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copythat · 09-14-2019, 11:01 PM

I've never given much thought to surge protection until recently. It quickly came to mind when I visited a campground that had no visible breakers on its pedestals. That was an absolute first for me! Shortly thereafter, I visited another park and had problems with two different pedestals. One offered no power and the other ended up with a melted outlet that was only visible come morning time. Luckily nothing happened to the coach but it prompted me to go out and purchase a surge protector.

I opted for a hardwired Progressive Industries EMS-HW30C with remote monitor. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002UC6RSA...=aa_scomp&th=1

I decided to install the unit after my Southwire Model 41300 Transfer Switch so I could have protection from both AC (shore) power and the RV's generator.

I looked online for some product specific install tips to make sure the project was not beyond my means. I was disappointed to find very few install videos and nothing about the Southwire Model 41300.

I took some pictures of my install and converted them into a PDF with key points highlighted along the way. I am sharing it here in case it might be of value to someone else. I offer no guarantees about the install. All I can say is it worked for me. My new RV is now protected from both shore power and the RV's generator. It sure does give me peace of mind.

Let me know if you find the piece useful. I may add additional install tips as I acquire more goodes for the RV.

Cheers,
Rob

https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link...a-764e74bef5a4

SuperGewl · 09-15-2019, 04:26 AM

OK nice setup, However installing post the transfer switch I'm not sure I would do. The one thing you can normally count on is the generator being done correctly and the EMS already delays power from it for a bit to allow it to get up temp before loading it. Yes what you did does protect the electrical of the coach with the exception of the transfer switch which is usually get fried when you plug into a bad campsite outlet. I have had one Transfer switch catch fire because I didn't have a surge protector. On the second MH I installed a Surge Protector after I had an issue with a dongle (50A to 30A), one of the leads had scorch marks (high amp draw) and it did it's job and let me know there was an issue with the shore power cable by indicating it was not good.
The way you have your setup will not let you know unless the power makes it thru the transfer switch which will usually burn up before it sends power. I know some will disagree but thats my .0001 cents worth. I hope it works out for you

luvlabs · 09-15-2019, 08:27 AM

I would have installed it before the transfer switch as well. Your generator has advanced electronics in it to make sure the voltage and frequency are stable and it really doesn't need monitoring. Faulty shore power connections can damage a transfer switch, however.

Not too late to revise your installation. Even simpler would have been to use the PI-30X which is a plug in box. Install would have been <30 seconds for the same protection.

twinboat · 09-15-2019, 09:50 AM

You will be fine with your install.

The auto transfer is a SWITCH. Its not going to be damaged by high or low volts. With a 30 amp RV, the potential of you seeing 240 volts due to a bad neutral is very low.

A failing transfer switch can cause low volts, so having the protection after it will protect the things that are affected by low voltage.

HISSSSS · 09-17-2019, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by copythat

I've …
Cheers,
Rob

https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link...a-764e74bef5a4

Rob,

Excellent write up, similar to how installed mine this spring. The only minor error I saw was the caption that you used an "octagonal nut driver", it should have been a hex nut driver.

Mike

mattpraz · 03-09-2020, 01:28 PM

Many thanks for the insight for the installation and the nice job. I have my Progressive Surge protector and going to install it shortly. However I will install it on the shore power side because the whole basis of a surge protector is to protect from EXTERNAL issues, most of which are questionable connections and wiring at camp sites. In addition I plan on using 2 pairs of 3 pole twist lock plugs (https://is.gd/wRiGnl) to be able to bypass it should it get damaged. It will also allow me to store the cord elsewhere rather than roll it up into 8" loops to fit in that tight area. While not difficult to coil when it's 80 and sunny out, it's a real PIA at 45 degs and raining. I'll shoot some picture once it's done.

Best Regards
M Praz

HISSSSS · 03-10-2020, 04:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattpraz

Many thanks for the insight for the installation and the nice job. I have my Progressive Surge protector and going to install it shortly. However I will install it on the shore power side because the whole basis of a surge protector is to protect from EXTERNAL issues, most of which are questionable connections and wiring at camp sites. In addition I plan on using 2 pairs of 3 pole twist lock plugs (https://is.gd/wRiGnl) to be able to bypass it should it get damaged. It will also allow me to store the cord elsewhere rather than roll it up into 8" loops to fit in that tight area. While not difficult to coil when it's 80 and sunny out, it's a real PIA at 45 degs and raining. I'll shoot some picture once it's done.

Best Regards
M Praz

While it's true the campground electrical will probably be what you need to protect from 99% of the time, what about when the generator has issues? It's a electro-mechanical system so sooner or later it will fail and when it does, the surge protector should be able to prevent electrical failures elsewhere in the RV. If it's easy to include the genny, I would wire it in, that's how I did it as it's a cheap insurance policy.

luvlabs · 03-10-2020, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HISSSSS

While it's true the campground electrical will probably be what you need to protect from 99% of the time, what about when the generator has issues? It's a electro-mechanical system so sooner or later it will fail and when it does, the surge protector should be able to prevent electrical failures elsewhere in the RV. If it's easy to include the genny, I would wire it in, that's how I did it as it's a cheap insurance policy.

The generator used in View/Navions is rather sophisticated inverter generator. It is already protected internally against all of the woes that can happen at the campground post. It doesn't hurt to hook it up but it isn't needed and it can complicate the installation.

I would not bother with a hardwired EMS in a View/Navion. A Progressive PT-30X portable works great and is easy to use.

SuperGewl · 03-11-2020, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattpraz

Many thanks for the insight for the installation and the nice job. I have my Progressive Surge protector and going to install it shortly. However I will install it on the shore power side because the whole basis of a surge protector is to protect from EXTERNAL issues, most of which are questionable connections and wiring at camp sites. In addition I plan on using 2 pairs of 3 pole twist lock plugs (https://is.gd/wRiGnl) to be able to bypass it should it get damaged. It will also allow me to store the cord elsewhere rather than roll it up into 8" loops to fit in that tight area. While not difficult to coil when it's 80 and sunny out, it's a real PIA at 45 degs and raining. I'll shoot some picture once it's done.

Best Regards
M Praz

Think about what you just said, " I plan on using 2 pairs of 3 pole twist lock plugs (https://is.gd/wRiGnl) to be able to bypass it should it get damaged" If it gets damaged, it will be when you are plugged in and it did it's job. So bypassing it does not make since because obviously there is a problem with the incoming power. So why you plug into it with NO protection?

At that time I would disconnect and run the generator and NOT hook back up again until get the Surge Protector replaced and they fix the incoming power. But that's just me

luvlabs · 03-11-2020, 07:17 AM

A Progressive unit has a bypass switch built in. However, shortening the cord by adding a pair of 30 amp connectors is not a bad idea. Much easier than trying to stuff that cord back into that small compartment.

mattpraz · 03-11-2020, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperGewl

Think about what you just said, " I plan on using 2 pairs of 3 pole twist lock plugs (https://is.gd/wRiGnl) to be able to bypass it should it get damaged" If it gets damaged, it will be when you are plugged in and it did it's job. So bypassing it does not make since because obviously there is a problem with the incoming power. So why you plug into it with NO protection?

At that time I would disconnect and run the generator and NOT hook back up again until get the Surge Protector replaced and they fix the incoming power. But that's just me

You are absolutely right, however I have a properly wire GFCI outlet that I plug in at my home base while waiting on a replacement or repair. It also makes it easier to extract and service rather than having to rewire past it. It gives me options. While I would not plug back in to a problem campsite, I would evaluate and make a determination on the next location. Low voltage is the greatest issue on hot day in a tree less campsite with everyone running their AC. What you have provided is common sense, however it tends to be not so common. Thanks for your comments.

mattpraz · 03-11-2020, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvlabs

A Progressive unit has a bypass switch built in. However, shortening the cord by adding a pair of 30 amp connectors is not a bad idea. Much easier than trying to stuff that cord back into that small compartment.

The bypass switch will work as long as the internal contactor is intact. After a lifetime servicing HVAC equipment, the contactor is a part that has failure rate greater than most of the other components. Caveat also is it cycle a lot more on an AC unit than it will here, but have you seen the wiring on these RV? It’s a concern of mine with the miles of exposed wires running around the RV. Yeah I’m that guy that seeks to be preventative rather than reactive.

Coffie Drink · 03-11-2020, 09:33 PM

I use a Hughes Autoformer. Surge Protector and Voltage boost. Your electric equipment can fail with low AC voltage. Your Air Conditioner needs at least 110 vac The Autoformer boost the voltage 10% when low. Some hard wired Surge will shut off when low AC. On a hot day having a cool coach is important to me.