30 amp VS 50 amp

[Pete Masterson]

The newer coaches have an automatic switching system -- if you're
going to upgrade your shore power system, you may want to look into
the auto-switch. (I'm afraid I don't know what it's called, exactly.)

While I would expect a modern generator to have various safety
switches/overload protection, a vintage '73 Onan may not be so well
equipped. You'll need to study the owner's manual, if it is still
available to you to see what service you should expect from the
generator. Conservatively, I'd guess that keeping a maximum load to
80% or so of the rated capacity would probably be a wise practice.

10 gauge cable is appropriate for 30 amps at 120 vac. For 50 amp
service, you'll want 6 gauge, four conductor cable. (You may need to
buy a 50 amp "extension cord" to use as the primary service cord as I
found it very difficult to get 6 gauge, 4 conductor wire locally. Cut
off the female end, strip it back and wire it into your safeline
switch.)

Pete Masterson
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
El Sobrante CA
aeonix1@...



On Jul 7, 2007, at 3:20 PM, bubblerboy64 wrote:

>
> This bus has a three prong connector so it is obviously 30 amp. The
> generator is I am all but certain the original ONAN which I think
> might be 8.5 kilowatts (?) I can check on that and get back. Sounds
> to me like it might be a good idea to see about switching to 50 amp
> some time. I am also not happy with the position of the circuit
> braker panel which is in the one largest closet a long with the
> switch to go from shore power to generator. If you have stuff in the
> closet you are have to dig thru your stuff to get to that switch. I
> guess that gets put on the list of things to do. I can likely live a
> while running just the one air conditioner at a time until I get to
> this. One thing that does seem good is the shore cable is a 10 gauge
> heavy sucker. I'll have both airs up and running in a week. How do
> you know when the generator is being "worked" too hard. I have used
> Honda portables in the past and they have protectors which will shut
> the generators down. With this ONAN how would a person know if it is
> being pushed too hard?
>
> John Heckman
> central Pa
> 1973 FC
>



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