IOTA ITS-30R User manual

ITS-30R TRANSFER SWITCH
OWNER’S MANUAL
TheITS-30Rprovidesautomaticpowerswitchingbetween
two separate 120 volt AC input sources, including
powercords,onboardgenerators,oronboardinverters.The
ITS will sense the presence of available supplies and au-
tomatically select the proper one.
The ITS can be installed at the electrical entry of the RV
on the line side of the main distribution panel, or it can be
installed on the load side of the panel between the main
panel and a sub panel, allowing switching for either the
entire electrical load or only designated circuits.
INSTALLATION
READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
I. DISCONNECT POWER
Make sure the generator is off, the external powercord is
unplugged, and the inverter, if any, is shut off.
II.MOUNTING LOCATION
The ITS mounting location may be on any interior surface
where the unit will be out of direct weather. The chosen
location must be accessible after installation is complete
to facilitate future servicing. If possible, mount the ITS
near the powercord entry or the location of the generator
output.Typical locations include under counter cabinets,
below closet compartments, inside the bed pedestal or
cabinets, overheadcabinets,under-floor storagecompart-
ments accessed from the vehicle exterior, etc.CAUTION:
TOPREVENTEXPOSURETOFOREIGNCONTAMINANTS,
DONOTMOUNTTHETRANSFERSWITCHINANENGINE
COMPARTMENT,UNDERKITCHENSINKDRAINSORWA-
TERPIPES,WITHINTHEBATTERYCOMPARTMENT,OR
ANY COMPARTMENT DESIGNED FOR STORAGE OF
FLAMMABLELIQUIDS SUCH AS GASOLINE.
III. ELECTRICAL PREPARATION
Any numbered knockout on the ITS-30R can be used for
installation. Choose a knockout that will facilitate installa-
tion and service within the selected mounting area.
IV. MOUNTING
Mountthe ITS-30R with screws throughholes provided in
bottomcornersof the can.Theunitshould be screwedto a
solid surface firmly enough to hold its weight during ve-
hicleoperation.
V. ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
A. Attach an 8 gauge chassis ground wire to the transfer switch
ground bar. A direct access hole to the ground bar is provided
throughthe enclosure for convenience.
B.Determineproper connections of wireconductorsto electrical
terminals.On 120VAC wiring the ground wire is bare or green,
the neutral wire is white, and the hot wire is black.
C. Strip theouter jacket fromall of theincoming cables. Strip insu-
lationfromallends ofthecopper conductors.Insert cablesthrough
clamps in openings. Do not tighten cable clamps at this time.
D. Route internal ground wires around lower area of enclosure
and secure to ground wires away from electrical contacts on
components to avoid the possibility of electrical short-circuit.
E.Connect the ground wirestotheground bar.Tightenterminals
to a minimum of 20 inch-pounds.
F.Connectthe neutral (white)wire connections.
G. Connect the hotwire(s) (black).
I.To connect the wire leads,hold the wiresparallelto eachother
so that the wire tips are even, then secure with a wire nut. Use
the proper size nut. Manually tighten nuts as tightly as possible.
Verify that all connections are tightened.
J.Tighten cable clamps on switch enclosure.
K.Attachlid.The lid isdesigned to snap on and should not open
without deliberate effort.
INSTALLATION BETWEEN POWERCORD AND GENERATOR
(CONFIGURATIONS A,B)
Connect the powercord leads to terminal 7 and 8 (on the narrow
end of the relay); these are the normally closed (N.C.) contacts.
Connect the generator leads to terminals 5 and 6 (on the shoul-
ders of the relay); these are the normally open (N.O.) contacts.
Connect output to panel to terminals 3 and 4 (on the wide end of
the relay).The ITS-30R is designed with a time delay module to
provide generators a brief warm-up period before supplying the
load.Thebypassswitchonthe time delaymodule should beinthe
“off”position(marked“1”).SeeDiagram1.

FROM INVERTER
HOT
NEUTRAL
HOT NEUTRAL
TO PANEL
FROM
ALTERNATE
SOURCE
HOT
FROM
ALTERNATE
SOURCE
NEUTRAL
GROUND
ALTERNATE
INVERTER
#8
#6 #5
#4 #3
#7
DIAGRAM 2. TYPICAL INVERTER/
ALTERNATE SOURCE CONNECTION
INSTALLATION BETWEEN INVERTER AND ALTERNATING
SOURCE (CONFIGURATION C)
For installation between inverter (default) and another power
supply(dominant), such asthe output froma prior powercord/
generator transfer switch, connect the inverter to terminals 7
and 8, and connect the other power supply to 5 and 6. Output
terminals always remain the same.These connections will al-
lowanyother supply to dominate the inverter,and the inverter
output will pass through the normally closed contacts of the
switch.This allows the inverter to operate only in the absence
of the other power supplies, which is ideal for inverters. Set
the timer delay bypass switch of the inverter/alternate source
transferswitch totheONposition .See Diagram 2.
INSTALLATION IN HYBRID SYSTEM FOR DESIGNATED
CIRCUITS (CONFIGURATION D)
The ITS-30R can be installed between inverter (default)
and a circuit panel supplied by a larger amp alternating
power supply (dominant). Connect the inverter to termi-
nals 7 and 8, and connect the 30 amp branch circuit to 5
and 6. Connect the designated circuit panel to the output
terminals.The inverter will only supply the load in the ab-
sence of the 50 amp power supply, in which case, only the
load designated to the 30 amp branch circuit is supplied.
The timer delay bypass switch on the ITS-30R should be
in the ON position.
FROM POWERCORD
HOT
NEUTRAL
HOT NEUTRAL
TO PANEL
FROM
GENERATOR
HOT
FROM
GENERATOR
NEUTRAL
GROUND
#8 #7
#6 #5
#4 #3
DIAGRAM 1. TYPICAL GENERATOR/
POWERCORD CONNECTION
30
12345
MAIN
BRANCH CIRCUITS
TRANSFER
SWITCH
30 AMP
120 VOLT
30A POWERCORD
4 KW
GENERATOR
30 AMP
120 VOLT
TRANSFER
SWITCH
30 AMP
120 VOLT
INVERTER
3000 W
MAX
30
12345
MAIN
BRANCH CIRCUITS
TRANSFER
SWITCH
30 AMP
120 VOLT
30A POWERCORD
7 KW
GENERATOR
50 AMP
120 VOLT
REAR
A/C
20
AMP 30
AMP
30
12345
MAIN
BRANCH CIRCUITS
TRANSFER
SWITCH
30 AMP
120 VOLT
30A POWERCORD
4 KW
GENERATOR
30 AMP
120 VOLT
TYPICAL INSTALLATION CONFIGURATIONS
A
30 AMP SYSTEM
POWERCORD/
GENERATOR B
30 AMP SYSTEM
POWERCORD/
7 KW GENERATOR
Output split
between panel and
rear A/C
C
30 AMP SYSTEM
POWERCORD
GENERATOR
INVERTER
123 45
DESIGNATED CIRCUITS
TRANSFER
SWITCH
50 AMP
120/240 VOLT
50A POWERCORD
12 KW
GENERATOR
50 AMP
240 VOLT
TRANSFER
SWITCH
30 AMP
120 VOLT
INVERTER
3000 W
MAX
30
12 34 5 678
5050
D
50 AMP
HYBRID SYSTEM:
50A 240V SWITCH
POWERCORD
GENERATOR
30A 120V SWITCH
INVERTER
(Switching designated
circuits to sub-panel)

OPERATIONAL TESTING
READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
I. Plug in the powercord. If the main panel circuit breakers are
switched on, RV load should operate normally. Unplug the
powercord.
II.Start the generator.There is a pre-programmed 20-30 sec-
onddelayin thetransferswitch.The delayis designed to allow
thegeneratorabriefwarm-upperiod.Whenthedelaycompletes
its cycle the switch should engage and the RV load should
operate normally.An audible click should sound as the switch
engages.
III.Shut down the generator.As the generator winds down the
switchshould disengage without chatteror cycling. An audible
click should sound as the switch disengages.
IV. Plug in the powercord. Start the generator. After the pre-
programmeddelay,theswitch shouldtransfer powerautomati-
callyfromthepowercordtothegenerator.Listenforthe audible
click as the switch transfers, as there will likely be no other
indicationthat the switch has engaged.Shut down the genera-
torand unplug the powercord.
V.On transferswitch arrangementswiththree powersupplies,
plug in the powercord, start the generator, and turn on the in-
verter.With all three supplies energized at the same time, the
switch will select the generator for the primary supply choice.
Shut down the generator. The switch will transfer to the
powercord. Unplug the powercord.The switch will transfer to
the inverter.Theinverter should always be connected so that it
is only selected in the absence of both the other supplies.
TROUBLESHOOTING
I. LOWVOLTAGE: Low voltage is harmful to most appliances.
Contactor-basedtransfer switchesarealso affectedbylowvolt-
age; if the voltage level drops far enough the contactor points
will “chatter”. Sustained contact chattering can cause transfer
switchdamage.Switchesthathavebeendamagedbychatter-
ing need to be returned to the factory for replacement.
GENERAL LOW VOLTAGE: Low voltage can be caused by
low voltage conditions such as an RV park with inadequate
wiring forcrowdedcamper conditions where everyone’s elec-
tricity suffers (brownout). In this case a voltmeter will be help-
ful and will show a low voltage reading from the park recep-
tacle, even before the RV is plugged in.When you experience
generallowvoltageconditions,remember,that brownoutscan
beharmfulto most appliances. A betteralternativemight be to
utilize the generator until park voltage conditions improve.
LOCALIZED LOWVOLTAGE:Low voltage conditions can be
causedby specific situations such asanadditional cord which
istoo long and toosmall for the load.Do not attempt toextend
the RV powercord by using a 16 gauge 100 foot extension
cord,or anycordnot rated for an RV-size load.A localizedlow
voltage condition will result when a load is turned on which is
larger than that which the cord is designed for.Assoon asthe
RVtriestodrawmorecurrentthantheamountforwhichthecord
is rated, the voltage will fall within the length of the cord, and the
RVwillexperiencelowvoltage.This is especiallynoticeabledur-
ing inrushcurrent situationssuch asan air conditioner start-up.
Contactor-based transfer switches are affected by this.The
compressor will try to start, the voltage will drop, which will
cause the contactor to drop out, at which point the voltage
willrisetothepre-inrushlevel.Thecontactswillchatter when
theA/Ccompressorkicksin,howeverthevoltagemayread
normal.Most meters are notfast enough torecord this volt-
age drop.You can test for low voltage readings during this
inrushcyclebyreadingvoltageatthecontactorterminalswhile
manuallyholdingthecontactorplungerdowninitsclosedpo-
sition.Thiswilloverridethechatteringconditionandthemeter
willhave timeto registerthe reducedvoltage. If thiscondition
exists, identify and correct the low voltage situation before
proceedingfurther.
PHYSICAL INTERFERENCE:Some transfer switchmod-
elshavewiring connections made by wirenutson6″leads.
Occasionally on these models, the wiring connections will
getfolded into the can in such a mannerthat the wiringwill
interfere with the physical operation of the relay. Visually
inspect for free operation of the relay(s).
TIME DELAY BYPASS SWITCH:The time delay function
in the control module on some models may be bypassed.
Relay-based transfer switches have incorporated into the
controlmodule board a smallswitch which allows thetech-
nician to activate or bypass the time delay.The time delay
is necessary during generator start-up so that the genera-
tor does not have to start under load;the delay is not nec-
essary for powercords or inverters. Therefore in transfer
switch operation where the module is controlling a supply
other than a generator, the delay switch should be set to
the bypass (ON) position. This will allow instantaneous
switching. Another time for bypassing the delay is during
diagnostic and troubleshooting efforts; if bypassing the
delay causes the switch to work when it otherwise won’t,
thenthe time delay has malfunctionedandtheboardshould
be replaced.To bypass the time delay, locate the switch on
the end of the circuit board and select the position on the
switch marked ON. Time delay bypass is now activated,
andtransfer will be instantaneous.
FAILEDTIME DELAY CONTROL MODULE: It is possible
for a voltage spike, etc. to cause the time delay module to
fail:ifthishappenstheswitchwill no longer transfer.Transfer
Switchmodels have a diagnosticLED mounted on thecon-
trolmodulecircuitboard.If themoduleisreceiving120VAC
inputandisoperatingproperly,theLEDwill belit.Thismeans
thecontrolmodulehastimedforthe20-30seconddelayand
is now providing power to the coil on the relay.If the module
input is energized and the LED does not light after 30 sec-
onds, the time delay function in the module has failed, and
the module should be replaced.To verify this, try setting the
timedelayswitchontheboardtothedelaybypassposition;
the switch should transfer with no delay. Note that this posi-
tion will allow emergency operation until the module can be
replaced;howeverthere willnot bea 20-30 seconddelay for
generator start-up . All repairs should begin by unplugging
andreplacing the control modulefirst.However, if the LED is
on and the switch is not working, then the control module is
functioningproperly andtheswitchhasother problems,such
asa failedrelayor contactor,andthe entire switchshouldbe
returnedfor replacement.

HI-POT TESTING
(MANUFACTURINGCOMPANIESONLY)
NOTE:If the hi-pot test is performed from the plug on the
powercord, the test may only hi-pot the cord itself; it may
not test the RV wiring beyond the switch. The hi-pot test
shouldbe performed from either thetransfer switch output
or from the main panel.Test as follows:
I.Turn on all circuit breakers in the panel.
II. Make sure the generator is off.
III.Make sure the powercord is unplugged.Verify that the
prongson the powercord plugare protected so thatthe hi-
pot voltage won’t cause a fault reading from a short, or
cause bodily injury from electrical shock.
IV.Turn off or disconnect all appliancesthatwouldbedam-
aged by the hi-pot test.
V.Connect the hi-pot leads to:
a)Transferswitchground bar
b)Transfer switch output terminals hot 1, hot 2 (if
present), and neutral.
VI. Energize the hi-pot and conduct test. This will hi-pot
test for leakage (short) between the current-carrying con-
ductorsand the groundin the entire 120/240VACcircuitry
beyond the transfer switch. In most cases it will also test
the powercord itself.Turn off the hi-pot.
VII.Do not test the transfer switch generator input.The
hi-pot will damage the time delay control module in
the transfer switch. If the generator wires to the switch
mustbe checked, disconnect the generatorwires from the
transfer switch and connect hi-pot test leads to the loose
wires.Reconnect wires after testing.
VIII. If hi-pot test fails, there is a short in the system.The
next step is to isolate the location of the short.Turn off the
main breaker in panel and hi-pot test again. If the test still
fails, the fault is between the switch and the panel. Test
cord for shorted plug. If the test passes, turn on the main
breaker, and turn on all branch breakers except one.Re-
test each branch circuit individually until the shorted cir-
cuit is isolated.Repair the fault and retest.The hi-pot test
is successful when there are no more fault indications.
GENERATOR NOTE
It is never advisable to start or stop a generator under
load.To prolong the life of this transfer switch, and the life
of the air conditioner, microwave oven, and other appli-
ances, always turn those appliances off before starting or
stoppingthegenerator.
MEDICAL APPLIANCES
IOTA Engineering L.L.C. will not knowingly sell an ITS
Transfer Switch for any life-support application. It is
strongly recommended that you do not operate any life
support equipment from a transfer switch. If the switch
should malfunction, or fail to operate due to other exter-
nalconditions, it is possiblethat all connected appliances,
including any life support equipment, will also shut down,
resulting in a risk of medical complications and potential
loss of life.
CAUTION
Do not install this or any electrical accessory in the bat-
tery compartment, or a compartment intended for storing
flammable liquids or liquids which produce flammable or
explosive fumes such as gasoline, etc.There are compo-
nents in theTransfer Switch which, in their normal opera-
tion, may cause arcing. In addition, the act of turning on a
light switch or unplugging the cord on an electrical appli-
ance can cause a spark, which can ignite any combus-
tible liquids or vapors.Therefore, do not install a trans-
fer switch in a compartment intended for storing flam-
mable liquids, and never store flammable liquids in-
side a compartment containing any electrical device.
WARRANTY
All ITS Series Transfer Switches come with a two-year
warranty.IOTAwarranties allTransfer Switches inthe con-
tinentalUnited States andCanada from defectsin materi-
als or workmanship under normal use for two years from
date of retail purchase and will repair or replace any ITS
Transfer Switch under warranty found to be defective free
ofcharge. For completewarrantydetails,consultCustomer
Service,or visit www.iotaengineering.com
Rev. 073100
68313-202