How to Hook Up a Transfer Switch on Your RV
Owning a recreational vehicle is not an easy feat. Apart from maintaining it and keeping it fully functional, you have to take care of several minor factors, some of which often go unseen. If you wish to go on a long road trip in your RV, you have to be thoroughly prepared. One crucial aspect that most RV owners overlook is the power supply. If you have to use too many devices when on the road, invest in a transfer switch.
If you own a recreational vehicle or an RV, it is necessary to learn the correct method of hooking up a transfer switch to your RV. However, before we begin, you must know what a transfer switch is.
What Exactly is a Transfer Switch?
A transfer switch controls the power supplies installed in an RV and switches between them as needed. It ensures that the electricity in the RV is not supplied simultaneously. Typically, power can be introduced to a recreational vehicle through a generator and a shore power cord, which primarily transfer power to the main distribution center of the RV.
Depending on the provision, type, and size of your RV, you can choose between two sizes on transfer switches, which are 30 amp and 50 amp. Screw terminals, which are contained by the older style of transfer switches, are often used due to familiarity. On the other hand, newer transfer switches possess terminals with nut or captive bolt wires.
Shoreline cord models are available in the older and newer model designs. While the older ones come with a J Box and a receptacle connected to the distribution center and generator, the newer models are easier to install as they come with a pre-installed automatic transfer switch for recreational vehicles. Needless to say, a newer model makes things simpler as you can avoid going through the lengthy process of plugging the transfer switch in the generator and unplugging it from the shower power cord.
If you are new to the process of installing a transfer switch to an RV, getting a newer model is highly recommended as it helps avoid accidents and makes the process simpler. However, if you have an older model, learning the correct method to plug and unplug it also works. You also have the option of upgrading it to an automatic transfer switch of 30 amp. With this, you get the entire assembly in one box, further making the installation process easier.
Follow this step-by-step guide to learn the right way to hook up a transfer switch on your RV.
Step 1: Check the Color Codes of Wires
Both the setup box in your RV and the transfer switch will come with several wires of different colors, which can create confusion. To ensure proper connection, check the manufacturers’ product literature. This will provide a clear guidance to connect the wires with the terminal in the right way. Pay attention to this step to avoid hooking up the wires in the wrong terminals.
Step 2: Check the Wiring Diagram
Next, look for a wiring diagram that explains the installation process in detail. As suggested in the blog post, generatorgrid.com/blog/transfer-switch/, check the inner surface of the transfer box or its case to find the wiring diagram designed by the manufacturer. All the main components, which are the circuit breaker board, shore power cord, and the generator are usually connected to the ‘downstream’ terminals. They are usually colored and the wires in the circuits are represented by red, white, and black shades. Check the labels to understand the wire connections to their respective terminals.
Step 3: Gather Your Tools
It is time to start working on the actual connection, for which you will need specific tools such as a wrench and a screwdriver. Before you get to work, make sure that the batteries, generators, shore lines, and any other power sources are disconnected to avoid accidents. If you find any older units connected to wires, disconnect them immediately. At the same time, keep the 4×4 boxes aside. Gather the generator wires and put them together with the connection terminals of the generator. Connect them using your wrench or screwdriver.
Step 4: Connect the Shore Power Cord Wires
Once the generator wires are properly connected to respective terminals, find the shore power cord wires and connect them to respective terminals of the shore power cord using a wrench or screwdriver. With this, you have successfully hooked up a transfer switch to your RV.
Now that you have learned the step-by-step procedure of installing a transfer switch, you are ready to take your RV out of your garage and spend most of your vacation days on the road. Note that handling electric lines and appliances without prior experience can be extremely dangerous. In such cases, you may need supervision and expert guidance.
