Which Auto Transfer Switch?

[Holdmybeer]

I'm on a 10 day gig at Mustang Island State Park in S. Texas and lost all power. Long story short, the 30 amp ATS melted the terminals to the panel. Made a dash into Corpus Christi Home Depot for the necessary items to do a bypass and we're good for now, just can't use the generator which is no big deal. Question is as I search for a replacement ATS is there like one brand which is head and shoulders above the others? Online customer reviews aren't particularly reliable. Thanks.

 

[redbaron]

Is this a 30 or 50 amp?
Do you have any network communication on the ATS?

A picture of the install location will help too.

 

[OldPilot]

I have the Progressive Dynamics ATS. Model PD5100. I had to replace the circuit board. It was almost 20years old. But that was cheaper than having to replace the whole AT unit. What brand is yours? Why did it melt down?

 

[Ruth]

I'm on a 10 day gig at Mustang Island State Park in S. Texas and lost all power. Long story short, the 30 amp ATS melted the terminals to the panel. Made a dash into Corpus Christi Home Depot for the necessary items to do a bypass and we're good for now, just can't use the generator which is no big deal. Question is as I search for a replacement ATS is there like one brand which is head and shoulders above the others? Online customer reviews aren't particularly reliable. Thanks.

Not being able to use the generator is a big deal. For the same reason that cost me $500 + parts, I do not have the use of my generator either. I am park site only powered. My unit does not drive right now. I am ok right now until I am able to drive it. I am not sure which item runs off battery for you. Since you did your own work, I am sure you don't need any comment from me. For me the batteries are dead and don't have any of the items they power. Need the wiring reworked before I even consider any other work to fix that. All too expensive for me. I will sit until something changes. Not fun things.

 

[Holdmybeer]

I have the Progressive Dynamics ATS. Model PD5100. I had to replace the circuit board. It was almost 20years old. But that was cheaper than having to replace the whole AT unit. What brand is yours? Why did it melt down?

The terminal from the ATS to the panel overheated and burned out everything on that side. Apparently a loose connection. At any rate it's fried. The Progressive Dynamics PD 5100 is what I have, so I may just go back with that brand. A loose connection is my fault not the manufacturers.

 

[Holdmybeer]

Is this a 30 or 50 amp?
Do you have any network communication on the ATS?

A picture of the install location will help too.

It's a 30, I can handle the install, it's pretty simple. I was only wondering if someone was aware of a certain brand that might stand out above all the rest.

 

[redbaron]

Brands vary based on the features.

I assume that you don’t have network, which simplifies the selection process, but some brands take up more room than others , which is why knowing the space available has to be considered.

Generally speaking Southwire is your best option.

 

[Holdmybeer]

Brands vary based on the features.

I assume that you don’t have network, which simplifies the selection process, but some brands take up more room than others , which is why knowing the space available has to be considered.

Generally speaking Southwire is your best option.

No network, ie., no solar, no inverter, etc, if that's what you mean, just gen. and shore power. I'll look at Southwire, thanks.

 

[Holdmybeer]

Mine is 30 amp, was wondering if a 50 amp p.t.s. would be more heavy duty. You'd just be using the one leg -in- from the 10 gauge pig tail, the -in- from the gen would be the same and then the one leg -out- to the panel. I tried to get an answer from the expert at Etrailer but the girl on the chat wasn't following, she just, after checking, kept saying yes, but I'd need to switch to a #6 pigtail. I asked her, is that because the terminals won't accept #10 and she wasn't sure. That wasn't exactly helpful.

 

[Ruth]

Mine is 30 amp, was wondering if a 50 amp p.t.s. would be more heavy duty. You'd just be using the one leg -in- from the 10 gauge pig tail, the -in- from the gen would be the same and then the one leg -out- to the panel.

Might be okay. But I think it better to handle that by adding a 1 to 2 conversion spicket and one more hose. Get another sidewinder and a hose reel to control the hoses. Just switch between the one supplying the house and the one used to wash the rv, car, and patio as needed. That way the hoses stay connected, the water is in use and the needs are met without unhooking the hoses. What do you think?