Generator and AC Power System

General Information

The unit is wired for 110/208 VAC three phase power. The individual appliances run on 110VAC, with the exception of the steam kettle. The power requirements of this unit are large, and cannot be supported by an ordinary 15 amp outlet.

The generator is a 33 Kilowatt diesel unit, located in an outside compartment on the left side of the truck behind the front wheel. It draws diesel fuel from the same tank that the truck engine does.

You may need to run the generator while driving to keep food cold in the refrigerators. We generally run the generator 24 hours a day in the field. While the generator may not need to be run 24 hours a day, it will need to be run enough to keep the refrigerators cold, and the batteries charged.

Generator
overview

Plugging the unit into commercial AC power or an external generator

There is a long heavy power cable in the outside left generator compartment, on a reel. Note that there is a gray plug on the outside of the reel that must be unplugged before reeling in or out the power cable. The cable reel is self-locking, if it not doing what you want, move the cable in and out until it does. The plug at the end of the cable is a standard 50 amp 120/240 volt plug, like those used in large RVs.

There is a transfer switch next to the cable reel that determines if the truck is powered by its internal generator or by external power.

To plug the unit into external power, unplug the gray plug, and pull out the reel until the cable will reach. Then plug in the gray plug. The black switch next to the cable reel has three positions, generator, off, external power (line). Then check that you have AC power in the kitchen, perhaps by turning on the exhaust fans.

We generally store the truck plugged in, to keep the refrigerator and freezer running.

Power reel

Photo above shows unit 103

WIM 103 uses a different cable reel design than WIM 102. On unit 103, you must unplug the grey plug on the side of the reel before reeling or unreeling the cable.

Unit 102 does not have the grey plug, it is so easier to use.

Generator Controls for WIM 102

Starting the generator

Before starting the generator, first switch off the main generator circuit breaker. Let the generator run for a minute or so before switching on the main generator circuit breaker.

If the generator is cold, you will need to preheat the glow plugs in the engine before the generator will start. To do this, depress the preheat button for 30 seconds, and then push the start button on the same control panel that has the glow plug button.
Stopping the generator
To turn off the generator, first switch off the main generator circuit breaker, and then push "Stop".

The generator control panel above is on WIM-102, and is found in the generator compartment

Generator controls for WIM-103

Starting the generator

Before starting the generator, first switch off the main generator circuit breaker.

To start the generator, turn the toggle switch at the top from "off" to "on". Then push "Run" on the black control panel.

Let the generator run for a minute or so before switching on the main generator circuit breaker.

Stopping the generator
To stop the generator, switch off the main generator circuit breaker. Then push "off" on the black control panel, then push "enter". Then turn the toggle switch to "off", which will darken the black control panel

Generator
control WIM-103

This generator control panel for WIM-103 is found behind the driver's seat.

Generator Oil

The oil for the generator should be checked regularly, including during long-term operations. Open the generator compartment and use the dipstick. The generator oil should be changed every 250 hours or every 6 months, whichever comes first.

The following appliances or equipment require AC Power.

     Fresh Water Pump
    Refrigerator and Freezer
    Lights in kitchen
    Lights for the serving area (switch over sink)
    Fans
    Convection ovens (Also requires propane).
     Microwave ovens
    Outside scene lights
    Coffeepot
    Grille and stove burners.


Fan
Switches

Light and Fan switches
on right side of truck above counter.

Circuit Breakers
The unit has circuit breakers behind the drivers seat, similar to those found in most houses. These are labeled to show which breaker controls which appliance. These can be reset by turning off and then back on. If the breaker trips off repeatedly, do not use the appliance, and report the problem so that it can be fixed. Circuit
breakers

Electrical Outlets.

The unit has standard 15 amp 110 VAC electrical outlets inside and outside.

Outside lights

The unit has 110VAC outside lights, controlled by switches on the right hand side of the dash.

Air conditioning

The trucks are equipped with two rooftop air conditioning units, like an RV. The controls are on the units; look up. They can cool, vent, or even heat.

AC Power Troubleshooting

The unit may have a small nite light as an AC power indicator. Alternately, you can turn on the main kitchen lights. If the lights are not on when the generator is running or it is plugged into the wall, the unit may not be receiving AC power. Check the main circuit breaker on the generator (if running), check that the unit is correctly plugged in (if plugged in), and check the other circuit breakers in the breaker panel as shown above.

Return to Table of Contents

RAF 10/1914