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Generator and shore power


SKP093473

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It is really hot in SoCal right now. I have not ran my gen. to keep up with the weather in the past. my question is, can the genny and shore power be used simultaneously while running the A/C's Bruce

Sue & Bruce

Annie, The springer

2006 Allegro Bus, 42'QDP

2006 Jeep Liberty CRD, toad

 

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One or the other. That is why there is a transfer switch to put the generator online. If both the generator and the shore power were put together, there is a very good change the phases of the power would not be in-phase and the equivalent "short" would ruin a lot of equipment because it could beat the breakers in causing the damage.

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If you are going to run the gen I would unplug the shore power cord from the pedestal.

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With the heat in the area - many will be running AC off power grid. Your generator may provide the best power source for you. Keep COOL!

 

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Depending on where you are, the generator may get too hot as well. Open the generator compartment doors to get some cooler air in there.

 

Steve

2005 Peterbilt 387-112 Baby Cat 9 speed U-shift

1996/2016 remod Teton Royal Atlanta

1996 Kentucky 48 single drop stacker garage project

 catdiesellogo.jpg.e96e571c41096ef39b447f78b9c2027c.jpg Pulls like a train, sounds like a plane....faster than a Cheetah sniffin cocaine.   

 

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Depending on where you are, the generator may get too hot as well. Open the generator compartment doors to get some cooler air in there.

I can't speak for all generator sets, but I have owned two motorhomes with installed Onan generators and both must be operated with those doors closed in order to get proper ventilation. But there is some difference in how RV builders install the units so note the quote from the Onan website:

 

Cummins Onan Generator

TIPS: Onan Generator

Environmental Factors on RV Generator Cooling

Generators, similar to any engine system, need cool air while running. Cummins Power Generation designs generator to manage airflow across all components to maintain a cool temperature. Many factors go into the design of a generator to ensure proper airflow. Components like the enclosure, service door placement, base pan geometry, and blower wheel design play large roles in ensuring proper ventilation inside the generator.

While the generators have been optimized for cooling internally, there is one key factor that cannot be controlled: the environment. Where the generator lives can play a big role in how the generator’s cooling system performs.

Don’t Block Generator Airflow

  • Watch out for curbs, hills and walls (don’t lean anything alongside the generator area)
  • Don’t place camping equipment(coolers, chairs, etc.) under generator.
  • When leveling, don’t get too close to the ground or other objects.
  • Check how much dirt and debris it’s kicking up while running
  • Open the generator compartment door (not the generator door) when parked if experiencing lots of heat getting trapped underneath the coach.

I'm not quite sure what they are telling us but this makes me think that the more recent units have a different design than mine.

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Kirk,

 

Onan generators Do have a fan on the alternator that circulates air around the the engine and is shrouded. That is the access to the generator is the plenum for air flow. What I said and, Onan confirms is, to allow cool air into the generator area. On Teton 5vrs the generator is under the gooseneck. There is no where for the residual heat to escape without opening the doors.

 

Steve

post-1176-0-27370100-1466633524_thumb.jpg

2005 Peterbilt 387-112 Baby Cat 9 speed U-shift

1996/2016 remod Teton Royal Atlanta

1996 Kentucky 48 single drop stacker garage project

 catdiesellogo.jpg.e96e571c41096ef39b447f78b9c2027c.jpg Pulls like a train, sounds like a plane....faster than a Cheetah sniffin cocaine.   

 

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I personally have never traveled with the gen running, I am not sure it is verboten? I guess in mild weather you could. There are some states, California is one of them, that allow people to ride in trailers. I am not a fan of that idea, I don't even like my pets in the camper alone when traveling.

 

Steve

2005 Peterbilt 387-112 Baby Cat 9 speed U-shift

1996/2016 remod Teton Royal Atlanta

1996 Kentucky 48 single drop stacker garage project

 catdiesellogo.jpg.e96e571c41096ef39b447f78b9c2027c.jpg Pulls like a train, sounds like a plane....faster than a Cheetah sniffin cocaine.   

 

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Steve, I'd not thought about the difference with the set in a fiver, as mine were in motorhomes. Can you operate the set in a fiver while traveling, as those in most motorhomes are designed to do?

Sure. That is typically no issue. It WOULD depend on how the manufacturer installed the unit, but for all I have seen it has not been an issue. Usually there is plenty of venting. For example, in my last unit I had an open floor (installed on rails), and a grid in the front for airflow. I've run it 5 hours in motion....mainly just for the heck of it and to see the effect of running air conditioning on a hot day. Arrived to a nice cool rig.....and less propane. ;)

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Thanks to all who responded. Though my question was about genny power and shore power, I got more info from the posts. Our heat wave is over for about another week, and then some more. Where we are, it reached 115* on Monday afternoon, and our generator ran the three A/C's flawlessly. I did pull out the generator slide to allow more air flow, I don't think one can get too much of that, thanks again, Bruce

Sue & Bruce

Annie, The springer

2006 Allegro Bus, 42'QDP

2006 Jeep Liberty CRD, toad

 

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