and 20amp) 120V circuits. There are cords that can be used to allow a 50amp plug to be used on a 30amp unit, but it only splits one of the 120V circuits off of the 240V.
Close but, 50amp units are designed for 240V input that's split into two 50amp 120V circuits.

RV Wiring

http://www.myrv.us/electric/Pg/50amp_Service.htm
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Old 04-24-2013, 08:43 AM   #17
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True.
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