Here are easy steps to bypass the RV transfer switch. This switch allows you to start your generator or shore power at any time without worrying about tripping the main breaker.
How to Bypass RV Transfer Switch? You can bypass the RV transfer switch by locating the storage compartment where the box of your transfer switch is present. Remove the lid of the box, you will see two circuits through which wires are passing. One of them is the circuit of the shore source. Another one is the generator source. Now take the cables from the shore circuit and connect them with the main circuit breaker wires using the color codes.
It allows you to hook up RV to an external source of power. It also allows you to select which power source will supply your vehicle with electricity.
What Is The Purpose of The RV Transfer Switch?
RV transfer switches are a great way to manage your power. However, if you do not understand how they work, you may face many unexpected problems.
It transfers the load from one source to another so you can keep on working without any interruption.
You have got all these electronic devices, like computers, servers, printers, lights, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, all kinds of equipment dependent on electricity to work.
Now, if you take power away from them for an extended period, you can cause some serious damage to your equipment or possibly even loss of data.
Its main function is to make it possible to run your air conditioner, heater, and other auxiliary devices such as a TV and lights while plugged into shore power.
These are designed to make it easier for you to choose how to use the electrical appliances while plugged into shore power or generator.
It may seem like a small thing, but sometimes there are power outages around your area, or you have some problem with your main source of electricity.
In such cases having a backup system in place will keep the lights on, and you will be able to use all of your appliances.
It acts as a safety switch that gives you the option to turn off your RV and all of its power systems without actually disconnecting the electrical system.
You can use solar panels, shore power, or an auxiliary battery bank with it. They are also helpful if your primary power source fails while you are driving down the road.
Easy Steps to bypass the RV transfer switch?
To bypass the RV transfer switch, you will need an insulated screwdriver for unscrewing the metal screws.
They are usually located in the vehicle storage compartment and generally come with 50-amp, 30-amp, or 15-amp connections.
You will see two electrical circuits inside the box. Wires are connected to both of them.
Find out which wires are coming from the shore and which are coming from the generator source.
This information is generally written on the backside of the box, or you can refer to the internet. You can see the model number of your transfer switch and find the user manual.
From the user manual, you will learn which wire is coming from which source. Once you know about the sources, you will see three colors of wires.
One is red, and the other ones are white and black wires. Now with the help of a screwdriver, unscrew the screws that are holding the wires firmly.
You need to place the screws in a safe place so that they can be easily available to you once you start screwing them back.
It would be best if you unscrewed all the wires from the transfer switch. Now connect the wires coming from the shore with the cables that are connected to the main breaker.
You need to connect the same color wires. Otherwise, the circuit will be short, and it may result in a fire. You must connect the wires carefully. You can never connect the generator wires with the main panel wire.
It will drain all the power of the generator, and you will have to repair the generator along with the transfer switch.
Once the wires are connected, you can take out your faulty transfer switch and change it with a new one. You can also get it repaired from the nearby electrical store.
Determining The Type of Transfer Switch
The best transfer switches are those that can handle heavy-duty loads without any problems.
They are divided into two main types.
An automatic switch is a device with a backup generator that turns on when the main power source fails.
A manual one requires manual operation by an electrician and works oppositely. It shifts the power from a backup source to the primary source when there is a failure.
You can find automatic devices in residential and commercial installations, and some are suitable for boats and RVs.
You can choose between a manual and an automatic transfer switch, but you have to consider several things depending on your needs.
You may choose an automatic switch if you have more than one generator or electric panel. You can see the user manual of your RV, or you can ask your mechanic about the type of switch installed.
It is as if you are sleeping in your RV and suddenly the light goes out, you have to wake up and turn it ON.
Why Would You Bypass the RV Transfer Switch?
It gets damaged and faulty due to excessive use. Sometimes you might need to bypass it for certain appliances, like your refrigerator.
If your RV fridge is not working properly or is not getting the required amount of power from the switch, then there are chances that its compressor is getting overheated.
It could be dangerous if there are no cooling fans inside your unit. Bypassing it will allow you to save your vehicle from any fire accident.
Many automatic switches have a common problem. They sense false power signals. When it receives false signals, it automatically converts the power from the source to the generator.
Since the signal was false, the actual feed is still coming, but it has already transferred the electricity to the generator feed. Therefore, it wastes a lot of generator power. This problem can cost you if you do not bypass it.
Sometimes it can lead to overcharging. This problem arises because there may be a leakage in the system.
This leakage will not let any current flow back into the battery when the power supply is cut off. Overcharging could harm your battery, making it useless or even dangerous.
How to Know If the RV Transfer Switch is Bad?
When you are on the road, there can be times when you need to know if your transfer switch has failed.
Although the failure of the switch may not cause any problems while driving, it could lead to issues while stopping or parking your RV.
You may see that your lights flicker when you turn on certain appliances in your vehicle while parked at night.
It might happen because of any loose wires in your electrical panel. Sometimes it happens that the technician wrongly connects the cables, and they get damaged.
Sometimes voltage is low, which means a high current passes through the wires that may cause the plastic on them to burn. As a result, you can notice smoke coming out of the electrical box, or you may smell any odor.
An excessive amount of current can also cause your circuit breaker to trip. In such a case, it will stop working.
You can check the box to see if it is hot or not. A hot box means that there is some problem with your transfer switch and you need to fix it as soon as possible.
Corrosion of metal is another reason that it is not working. Corrosion can occur as a result of poor maintenance, such as improper storage.
Several factors affect corrosion, including temperature, humidity, and concentration of chemicals present.
This problem is so widespread that you may have to deal with it at one point or another. However, there are many ways to combat corrosion if you are willing to take on the challenge.
Things to consider when you bypass the RV transfer switch
When you are working on your RV transfer switch, it is important to be safe. Therefore, when you are installing electrical systems, disconnect the power.
It means that if there is a short or fire, electricity will run through your system while you are working on it.
Your vehicle has two batteries, one for starting and one for deep cycle use. You can disconnect the starting battery from its electrical system.
You should check it every time before you set out on your trip because its purpose is to keep you safe and protect all of your electrical appliances while you drive down the road.
The only way it can do this effectively is to work properly and be in good working condition. Therefore, you should never attempt any electrical repairs without having turned off the power source completely.
Do not touch electrical parts of the transfer switch until they have cooled down completely. Your body may likely conduct an electric shock if you do so.
Always use insulated tools. Insulated tools are the best tools to use for electrical work because they do not conduct electricity.
You need to clearly understand what you can do and what you cannot do about using power tools.
Do not try out any new technique without being trained by someone who has experience in this area.
You must wear rubber gloves to avoid electric shock before handling any electrical equipment or appliances.
Please do not touch any of its metal parts with bare hands. Also, ensure that you do not use a damaged wire and keep it away from water and high-temperature areas.
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