What is the best Automatic Transfer Switch on the market?

What transfer switch do you currently have?

Only need transfer switch to isolate separate power sources from gen and shore power.

You can install the surge protector 'before' the ATS on just shore line feed to protect from unknown power problems
OR
You can install 'after' ATS to protect for power problems from gen & shore power.

EMS-HW50C installation manual.........

I would stay away from any products from 'Surge Guard'
Either TRC or Progressive Dynamics

Old-Biscuit wrote:
What transfer switch do you currently have?

Only need transfer switch to isolate separate power sources from gen and shore power.

You can install the surge protector 'before' the ATS on just shore line feed to protect from unknown power problems
OR
You can install 'after' ATS to protect for power problems from gen & shore power.

EMS-HW50C installation manual.........

I would stay away from any products from 'Surge Guard'
Either TRC or Progressive Dynamics

I understand what you mean by stay away from TRC, I think it must be some kind of inferior product. I currently have a TRC Surge Guard 40250 with an Automatic Transfer Switch and can't wait until it is removed from my motorhome.

Go with Progressive Dynamics 50A ATS

Hi,

Get one that is rated for at least 125% of the maximum load that will be placed on it. Burned contacts abound.

HE ASK about transfer switches, You folks are talking about Surge guards, I'm not sure what he wants.

A transfer switch is a switch designed to select the SOURCE of power for your motor home.. There are 2x2 types.. I will cover,, NOTE: the second 2 can be made up from 2 of the first.

So I'll cover the second of the 2's first.

Shore/Generator or Shore/Generator/Inverter (2 or 3 way transfer)

Now, speaking only of shore/generator.

You have two types

Definition: RESTING state. If there is now power, what state are the contactors in. (Contactor is a high power relay, also known as solenoid)

Definition: Default state: If multiple power sources are present; WHO WINS the job.


Some, such as the intelletec model I have, the resting state is "Connected to shore"

Some others (And this would normally apply to the 3 way units) resting state is NO CONNECTION.

Default is always GENERATOR

Which is better? Now that is a good question.. in theory the resting-disconnected should be better because that means when you plug in, forgetting to turn off the breaker, there is only a very small load (The sense electronics in the switch) and the big loads do not kick in for at least a second or two.

HOWEVER, what happens when the sense electronics fail?

Or what happens if a relay sticks (I've seen inverters flame on because of a slow relay).

But as for which is best.. I'll leave that up to you.

StephJohn2010 wrote:
I'm getting a Progressive Industries EMS-HW50C surge protector unit installed on my motorhome. What is the best ATS? Thanks in advance.

I once installed an ATS for my inverter that I bought from "Backwoods" At that time it was said to be of hi quality.

Best? I recommend the Progressive Dynamics PD53-100. 50a is ok too.

http://www.bestconverter.com/PD53-100-100-Amp-Transfer-Switch_p_520.html

Intellitec has a transfer switch that senses for voltage etc but with the EMS-HW50C it would be overkill.