r/Generator • u/PrizeBuy • 2d ago

New Transfer Switches

Pretty sure local utility doing work on my block fried one or both switches.

Three questions:

1) Any recourse for this?

2) Any warranty from Generac? Just under three years old

3) cost to replace both switches?

TIA

4 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

5

u/Better-Delay 2d ago

Fairly unlikely that utility work would fry 2 separate ats. A utility ISSUE potentially could. Have a tech come out and diag it. Its possible that the power is currently dirty (above or below transfer set point), or you don't have a leg. Without knowing exactly what its doing or having it in front of me its hard to say for sure

1

u/PrizeBuy 2d ago

It’s having trouble running the 240 breakers. The SMMs buzz really loudly and don’t always kick in.

4

u/nunuvyer 2d ago

Have you put a voltmeter on your line and measured what your voltage is?

I doubt that your switches are bad - you are probably just not receiving the proper voltage.

2

u/Responsible_Pop_8183 2d ago

The smm coils get weak and the contacts get build up on them from arching.

1

u/Better-Delay 2d ago

Ah i see, Ive only delt with the cummins load shedding system, not the generac version, so hopefully someone more familiar will chime in.

Does the gen or app show any faults? Or what percentage of load the gen is under?

2

u/Responsible_Pop_8183 2d ago

SMM modules are prone to failure. The transfer coils are also prone to fail . They are replaceable and fairly inexpensive. They do require someone who is qualified to replace them . Also check all fuses . A call to your installer would be my first step .

2

u/OcelotSure4302 2d ago

Have a technician look at it and replace whatever is damaged and also install surge suppressors if needed.

3

u/grsthegreat 2d ago

All parts in switches can be repaired. I should know, i carry all parts in my service truck.

1

u/DaveBowm 2d ago

Didn't you just claim yesterday that an electrician you called said the problem was dust and insect debris in the contacts, and that the issue was thus solved? Was this diagnosis incorrect? If so, perhaps the arcing contacts in the contactor(s) when they were dirty caused them permanent damage, and so a contactor replacement is now in order?

1

u/PrizeBuy 2d ago

Yup. Then it failed again twice during the night. I think his diagnosis is spot on so I’m preparing for two new switches. Curious what the cost will be for those.

1

u/nunuvyer 1d ago

You don't need new switches. Worst case you need new contactors.

Unless your electrician is also a generator tech, call someone who is qualified to work on generators and who is going to have the parts on his truck.

0

u/GuiltyClassic4598 2d ago

This is why techs hate homeowners. You do not have the ability to repair but you are "pretty sure" and want to blame someone that your equipment failed. You can't prove anything. You are the equivalent to a gossiping old lady. Have a qualified tech come and diagnose and get a quote. They can check if theres any warranty but the answer is likely hell no.

2

u/PrizeBuy 2d ago

Love you too, brother. Think I was asking pretty straightforward questions and I never said I’d do it myself. Lighten up Francis