troubleshooting perplexing AC shore power/inverter set up

Acme is typically a simple boost transformer. It seems to have two power feeds coming allowing you to bypass the inverter network while still using the boost. There just isn't enough information in your explanations or photos to safely direct you.

Looking at your Southwire Auto Switch...I'm also a bit stumped that your two ports that should be incoming options, one for gen and one for shore seems to be labeled showing power out of one input feeding the transformer.

So, for a moment that I am going to assume that the little arrow drawn on the shore input cable is an error, and that the shore first feeds your Acme, and then it feeds the Southward input for shore. That would mean there is an output cable on the opposite side of the switch that feeds your panel. You need to confirm this is the proper flow of power. The Southwire has two inputs on one end, and one output on the opposite side. It will always default to the generator input and uses delays. The questions you need answer are happening within the Southwire.

First, is the Southwire receiving power from shore? Second, is the transformer within the Southwire sending signals to the contractors, or perhaps is the contactor fried into one position and refusing to shift? If you have shore power coming out of Acme and into Southwire, you can stop taking photos of the Acme. Focus on Southwire.

So the issue is purely in Acme. You may have no issue with the switch or inverter at all. Sorry if I was confused. If I am no longer confused, you have no issue with “your inverter set up”. You have a dead transformer.

Forget everything else that you’re trying to describe in your vessel. Right now the only thing that matters here is that Acme is dead. No power out means no ability for the auto switch to sense power, therefore no switching after 3 seconds of generator shut down.

Acme needs a rebuild or replace. My comments have all been predicated on your descriptions under your thread caption. Your thread title suggests issues within the inverter and auto switch network, and your photos show all components. Your issue seems narrow and simple. Acme.

It can't sense the **** power if there is no output from the Acme. My hunch is that there is a fried component in the Acme, and that is the source of all the issues. Southwire auto switch can't switch to shore power it does not sense. All issues here seem to be in the Acme.

Agreed on all of this. The Acme is receiving two 110v legs from a 50 amp supply. It should be outputting two no-load legs at 114v plus or minus. He comments it is not putting out at all. My assumption is that his boat is getting shore power if he uses the manual bypass, or at worst he already knows that he has power at the Acme input. no way of knowing what is upstream of the Acme. For instance I have a breaker where the power enters the boat, first step.

Here's a bit of feedback...Acme should be in line between the incoming shore power and your panel. It should boost AC on the entire boat, not just on the inverter. Acme should have one in from shore and one out to the panel. Useful to have a bypass switch to bypass Acme in the event that Acme has an issue, or in the event that shore power is good, and Acme isn't necessary...especially for long idle times when no one is aboard...

...add, we are all trying to be helpful here...but the photos of the installation read, "hey, I just got all of this gear, and I'm going to hook it all up right here just to be sure it works."...and then was walked away from by that installer. Add that an arrow should always be indicative of flow direction. IF you have the budget, get Wards (or similarly skilled) aboard and have them set this all up properly.