Replace Surge Guard 30 amp

[32Leperchaun]

I have a 2015 Coachmen Leprechaun 319 DS and over the weekend my Surge Guard 30 amp protector died. Unfortunately, it's hardwired. Tough to get my hand(s) into the little cubby hole where it's mounted! It is rated to have 2450 Joules of power surge protection. There are other less costly 30 amp models that plug in and list higher rated power surge protection. Is it best to stick with the same joule rated, 30 amp wired surge protector or is it just as safe and reliable to buy a less expensive, higher joule surge protection plug in model?

[RVfixit]

So, you're looking at technology that is now 10 years newer than the original. I would suggest staying with at least what you have specification wise and if looking for a less expensive replacement, check out the reviews and serviceability if something should go wrong with the new unit. More expensive is not always better, just more expensive! It has been my experience that electronics in general are less expensive now because of improved technology.

Good Luck and Safe Travels!

[Paul_D]

I would go with one of the plug in models. If they go bad, its easier to replace.

One company even designed their unit with replaceable surge protection modules.

Unfortunately, that doesn't help with your limited access issue to remove the damaged unit and splice the power cord

[32Leperchaun]

One more thing occurred to me regarding this. Is it possible my convertor crapped out, instead of the surge protector? I was asking a lot of they system when running both the fireplace and heat pump at the same time, possibly using the microwave too. So...if the convertor died, would the power light in the surge protector remain on? Is there a definitive way to determine which unit died, or both?

[twinboat]

Converter is for 12 volt items and charging the batteries.
All items you listed are 120 volts and have nothing to do with the converter.

[Old-Biscuit]

As mentioned............converter is for the 12VDC System
Surge Guard is on the 120VAC System (AC Power to RV)

So nothing AC works?
Microwave, fireplace, A/C Unit?

Park Power 30A Circuit Breaker Tripped?
RV Main 30A Circuit Breaker tripped?

Replacing 30A Surge Guard..........go with a new tech unit
30A is 30A......higher joules is better surge protection......plug in easier to service

[32Leperchaun]

Hopefully this adds clarity to where the problem lies.

While boondocking over the last week, while running generator that is historically used for the hvac, fireplace, microwave, tv's, etc, the surge protector lights no longer lit, resulting in fireplace and heat pump shutting down. No other 120v appliances worked from that point forward, including 120v. outlets. Just now, while in my driveway, I plugged into my house (shore) and the surge protector lights lit up, providing 120v. to all items needing 120v to run. So somewhere between the generator and the surge protector, something is amiss.

[Argosy]

Probably the ATS, automatic transfer switch,which switches inputs between shorepower and the generator. Probably in an even smaller place to work.


Or check the breakers on the generator, you had it loaded.

[twinboat]

Surge protectors are typically not wired to the generator side, just shore power.

Did you check the circuit breaker on the generator. They are near the start switch but sometimes just out of site.

[RVfixit]

That coach should have a power panel somewhere near the entry door with 12v fuses and 120v circuit breakers. If you do, have you reset the breakers?

[32Leperchaun]

Originally Posted by RVfixit

That coach should have a power panel somewhere near the entry door with 12v fuses and 120v circuit breakers. If you do, have you reset the breakers?

I have. Not to be snarky, but if any had tripped, I don't think the shore power should work for all the 120v. items, right?

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by 32Leperchaun

I have. Not to be snarky, but if any had tripped, I don't think the shore power should work for all the 120v. items, right?

Right, but the generator breaker will cut power from it only.

[32Leperchaun]

FINAL POST:

Experience is the best teacher! I swear I did not know my Onan OG 4000 generator had a breaker switch! It had tripped. I switched it back on and all is well. Thank you to all who pitched in their 2¢!

[RVfixit]

Originally Posted by 32Leperchaun

I have. Not to be snarky, but if any had tripped, I don't think the shore power should work for all the 120v. items, right?

My 5th wheel has a main breaker labeled shore power. If it trips, nothing works. Maybe yours is different. If you don't have it there, then the next place it could be is on your converter/inverter depending on how your equipped. In any case, when multiple appliances stop working, it's something in common with all of them, usually a breaker unless you have bigger issues. Yes, your main breaker can be at the breaker panel in the generator cabinet.

You say shore power works; then its not the converter/inverter if the 120v as well as the 12v accessories all work. Its now at the generator, switch gear, or internal issue with the generator. Have you tested the output of the generator at the switch gear (power transfer switch) yet? That switch is responsible for switching 120v from the generator to shore power and vise versa. Maybe start there.