Intermatic Surge Suppressor

[tbussche]

I have a 1999 Mt. Aire Gas Motorhome that has the 120 volt electric panel under the bed on the driver's side. Attached to the side of the electric panel is an Intermatic Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor Model IG1240R 120/240 Volt Single Phase. About about a month ago my wife said the washing machine wasn't working. I checked the power panel and found the breaker was tripped. When I reset the breaker there was a popping sound and a little puff of smoke. I shut the breaker off real quick. I unplugged the washer from its outlet and ran an extension cord to the campground power pole and the washer ran without any problems. For the next load of laundry I plugged in a power strip in another 110 volt outlet in the motorhome and everything again worked fine.

In looking at the surge suppressor, it has two red leds. the top one is out and the bottom one is lite. This morning I pulled the washer out of the cabinet and opened the electric outlet to check for any loose wires, but found everything to be ok.

I also installed a Progressive Industries EMS several years ago.

In checking all of my other 110 volt outlets and they all checked out ok.

My question is do I need to just replace the surge suppressor or do I have a bigger problem lurking in the wiring somewhere?


Tom
1999 Mt. Aire Gas

["007"]

Tom, you may have a GFI outlet with a problem and washer is working off it.
The load center circuit breaker may have a problem also because of the current draw through it for washer.
Is the washer a combination washer dryer?

[tbussche]

The washer is a combo unit, but the electrical outlet in the washer area is not a GFI outlet. However the outlet I have been using is a GFI next to my sink in the bathroom.

Tom

[tbussche]

I forgot to mention everything has been working fine with the combo washer/dryer and this electrical outlet since December 1999 until about a month ago.

Tom

["007"]

Is your washer outlet direct to load center or goes off if you trip a GFI outlet could be in bath or kitchen area.
Just trip your GFI's to see if washer is off one. These outlets are push wire connect and washer line could have a high resistance connection in the outlet causing load center to trip.

[tbussche]

The Washer outlet goes directly back to the load center.

I just got off the phone with Newmar and they didn't know there was any type of surge protectors installed by them.

Tom

[RJay]

Can you identify where the puff of smoke came from?

[DandS]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbussche Attached to the side of the electric panel is an Intermatic Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor Model IG1240R 120/240 Volt Single Phase. I also installed a Progressive Industries EMS several years ago. My question is do I need to just replace the surge suppressor or do I have a bigger problem lurking in the wiring somewhere?

Can't help you with the cause of your problem but would suggest that if you have added the PE EMS system you have surge protection with that anyway so I would remove the unit you describe as it most likely was an owner add-on and may in fact be part of your problem. The PE system gives you the best protection you could have.

[tbussche]

The puff of smoke came from the small Intermatic surge suppressor that is attached to the side of the load center under the bed. I am the only owner of this motorhome and this was not an add-on. It was installed when I purchased the motorhome.

Tom

[RJay]

I agree with DandS, remove the surge surpressor and you should be fine. I don't think you should have a problem any where else unless you have a problem with your bonding connection. Just curious, how is the surge surpressor wired? One wire goes to the live 120 volt wire, where does the other go. It should go to the chassis.

[tbussche]

I'll find out where it is bonded when I take it apart tomorrow.

Tom

[Luv2go]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbussche I'll find out where it is bonded when I take it apart tomorrow. Tom

Tom, it looks like the IG1240R surge suppressor was installed by a PO. It is a two pole surge suppressor, you should find it is connected to both lines (I bet one is on the breaker that tripped), neutral and ground.

There are several ways surge suppressors can fail. I agree with other posters, you can remove this surge protector because you have the Progressive Industries EMS.

Stewart

[tbussche]

I removed the Intermatic Surge Suppressor and everything is working again. It was attached to the washer/dryer breaker and one marked lights.

The only thing I can think of is the dealer might have installed this for some reason. It was taken to several RV shows in the area before I bought it.

Tom