My new to me TT does not have a surge protector (SP), portable or hardwired. It also does not have a transfer switch (TS). I have not yet verified, but I assume the power cord used to connect my trailer to a power source (ex. power pedestal at campground) is connected directly to inverter/charger box where 120V and 12V fuses/breakers are located.The last hardwired SP I installed was in my TH that had a built in genny. I installed the SP before the TS.I want to install a SP in my TT. MY TT is 30amp.Do I need to have a TS to utilize ALL aspects/benefits of the SP?Or can the SP be installed anywhere between the power cord and the inverter/charger?Thanks!

Have installed a 30A hardwired Hughes Watchdog. Didn't put in a "switch" (aSSume you mean a switch to bypass the SP) but will be doing it soon. Found out that the SP would kick out when running AC on generator due to voltage dropping below (very momentary!!) the "protection" low limit. Since trailer is now on our own 10 acres (not travelling anywhere), only running when needed on generator, I have disconnected the SP so we can run the AC!! Hughes sees no problem with the unit, the gen mfg doesn't see any problem with the genny!! So, no SP being used at this time!!Just thought I'd mention it to help with your decision!!So, are you happy with your Outdoors "replacement"??!!

No TS needed unless you add a second power source such as an inverter.Just remove the wire from the main panel and connect to the SP inlet. Get a like piece of wire and connect the SP out to the panel. Done. This makes it easy to remove if needed.

No need for a transfer switch. Do get one with a bypass switch. It appears that Hughes now makes a better surge protector than either Surge Guard or P.I.https://hughesautoformers.com/power-watchdog-smart-surge-protectors/

If you don’t have a generator why do you think you need a transfer switch? Transfer between what? Just get a SP to sit between your 30 amp plug and the power source.

Nothing needed for your scenario, with our TH we either plugged directly into shorepower with our surge protector or plugged power cord into dedicated generator outlet provided on our rig. With our class A nothing has changed for the most part, we plug power cord with surge protector into power pedestal, transfer switch always prioritizes Onan power when genny is running anyway. We love our Hughes SP, works flawlessly and the info provided via bluetooth is quite in depth.

Surge Protector - Hardwired without transfer switch?

13 Replies

pianotuna
Nomad III
Aug 05, 2021
No need for a transfer switch. Do get one with a bypass switch. It appears that Hughes now makes a better surge protector than either Surge Guard or P.I.

https://hughesautoformers.com/power-watchdog-smart-surge-protectors/
time2roll
Nomad
Aug 05, 2021
No TS needed unless you add a second power source such as an inverter.

Just remove the wire from the main panel and connect to the SP inlet. Get a like piece of wire and connect the SP out to the panel. Done. This makes it easy to remove if needed.
TUCQUALA
Explorer
Aug 05, 2021
Have installed a 30A hardwired Hughes Watchdog. Didn't put in a "switch" (aSSume you mean a switch to bypass the SP) but will be doing it soon. Found out that the SP would kick out when running AC on generator due to voltage dropping below (very momentary!!) the "protection" low limit. Since trailer is now on our own 10 acres (not travelling anywhere), only running when needed on generator, I have disconnected the SP so we can run the AC!! Hughes sees no problem with the unit, the gen mfg doesn't see any problem with the genny!! So, no SP being used at this time!!

Just thought I'd mention it to help with your decision!!

So, are you happy with your Outdoors "replacement"??!!

Forum Discussion

Surge Protector - Hardwired without transfer switch?

13 Replies

About Technical Issues

Related Content

Autimatic Transfer Switch?

Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)

Trail-lite 211 b+ transfer switch location

Portable or hardwire surge protector.

Hardwiring a portable surge protector