[JohnnyVV]

Hello everybody. My name is John and I’m a contractor who is stumped with an issue. I recently installed a reliance controls 10 circuit manual transfer switch (model 310crk pro/tran 2). The switch seems to be working fine when in line mode. All circuits to the house are fine and running ok. All 10 circuits are also single pole so no 240 needed. Client has a firman 4000W inverter generator (model.WH03242) with a standard three prong RV plug. Looking in the manual this model has a floating neutral so should be compatible with the switch. Client has a bridged adapter that converts to a four prong twist lock that feeds into the inlet box.

We fire up the generator, leave all in the line position plug in the electrical wire that goes to the transfer switch inlet into the generator and it goes into overload mode and cuts off all outlets to the generator. Have tried the same with the transfer switch in the off position and again cuts power. This generator is not gfci protected and all the circuits wired to the transfer switch are regular single breakers (no afci or gfci).

some of the testing I did was to disconnect one breaker f the hot legs that goes into the transfer switch. So I disconnected the red hot coming from the inlet to the switch from the red of transfer switch and it trips. Did the same with the black and it trips. Disconnect app wires and am able to read 120V across the red and neutral and black and neutral so I know power is coming coming as it should.

Does anybody know what can be causing this?

 

[Almost Retired]

will the gen carry a load on an extension cord?
reefer, freezer for instance?

 

[backstay]

You are trying to run a 120 volt generator on a 240 volt system. Three prong RV is 125 volt 30 amp.

 

[JohnnyVV]

You are trying to run a 120 volt generator on a 240 volt system. Three prong RV is 125 volt 30 amp.

Thanks for the reply. The switch is 120V/240v compatible as per the manual. Also it trips when I have no loads on it which I find puzzling. All the circuits are on single pole breakers in the switch and load center so I don’t have any 240v needs

 

[JohnnyVV]

You are trying to run a 120 volt generator on a 240 volt system. Three prong RV is 125 volt 30 amp.

will the gen carry a load on an extension cord?
reefer, freezer for instance?

thanks the reply. It runs a heat gun directly with no issues

 

[backstay]

So, what trips?

 

[JohnnyVV]

So, what trips?

The outlets on the generator

 

[SWDweller]

Johnny
You missed the question completely!! 50 years of experience and I have never seen a outlet trip.
Please provide pictures of the outlet tripping. I would like to learn about this feature.
We want to help but you have to be clear, mind reading does not work well.

Some things I have learned on portable generators. Power is generated closer to 3600 rpms than idle. Notice I said power, not voltage. Every baby generator I have ever connected to a transfer switch the idle had to be raised to over 2000 rpms. Before the transfer was made. Which is still on the bottom end of the power production curve for most cheap generators. Your results will vary. Having the generator running at over 2000 rpms and transfering into a load is a lot like hitting a brick wall for this genny.

I can not see nor are you describing how the transfer switch is connected.
Did you remove the neutral ground connection at the generator? Are you using the grounding at the transfer switch/service?

 

[wcord]

You mention red & black hots and a neutral. But then you say its only 120 v .
Can you post the wiring diagram?

 

[eddy current]

contractor?

But not an electrical contractor

 

[oldsparky52]

Client has a bridged adapter that converts to a four prong twist lock that feeds into the inlet box.



Does anybody know what can be causing this?

I would check the bridge adapter for proper connections.

 

[NoBot]

The Specs for the WH03242 are HERE.
They show voltage as 120V -- not 240V and not 120/240V
Download the Manual and you'll see the 30amp outlet is:
"120V, 30A RV – NEMA TT-30R
A maximum of 26.7 Amps current may be drawn from this receptacle."

 

[ohm it hertz]

It trips an over current device with the transfer panel in the off position when you plug in the twist lock? Are you sure the adapter is correct?

Can you try a 240v generator?

 

[NoBot]

His generator has a maximum wattage of 3,200 running watts - 4,000 peak. Specs say 26.7 amps at 120 volt = 3,204 watts,
This generator is undersized.
My microwave is 1,550w, toaster 900w, coffee maker 1,500w = 3,950 watts and we haven't added a furnace blower motor, refrigerator, freezer, lighting, etc.
When I install a Reliance GenTrans, I always recommend 7,500 watt generator minimum with a 30 amp, 120/240v twist lock.
Using the 10 circuit GenTran, you could turn off all circuits except one or two and try that.

 

[oldsparky52]

This generator is undersized.

Have tried the same with the transfer switch in the off position and again cuts power.

 

[ohm it hertz]

The size of the generator is smaller than I would prefer but the problem is occurring with no load on it to begin with.

 

[dvcochran]

So, the generator runs fine with notching connected to it or with a small load from another source? If so, I would question the 4 to 3 adapter. Mabe something in the conversion is wired wrong.
Plus, trusting the manual without physically checking is sketchy, especially on electrical.

 

[eddy current]

These reliance transfer switches are different than the typical ones. It’s like having 10 separate transfer switches, one for each circuit. They can not run off a 120 volt generator with an adapter.

Difficult to have them pass inspection in Canada as well.

The OP most likely installed it incorrectly, without inspection and is not an electrician.

 

[kb1jb1]

Am I missing something? Three wire but a floating neutral? Wouldn't a floating neutral be 4 wire?

 

[A Little Short]

Am I missing something? Three wire but a floating neutral? Wouldn't a floating neutral be 4 wire?

Floating neutral just means it is not bonded to the ground/frame. You can still have 3-wire.
As was mentioned, the OP is trying to run a 120V genny to a 240V TS. The adapter is creating a short. It doesn't matter if there is a load or not because the short is happening when the adapter is plugged in.