Two Electrical Questions

Bumpyroad wrote:
I would not want a hard wired unit unless it had a bypass feature. I kept my portable SP in a basement compartment, out of sight , out of mind.
bumpy

The PI unit does have a bypass.

Thanks, I ordered the hard wired one

Thanks, I ordered the hard wired one

Just installed my PI last weekend. I replaced a portable Surge Guard unit as I often found the power posts were too short and the unit sat on the ground (not suppossed to). Plus I know this one won't walk off. Still haven't found the best spot for the display but will be camping for 2 weeks and will sort that out.

My vote is for a permanent one.

Ideally get an identical battery but any new similar battery should be OK.

The camper is brand new. Mfg in March, not sure if Keystone or dealer supplies battery but should be new in eother case.

Mixing batteries usually means shorter life. Mixing a year old and new might be the right choice with several years of life and only buying one battery.

If not real old I'd probably load test the old one and if OK add the new one, otherwise replace both.

There is no predicting what will happen with a lightning strike, so for me that is a non factor. For all I know a pedestal unit is more likely to attract lighting.

HW30C with the inside remote is much more valuable to me because the display is inside. The ability to see amps and voltage inside especially if the CG has low voltage so that it can be managed as unfortunately it happens.

I don't use and don't plan to use the bypass switch. I installed mine without cutting any original wiring. Therefore in case of a unit failure I have an easy ultimate bypass.

If you have a direct lightning strike anything could start a fire.
I would rather the surge was contained as much as possible within the PI.
I like my hardwire as once installed it forces your hand to use it with no added effort.

As long as the existing battery is in good shape you can add similar just fine. Just do not mix AGM, wet cell, start battery, GELL etc. with each other. If storing without a float charge it might be better to fully charge and then separate the batteries at the same time you disconnect to prevent discharge.

If I were investing in a new unit I'd probably go with a hardwire model but last year I had the opportunity to buy a used portable unit at a great price and did wire it into our trailer as if it were a hardwire, installing it under the sofa, so security is a non-issue.