How to Troubleshoot a Cutler Hammer Transfer Scheme
The Cutler Hammer MP1 is an intelligent transfer-switching system. If you have systems that require power all the time, such as your refrigerator or sump pump, then you can have a main power hookup and a generator as a backup. If the main power goes out, the transfer switch realizes this and switches to the backup. Of course, even intelligent systems can have problems, which is why you sometimes need to check the transfer scheme and setup of your Cutler Hammer transfer switch.
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Instructions
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Observe the problem. The transfer switch is supposed to recognize that the main power source has stopped, automatically start the generator and switch the load over. When the main power comes back on, the switch is supposed to recognize this and switch back, turning the generator off. Before doing anything else, find where the step in this process is going wrong, and give it some time to be sure that the system isn't just taking too long to switch back.
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Check the electricity. Make sure that the main power source has come back on and that electricity is reaching the switch. Plug your voltmeter into the system and examine the readout to be sure you're receiving proper power.
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Make sure that the test switch isn't held in place. The test switch causes the switch to transfer the load to the generator even if the main power is on. Turn the test switch off if it's on and see if your transfer switch resumes normal operation.
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Check the generator to be sure that it is set to automatic and that it has necessary fuel. Switching the load to a generator with no gas or battery power is just switching from one dead line to another. If the generator isn't set to automatic, then it can't be started by the switch, but must instead be started manually. Check the connections to be sure there's no damage to the wires and that there aren't any open connections that would prevent power from being sent through the switch.
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Check to be sure that "Manual Return to Normal" is not enabled. If this option is selected, then you have to push a button to tell the switch that it's all right to switch back to the main power from the generator. There is a push-button on inputs P10-6 and P10-9, and you need to be sure that it's pressed down so that the switch will cut off the generator and return to main power when the electricity flow returns.
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Tips & Warnings
If resetting the system and checking all of the settings doesn't fix the problem, you might have a wiring or hardware problem. Contact a professional, especially if the warranty on the switch applies.
