Community Forums

99phantoms · 11-27-2017, 12:54 AM

On the 2018 Dutch Star price sheet there is an option for a "transfer switch with built-in surge protection." MSRP is $637, so figure about $450. It is the SurgeGuard 40350-RV, and is used on the New Aire. I've been told it does provide effective protection.

The more typical choice is an aftermarket device added prior to the transfer switch, such as the Progressive Industries HW50C, $340 online (plus install).

The integrated unit saves space, but if a power surge blows the protection circuit, would that also disable the transfer switch? And would you have to replace the entire transfer switch to repair the surge protection?

Anyone know how that works?
(New Aire guys?)

GaryKD · 11-27-2017, 05:21 AM

Hi 99phantoms,
Last I knew the surge is before the TS. Difficulty is if it goes the coach has no power. Make sure the surge device has a bypass so if it takes a hit one can bypass it until a new one is installed.

rewillia · 11-27-2017, 05:48 AM

I actually have both being OEM installed on-board surge protection along with an aftermarket Progressive EMS-PT50. I prefer doing it this way as I get a chance to see if there is a shore power supply issue before ever connecting my coach to it - and the EMS has served us well in that on more than a few occasions it alerted us to bad ground connections or worse beforehand. It also easily stows in my electrical bay reel compartment so its become common practice for me to use it.

Some may say that such redundancy is nothing more than overkill but it works for me.

deaton · 11-27-2017, 05:49 AM

I have consolidated unit (surge and transfer switch) in my new DSDP. I would not have ordered it this way if I had a choice. I share the concern that a hit to the surge might also damage the TS.

So I got what I have always used in the past, a PI surge protector and I use that in front of the combined unit.

I would appreciate hearing from an informed person about the real risk of the combined unit as installed.

redbaron73 · 11-27-2017, 05:59 AM

The 40350 has a fuse protected surge guard. According to the manual when the fuse blows it goes into auto bypass with an error to check fuse. The manual states that at this time you are not protected.

So imagine a storm. First surge takes out fuse. You have no idea because of auto bypass. Next surge takes out coach.

Don't waste money on this product. Get a separate surge guard.

deaton · 11-27-2017, 06:01 AM

Thanks for that detail. My thought exactly.

deaton · 11-27-2017, 06:02 AM

I think many buyers would welcome Newmar offering a factory installed surge protector as a STAND ALONE unit. Better yet, make it a standard feature.

Quincy · 11-27-2017, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deaton

I think many buyers would welcome Newmar offering a factory installed surge protector as a STAND ALONE unit. Better yet, make it a standard feature.

Surge protectors are fine and will help protect if the surge is not high enough to overwhelm such as a lightning strike. They all do not protect against low voltage witch is just as damaging and much more subtle than any surge.

Q

wa8yxm · 11-27-2017, 06:37 AM

Given a choice.. The HW-50C would be my choice.. I agree with your arguments but add one more. The Progressive INdustries Warranty.

deaton · 11-27-2017, 07:13 AM

Agree re low voltage issue, but I believe the PI unit does monitor for low voltage and disconnects below 108

FLJOE · 11-27-2017, 07:41 AM

I had the built in units on two previous RVs. On my previous one just before the Newmar I went with a portable Surge Guard exterior plug in. If I am in a CG where it could be questionable I just plug it in first instead of running my cord out and plugging in only to find out there is a bad ground or another issue. Plus I feel like my cord is actually protected also.

Quincy · 11-28-2017, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deaton

Agree re low voltage issue, but I believe the PI unit does monitor for low voltage and disconnects below 108

Dont know about specific SP's so I am sure you are correct. I was just pointing out something I think allot of folks do not consider, which is low voltage.

Q

Spending our kids inheritance one trip at a time.

ADS43264ME · 11-28-2017, 07:57 AM

One thing that often gets overlooked, the 40350 is a much higher quality transfer switch. The basic transfer switch is prone to failure and will inevitably need replacing at some point. I know many who carry a spare transfer switch because of the issues with the 41260.

I would spend the money just for the transfer switch alone. You can also add a remote screen to the 40350 to see error codes.

I have also usd a PI surge protector and it is a great piece of equipment.

No harm in having the best of both worlds, get them both!

vsheetz · 11-28-2017, 08:08 AM

I have a 41260 xfer switch with surge only. In front of it is a Progressive Industries hardwired full EMS. Then at the pedistal is a Progressive Industries portable surge only unit. The portable unit is also used for a basic check of the pedistal before I even place the coach on the campsite.