I found this forum as I searched for info on the Iota-its-50R ATS. The search was due to the failure of my ATS while on a trip.
I have more than 30 years in the electrical field, and more than 20 years in RVs.
My iota-its-50R failed to transfer from the genset to shore tie on a leg of our trip across northern Nevada on a day that was running in the range of 85 to 90, not particularly hot for our area. I disconnected the shore tie leads from the ATS and coupled the leads to have shore tie power for that night.
The next morning I put things back to normal on the ATS and the transfer to the genset went fine. There was no electrical smell or damaged wiring. The failure to transfer was the only problem at that time. The first experience was repeated the next day when I shutdown the genset. The transfer went to the inverter just fine, but again, when I went to transfer to the shore tie, the ATS failed.
I dealt with this problem for 4 days, then changed to another brand of ATS, and have had no problem since.
Now, I do not feel that electrically inexperienced people should be checking connections, breakers or anything else behind the safety panels of the boxes, ATSs or anything like that at all, ever.
I do feel that with connections like the Iota-its-50R that have aluminum connectors you must have them inspected occasionally. Checking the entire coach's electrical system for loose connections, etc., should not take more than an hour. All the normal connector materials, whether aluminum, copper, silver or anything else, are exposed to expansion and contraction due to the heat caused by variations in amperage. The heating / expansion may, over time, cause connections to loosen up. Most of this is a non-issue, as the equipment is designed to accommodate the variations. (i.e. how often do you check the connections in your house breaker box). There is one factor we deal with in our motorhomes, that is vibration, which can cause some problems. Again, though I ask, how many of us check the breakers, fuses, or wiring connections in our cars and trucks. I feel the manufacturers of the equipment, and the motorhome manufacturers are responsible for the assurance the devices are installed properly and work with the design limits.
My Iota-its-50R apparently had a relay that failed. That was good for me, but could have been a prelude to the more extreme meltdowns and wiring failures others have experienced. I cannot agree with the assumption that the coach manufacturers installed them incorrectly, as though there are clearly a number of coaches with the problem, not enough to blame them. I am very much of the opinion, the problem is in the design, assembly or components used in making the switch.
I very strongly feel that the suggestion the problem is due to users not checking the connections is simply wrong.
Bill
