Forum Discussion

EMD360's avatar
EMD360
Explorer
Jan 09, 2022

Surge Suppressor Buzzing

Today I heard a loud buzzing sound inside that I traced to the hard wired Progressive Industries surge suppressor. This is installed in place of the old WFCO converter. I purchased it in May. The RV is plugged in with a 20 amp 14ga extension cord but I’m not running extra electric just the converter and 12 volt idle loads. There are no fault conditions displayed for the electrical line.
I looked this up. No posts on Rv.net but found a few that mentioned a possible solenoid issue in the device. Has this happened to any of you? I haven’t taken the device out of the enclosure yet. It was “fixed” when I unplugged it and plugged it back in.
  • I’m actually not confused just not specific enough thanks. I installed a new PD converter/charger under the refrigerator and utilized the old space for the PI. And it is an EMS that I just called a surge suppressor which was inaccurate but installed for that main purpose and it showed no error codes or under voltage etc. It flashes between its readouts which is kind of annoying. I drilled a hole in the grille so I can read the codes but not notice the flashes as much. We have a foldable stool there to help get into bed.
    It is confirmed by wy8yxm that it may be the solenoid so if it continues to happen PI will cover it. That’s what I read elsewhere. It lost the buzz as soon as I unplugged it and plugged it back in. So probably a temporary fix. Or it won’t happen again. Who knows? Thanks for the input and sorry about the half explanation. I knew what I meant to say ha ha.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    HappyKayakers wrote:
    Your info is somewhat confusing. First, does PI even make just a surge suppressor? I have a PI EMS and it displays error codes. Second, an EMS or surge suppressor does not replace a converter. They're 2 totally different pieces of equipment. The converter keeps your 12v batteries charged. The EMS monitors incoming AC current and cuts off when necessary.


    I agree he is confused.
    Yes Progressive Industries makes Surge Supressors (Energy Monitor Systems) like the HW-50C

    Progressive DYNAMICS makes converters Intella Power 9200 line for example...WFCO also makes Converters. not as good as PD's.

    So he replaced a CONVERTER with a Surge Supressor? What is he doing for 12 volts.

    Now: Surge Protectors (top end units like the HW-50/30c) contain a deice called a solenoid Basically a big, heavy Relay (Relays.
    Small ones are called "relays" Medium "Solenoid" And truly big jobbers "Contactors" all same device save for size)

    IF the coil is fed AC it can buzz.
    Also the core of both the Solenoid magnet and any transformers for 60HZ will be made up of metal leaves and varnish..Leaf after leaf is coated with varnish and the next leaf applied on top of it.

    If the varnish dries BUZZZZZZZZZZ

    if something prevents the thing from pulling inall the way (Contact is made before travel stopps normally) Say a suicidal bug on the armature or magnet's core.....BUZZZ

    And least I forget it the ever famous "Other causes" .
  • Happy, Yes surge ...somethng has morfed into something or another over the years and from my experience it started with the Surge Protector which was a EMS. It did seem like he was describing a EMS since a basic surge protection device wouldn't have a solenoid that buzzed.

    And PI does have a pure surge device, plus a few lights.
  • Your info is somewhat confusing. First, does PI even make just a surge suppressor? I have a PI EMS and it displays error codes. Second, an EMS or surge suppressor does not replace a converter. They're 2 totally different pieces of equipment. The converter keeps your 12v batteries charged. The EMS monitors incoming AC current and cuts off when necessary.

    EMD360 wrote:
    Today I heard a loud buzzing sound inside that I traced to the hard wired Progressive Industries surge suppressor. This is installed in place of the old WFCO converter. I purchased it in May. The RV is plugged in with a 20 amp 14ga extension cord but I’m not running extra electric just the converter and 12 volt idle loads. There are no fault conditions displayed for the electrical line.
    I looked this up. No posts on Rv.net but found a few that mentioned a possible solenoid issue in the device. Has this happened to any of you? I haven’t taken the device out of the enclosure yet. It was “fixed” when I unplugged it and plugged it back in.
  • Search the archives and you might get a hit. AC ie 60 Hz can cause vibration and a buzzing sound. Make sure everything is tightned down and if it continues call PI.

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