Time Delay Device

[freedombro]

Anyone know where I could locate a TIME DELAY DEVICE for the generator switch-over relay on my '86 345? I'm headed for TX, and unable to run both ACs with the genset until I replace it...YIKES!

Thanks.

thesilvermullet.com

[HowieE]

If you are just looking for a short time, 60 seconds to 3 min.timer, any AC supply shop will have it. They are commonly used to delay the restart of an AC after a short power failure.

[bryanl]

That delay should be in the transfer switch controlling the relay. On the '86 345 I've seen, that is in the rear roadside compartment. It is a small electrical box with the genset feed, unbilical, and power leads going to it.

I am not so sure about running both AC's at the same time, though. The moho I saw had a switch to select one AC or the microwave at a time. Dual AC operation usually requires 50 amp RV electrical and the '86 moho was 30 amp from what I have seen.

[freedombro]

Thanks for the input. The story I get from the supply houses is that a 24 volt timer is easy to get. Apparently, I need a 110 volt. Haven't found one yet.

As far as running two A/Cs. I only do it for the initial cool down, otherwise it never quite makes it to comfortable cool. I was told it can be done safely with my 7k Kohler, and it worked last summer.

Thanks Again!

thesilvermullet.com

[garry]

There should be 2 Circuit Breakers on the side of the generator have you verified both are "on".
One breaker is for the rear AC and it does not go through the transfer switch if the front AC is working why do you think it is the time delay?

[freedombro]

Hey Garry-
When we manually engage the time delay switch under the dinette seat (hold it down with a screwdriver), I can run both A/Cs. Without, I can only run one, determined by the switch above the dial above the range. Seems like the 45 second delay switch is not engaging?
Thanks for your time.
-Keith

[bryanl]

The story I get from the supply houses is that a 24 volt timer is easy to get.

Are you sure the relay in the transfer switch is 110v? I have been surprised to find that many aren't. The time delay often also supplies 12v to the relay. There should be parts from the transfer switch manufacturer.

If it is a 110v relay, you could just bypass the time delay and manually avoid turning on any loads until the genset stabilizes.

It might also be worth considering replacing the transfer switch. You could get one with a bit more power capability. Running 2 AC's is pushing a 30 amp device.

How do you get around the load share switch in the coach to be able to run both at the same time? I agree that a 7kW Kohler should have no trouble with that sort of load but the coach isn't wired for it.

[pdallas]

Freedombro: It's heat wave time in Texas. 95 in the shade. You might be running both those units all day. Check out my recent posts on my a/c problems. I know I have had inconsistent delay issues in the past. The service work I had today as described by the mechanic might be effecting your genset performance. Something to do with build up on the commentator not allowing the brushes to make good contact. The mechanic did his thing with some emory cloth! Best of luck to you! Are you going to be anywhere near College Station?

[freedombro]

Thanks for all of the input. Not sure what I'm going to do other than run one a/c at a time until I find the part. I'll be at Longhorn Harley Davidson in Fort Worth on Saturday for the big summer kickoff party.
Thanks again.
thesilvermullet.com

[bkahler]

You might find the attached sketches helpful. I went through our 84 310 wiring to figure out how to isolate the rear air so I could run it on shore power.

As a temporary solution to your failed relay you could probably do some temporary wiring to obtain what you're looking for. Its my understanding the reason for the time delay relays is if you were connected to shore power and decided to start the generator, the relays keep the two systems (shore power & generator) isolated so you don't blow your genset up. If NOT connected to shore power you should be able to bypass the timer.

1984 310 120vac configuration pg 1.pdf 1984 310 120vac configuration pg 2.pdf
1984 310 120vac configuration pg 3.pdf 1984 310 120vac configuration pg 4.pdf

Brad

[HowieE]

The function of the time delay relay is to NOT allow both AC units to start at the same time. This can happen after a short period of power failure or unplugging and replugging the shore power while both ACs had been running. The starting current on a compressor is at least 150% of the running current thus the need for a separation when starting or you would blow the circuit breaker.

Normal time delay relays are very cheap at any air condition supply store. Ideally you should have one on each unit to protect the unit during a power failure since starting a compressor with full load on it after a brief power failure can kill the compressor. If you install 2 set one for 3 minutes and the second for 5 minutes. The 3 minutes will give the first unit time to equalize the pressures before attempting to restart. The additional 2 minutes will allow the first unit to reach running current before starting the second unit.

[bkahler]

Howie,

I agree with your assessment for the timer on the incoming shore power.

On the unit located between the generator and the and the rear air conditioner I think it could be looked at two ways. One as you describe and the other would be to ensure the generator is running and producing proper power before allowing the air conditioner (or rest of coach) to run. In the end though I suppose it amounts to the same thing.

Brad

[Beginner]

ICM makes AC controls of all descriptions.
Here is their web site:

ICM Controls

The "Delay on Make" is a time delay device. The ICM102/102F is an adjustable time delay device capable of handeling 18-240VAC but low current (100 VAC Thermostat voltage but low current).

A sequence controller is the ICM600 and the ICM602 are controllers, but only low voltage (thermostat control voltage, 18-30 VAC) and would require additional relays to use according to your description.

Good Luck
If you have any further questions feel free to ask.
Beginner