Surge Protector - Hardwired without transfer switch?

[Baja_Man]

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!

[Lantley]

pianotuna wrote:
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/

I was likng the newer Hughes units until it was mentioned they do not have a bypass switch. On a hardwired unit no by pass would be a deal breaker for me.

[Bobbo]

Baja Man wrote:
DrewE.....

would a bonding plug be needed on EACH inverter/generator when connected with a parallel kit (I will be using two Champion inverters combined with the parallel kit)?

I'm not DrewE, but one bonding plug in the system is enough. You don't need one on each generator. However, be sure the bonding plug is on ONE of the generators, not in an RV outlet.

[Baja_Man]

Tucquala....as DrewE suggests, sounds like the bonding plug is what you and I need.

[Baja_Man]

DrewE wrote:
The wiring in the trailer doesn't change when you plug into your own generator instead of the utility company's generators (which may be many miles away somewhere on the grid). The only negative with a surge protector may be that it detects the unbonded ground and neutral on the generator as an open ground and complains about that, if it's a decent EMS unit. The solution to that is pretty simple: either bypass the EMS, if it has a bypass switch, or plug a bonding plug into one of the outlets on the generator. A quick search of the forum will show what a bonding plug is and how to make one; it just connects the neutral to the ground on the generator.

DrewE.....

would a bonding plug be needed on EACH inverter/generator when connected with a parallel kit (I will be using two Champion inverters combined with the parallel kit)?

[TUCQUALA]

Baja, no bypass on the Hughes. Maybe one of its shortcomings!! It is bypassed, power from socket direct into trlr like it was. Don't travel anymore at the moment, trailer is up on land we purchased last year. May put in a quick connect so I can easily go between the Hughes and direct input if and when needed!!

[DrewE]

The wiring in the trailer doesn't change when you plug into your own generator instead of the utility company's generators (which may be many miles away somewhere on the grid). The only negative with a surge protector may be that it detects the unbonded ground and neutral on the generator as an open ground and complains about that, if it's a decent EMS unit. The solution to that is pretty simple: either bypass the EMS, if it has a bypass switch, or plug a bonding plug into one of the outlets on the generator. A quick search of the forum will show what a bonding plug is and how to make one; it just connects the neutral to the ground on the generator.

[Baja_Man]

Tuquala....

Does the Hughes unit have a bypass switch? The Progressive Industries unit I purchased has one. I believe these are what are needed for the low voltage via inverter/genny.

Also, you do not travel with trailer any longer?

[Baja_Man]

Does the wiring (no transfer switch) change or is the SP affected when I plug my RV 30amp power cord directly to my inverter portable gennys?

Tuquala: Just getting her dialed in! It's a very nice floor plan but quality is not as high as ORV....but neither is the price! Time will tell how she holds up.

[Sandia_Man]

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.

[wildtoad]

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.

[pianotuna]

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]

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]

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"??!!