Surge Protector question

dlhaynes · 05-11-2006, 03:03 AM

I am considering purchasing a surge protector. I can do basic wiring and handle small projects without too much trouble but I am in way an electrician. I was doing some research on surge protectors and had a question I can't seem to find an answer too or the answer has evaded me. It's basically a simple question:

Will a 50A surge protector work on a 30A circuit?

As you know, some CG's only have 30A service. If I pigtail into the 30A service with a 50A surge protector, I'm afraid it might not function as desired or designed.

What to do, what to do?!?!?

I see "007" has a surge protector in his sig. Is it on-board or portable?

dlhaynes · 05-11-2006, 03:03 AM

I am considering purchasing a surge protector. I can do basic wiring and handle small projects without too much trouble but I am in way an electrician. I was doing some research on surge protectors and had a question I can't seem to find an answer too or the answer has evaded me. It's basically a simple question:

Will a 50A surge protector work on a 30A circuit?

As you know, some CG's only have 30A service. If I pigtail into the 30A service with a 50A surge protector, I'm afraid it might not function as desired or designed.

What to do, what to do?!?!?

I see "007" has a surge protector in his sig. Is it on-board or portable?

Cruzer · 05-11-2006, 06:00 AM

The 50 amp units will cover a 30 amp shore power as well. You wind up using only half of a 50 amp unit when connected to 30 amp shore power. But, if you buy a 30 amp unit, you won't be able to use it on a 50 amp feed. So, buy the 50 amp version.

I use the 50 Amp SurgeGuard hardwired version but another popular unit is the Progressive Industries 50 AMP hardwired unit. Either one works great.

Generally you just remove the shore power cord from the transfer switch and cut 2' off the end. Then splice the surge protector into the cord and reinsert to your transfer switch. When you trade in your coach you just remove the surge protrector and the next owner gets a cord that's 2' shorter.

By the way - I wouldn't "consider" getting a surge protector - I'd definitely go get one. They also protect against low voltage brownouts. The consequences of messing up your electrical system due to low voltage, surges, or lightning spikes are VERY expensive. I personally consider these things mandatory.

**"007"** · 05-11-2006, 06:40 AM

Dana, I hard wired my surge in so both line and GEN are thru surge. Just don't do what I did and wired in Gen leads

thinking they were the load to the ckt box. When you get up in years you think your right

and sometimes your not.

So I had to rewire the load leads again.

The load wires will be in upper left of transfer switch red,black,white #8's and bare ground wire not the orange wires from GEN #12's. Yours maybe different because of DP. Both input wires 50 amp cable and Gen wires are on right hand side of transf sw. May not need to have Gen thru but you never know I always say. Be CAREFUL of ckt board within the transfer sw. I pulled the load wires out of trans sw and placed in 4" elect box on ceiling of compartment on board worked out very well even if I had to move it.
Which ever way you go have fun my bones hurt after that job.

dlhaynes · 05-14-2006, 02:28 PM

Thanks gentlemen, I appreciate the help "007" and Cruzer.

I think for my use the the portable surge protector will work just fine. I can always turn it into an on-board unit later on if I choose to. I believe I can get one a bit less expensive than CW has them for.

The hardwired ones do run cheaper than the pigtailed type do. I'm going to do a web search to see if I can find one less than the $359 club price at CW.

Again, thanks for your help. Hope to see you folks at some nice CG sometime.