Installing Progressive SurgeGuard

Everyone has a different opinion on where to place the surge guard electrically. Our RV has 50 amp service and our generator is an Onan QD 8000. I plan on installing my Progressive EMS guard downstream of the ATS this spring. I'm less concerned about my generator than shore power. This genny is only 120 volts anyway, whereas shore power is split 240 volt. That being said, the ATS switches both primaries and the neutral using mechanical relays. The contacts on these relays can and do go bad over time. If I install the surgeguard upstream of the ATS it will protect the ATS, but if the neutral contacts fail in the ATS while on shore power, I could still have major electrical damage in the RV. With the surgeguard downstream of the ATS, it will protect the RV in the event of this particular type of ATS failure. The ATS is more vunerable with the surgeguard downstream type of setup, but I would rather deal with replacing the ATS than a bunch of appliances and wiring possibly.

My thought process here may be faulty and if it is hopefully someone can point out where, but that is my two cents for 50 amp service like OP mentioned he had.

Kiwi_too wrote:
Why do you need a surge guard for your own genny?

I would get a Progressive Industries EMS. A bit more expensive but with a lifetime warranty and great customer service.

Should be shore power - PI EMS - ATS.

Because generators can, and do, fail. They can put out high voltage or low voltage too.

I agree that the PI EMS is a better choice. I have the built in 30 amp unit, myself.

I prefer the SHORE POWER - ATS - HW30C order as that includes the GENERATOR - ATS - HW30C protection.

I prefer to risk the ATS to the vagaries of power rather than risk the MH electrical system to the vagaries of generator power.

I second the suggestion for a Progressive unit but first call Progressive for their recommendation on your question. They have many years of knowledge and an exceptionally good customer service reputation.

Dave

Why do you need a surge guard for your own genny?

I would get a Progressive Industries EMS. A bit more expensive but with a lifetime warranty and great customer service.

Should be shore power - PI EMS - ATS.

I would install Surge Guard like:

- Generator - Switch - Surge Guard - Trailer.
- Shore Power - Switch - Surge Guard - Trailer.

If one has dollars to buy 2 x Surge Guards, then:
- Generator - Surge Guard - Switch - Trailer.
- Short Power - Surge Guard - Switch - Trailer.

In a perfect world and dollars wasn't an issue, Surge Protection "at source" - before it goes into the switch. And if one wants to be double protected, install 50 Amp Surge Protection within Trailer's Main Panel as well. re: Something like: - Click Here - Main Panel surge protection protects from "inside" surges as well. For example, back feed from AC unit or Coffee Pot type surges.

This has been a topic for discussion many times but in my opinion, it should be installed before the transfer switch. That way the transfer switch (not a cheap item) will be protected. The generator, especially a diesel one, already has a lot of protections built in, so chances of the generator damaging your system are almost nil.