Surge protector

Smbuddy46 · 12-29-2019, 11:04 AM

We have one of the 2020 views, i noticed that the auto transfer switch comes with a surge protector built in, is it necessary to add an additional surge protector at the end of my cord when i plug in.

Winterbagoal · 12-29-2019, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smbuddy46

We have one of the 2020 views, i noticed that the auto transfer switch comes with a surge protector built in, is it necessary to add an additional surge protector at the end of my cord when i plug in.

I don't see it mentioned in the manual, but if you say so? It also shows a manual plug in receptacle and mentions the auto-transfer switch. I thought they all came with auto-transfer only? Winnebago's doc sometimes doesn't match the actual hardware.
It's up to you. Might be worth a look at a portable PI EMS (or other) system, to add another layer of protection/redundancy. It's easier to replace a blown portable unit, than a hard wired one. Let the portable unit take the hit, if necessary.

BobC · 12-30-2019, 09:10 AM

I suggest you research the specs of your actual auto transfer switch (make & model). You can then compare the surge protection specs with those of stand-alone surge protectors.

In any case, I just discovered a portable unit by Progressive (a quality company) that's selling for $51.47 (30A) and on Amazon. It's rating of 1050 joules is less than more robust units but it would give you some piece of mind as an add-on to your current built-in unit without spending a ton of money. Being relatively small, I would think that it would be less susceptible to theft than larger, portable units. It also analyzes the incoming power via a series of indicator lights.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Winterbagoal · 12-30-2019, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobC

I suggest you research the specs of your actual auto transfer switch (make & model). You can then compare the surge protection specs with those of stand-alone surge protectors.

In any case, I just discovered a portable unit by Progressive (a quality company) that's selling for $51.47 (30A) and on Amazon. It's rating of 1050 joules is less than more robust units but it would give you some piece of mind as an add-on to your current built-in unit without spending a ton of money. Being relatively small, I would think that it would be less susceptible to theft than larger, portable units. It also analyzes the incoming power via a series of indicator lights.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

How did you determine it's a Progressive made unit? The link points to a "Camco" product. Camping World stuff.
Just curious?
As a power pedestal analyzer, it might be useful.

**creativepart** · 12-30-2019, 10:03 AM

In my opinion YES. Even with a transfer/surge model switch you still need a dedicated power monitor.

We use the Progressive Industries EMS-PT50X on my 50-amp RV and it came with the TRC Surge Guard 41260 Automatic Transfer Switch. What it offers that the TS doesn't, is protection from low voltage as well as high voltage, and it's these voltage fluctuations that cause the most damage. The EMS doesn't even allow the power to connect unless it is safe, and will disconnect if the voltage drops, something you wouldn't detect until it was too late.

Plus, it protects the Transfer Switch as well.

BobC · 12-30-2019, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winterbagoal

How did you determine it's a Progressive made unit? The link points to a "Camco" product. Camping World stuff.
Just curious?
As a power pedestal analyzer, it might be useful.

My bad, I'd been looking at some Progressive units and had Progressive on the brain.

Winterbagoal · 12-30-2019, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by creativepart

In my opinion YES. Even with a transfer/surge model switch you still need a dedicated power monitor.

We use the Progressive Industries EMS-PT50X on my 50-amp RV and it came with the TRC Surge Guard 41260 Automatic Transfer Switch. What it offers that the TS doesn't, is protection from low voltage as well as high voltage, and it's these voltage fluctuations that cause the most damage. The EMS doesn't even allow the power to connect unless it is safe, and will disconnect if the voltage drops, something you wouldn't detect until it was too late.

Plus, it protects the Transfer Switch as well.

Great point on low voltage sensing and protection for the switch itself.
This internal electrical stuff is expensive to fix or replace (not to mention hard to get at in many cases), and I think it's better to prevent bad things from happening if possible at the pedestal, even if it costs a bit more.

(btw, Spring Branch is a nice little change of pace from the chaos of I-10 through SA. Was through there last February on an unoffical SA bypass)

Winterbagoal · 12-30-2019, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobC

My bad, I'd been looking at some Progressive units and had Progressive on the brain.

No worries. I thought I'd missed something somewhere in the specs.
I admit, it has happened before.

NeilV · 01-05-2020, 06:04 PM

I went with a voltage correction unit in addition to the Surge Protector. I stay in a lot of older camps and its much better to have a system that protects by correcting low voltage issues such as a Hughes Autoformer instead of shutting you down 100% and leaving you with the choice of going without electricity or allowing your equipment to run on low voltage.

Jdhargis · 01-05-2020, 06:57 PM

It actually doesn't that is just the brand. I thought the same thing, but our transfer switch burned out. When I asked Winnebago about they said no that is just the brand of transfer switch they use. Mine was covered however by a rolling recall on them.

cthiggy · 01-06-2020, 08:16 AM

Any details on the rolling recall?? Our Transfer switch (2017 Cambria) just burned a wire and failed.

Jdhargis · 01-06-2020, 09:46 AM

They told me at the Forrest City Iowa customer service that some of the wires on the transfer switches were not tight on some models, and they were fixing them as people had a problem with them smelling or burning out.

BobC · 01-06-2020, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jdhargis

They told me at the Forrest City Iowa customer service that some of the wires on the transfer switches were not tight on some models, and they were fixing them as people had a problem with them smelling or burning out.

If it's anything like the transfer switches I've had, tightening the wires is very easy. Don't wait until something is burning. With shore power disconnected, remove the cover of your transfer switch. You'll see some terminal blocks with screw tighteners. With a properly sized screwdriver (or Allen wrench) simply tighten all of the connections (hand-tight). It's not a bad idea to check this once every year or so. Loose connections are one of the most common reasons for transfer switch malfunction.