Phase selector switch Help! MEP Gen

[Tpoole]

My mep002a phase switch was stuck and my dumb butt forced it to turn; power works but i think i damaged the switch; does anybody have any suggestions on how to fix it? it seems like i did bend it; the unit still makes power i am just not sure if i damaged anything....input?

 

[Guyfang]

Is the switch in the position you intend to use it in?

 

[Chainbreaker]

What do you mean by: "It seems I did bend it"? Is the pointer misaligned...or what exactly do you think is "bent"?

One thing you can do easily is to take the side cover off to inspect. However, if its working and producing the correct electrical output you might not want to mess with it until you do some research on how to free it up. There are several threads on how to unstick a stuck votage selector switch.

Hint,,, with generator off, it involves slightly loosening the nuts on the wafer switch and spraying contact cleaner on & between wafer sections (DeOxit is good) and then working switch back and forth and then retightning screws/nuts holding wafers together.

 

[Ray70]

FYI, CB's last paragraph above has worked for me 1/2 dozen times minimum!
The secret is to loosen the hardware inside and just be patient, rock the switch back and forth repeatedly and all of a sudden it will switch as normal.
This is assuming forcing it hasn't damaged anything, but if you were just using your hand you probably didn't break anything, it may just be stuck 1/2 way between 2 of the detents.

 

[Tpoole]

FYI, CB's last paragraph above has worked for me 1/2 dozen times minimum!
The secret is to loosen the hardware inside and just be patient, rock the switch back and forth repeatedly and all of a sudden it will switch as normal.
This is assuming forcing it hasn't damaged anything, but if you were just using your hand you probably didn't break anything, it may just be stuck 1/2 way between 2 of the detents.

 

[Tpoole]

So I already messed up the switch but I am not sure what position this is set to with the flat part on top, bought it without the switch so I have no reference.

 

[Ray70]

I can check one and see where the flat corresponds to.
It may actually be in the correct place for 120/240.
If so, leave it and be done with it, but I will check position later today.

 

[Guyfang]

Dude, measure voltages at the load terminals. That will tell you what position the switch is in.

 

[Tpoole]

I can check one and see where the flat corresponds to.
It may actually be in the correct place for 120/240.
If so, leave it and be done with it, but I will check position later today.

Thank you very much, I guess that's all I need is to clarify where the flat part of the switch is, wish I could find another switch but they have been out of stock for a long time now

 

[Ray70]

I believe you are in 208 3 phase.
You can verify you setting AM/VM switch to the 3 phase 208 setting and see if gage reads 208 or use a DMM and see if you have power on L2.
If you go from L2 to either L1 or L3 you should get around 208 on your AC volt setting.

 

[Guyfang]

Ref the knob. Kurt Kloppk

Thank you very much, I guess that's all I need is to clarify where the flat part of the switch is, wish I could find another switch but they have been out of stock for a long time now

If you don't look, you won't find. There are switches from time to time in Epay. There are AC out put boxes from time to time in Epay. There are two different switches. Both work.

 

[Ray70]

I would seriously try loosening the bolts and jiggling the switch , working to the right and attempt to get it so the flat is down.
Looks like you already used a "ViceGrip" style knob!
I have a spare switch I can sell you BUT believe me, swapping out that switch is no small task!

 

[Tpoole]

I would seriously try loosening the bolts and jiggling the switch , working to the right and attempt to get it so the flat is down.
Looks like you already used a "ViceGrip" style knob!
I have a spare switch I can sell you BUT believe me, swapping out that switch is no small task!

Okay thank you, I have everything run to 50 amp RV hook up then run to a distribution block pics attached is the flat side down the still recommended choice? I thank you for the help!!

 

[Ray70]

Yes, you want to be in 120 / 240V mode which should be flat down and AM/VM switch set on the single phase L1 L3 position approximately 3:00 on the switch.

 

[Tpoole]

Yes, you want to be in 120 / 240V mode which should be flat down and AM/VM switch set on the single phase L1 L3 position approximately 3:00 on the switch.

Last time I will bother you but I know nothing about this and your a ton of help....is this now set correctly?

 

[Ray70]

Yup, that should be correct.
Just fire it up and verify your voltage gage is reading 240ish.