Surge Protector - Found Best Location

Aero_Dave · 04-10-2016, 05:47 PM

So today I decide to ‘poke around’ the camper, looking for the Best spot for my new Progressive Surge Protector. I thought near the outside power outlet would be best. Inside the storage compartment next to the power outlet, I thought maybe behind the thin paneling I might get lucky. So I took a flat-blade screw drive and placing it directly over the staples holding the paneling on, I tapped it with a hammer just once. That was enough to break the paneling free. So I did almost all of them, about ½ way from left working my way right. Pulling the paneling open Carefully using a small crows-foot (slightly bending the top down as you pull) I opened it up to find a Perfect spot. The flooring appear to be about ½” sold wood, and I found a ‘few’ Factory left-overs in there too! I guess the guy who cut the hole for the outside power outlet, can’t remove the leftovers. Same for the guy installing the door gaskets.

Following the instructions (which are easy) I started the process. I cut the cable about 6” from the outside outlet. You can pull the other side of the cable at least 6” easily to get some extra slack. Even taking my time, the entire project took only 1 hour to complete. I used ½” wood screws to mount it to the floor. I ran the remote display wire to the right of the heater. Then inside, I took the heater grille off and was able to reach the cord for the display.

For now, I just ran the wire through the grille, but I will cut a small slit under the display for a permanent setup. I can make my own cables at work, I’m a network engineer. So I will be making my own cable using a Black cord for a better look. I can cut a small slit in the paneling under where I have the display mounted to and run the cord through it, before terminating it. Making the slit very small, so you won’t really be able to see the cord once completed.

Anyone looking for a good location for a Surge Protector should consider this location.

Dave...

Rustic Eagle · 04-10-2016, 06:21 PM

Nice clean installation......., installed the same EMS in my TT a few years ago.

Bob

Cdash · 04-10-2016, 06:29 PM

Isn't the panel you have your meter mounted to back up to the cubby underneath the bottom bunk? If so, you could run your wire into that compartment via a small hole through the wood next to the furnace and have it all hidden.

Aero_Dave · 04-10-2016, 06:37 PM

Cdash, yes it it. I plan to run the cable directly under the monitor on that panel. The plug for the cable is under it, I wish it was on the back side. Then you would ever see any of the cable at all.

Dave...

RedHorse1 · 04-10-2016, 06:43 PM

Very nice and clean! Pretty close to where I installed mine.
Congrats!

oz97tj · 04-11-2016, 03:54 AM

That's awesome! I was thinking in the same area but hadn't done any poking around to see if any space was available. That's perfect!

I wanted to do mine this past weekend but it was very cold. Supposed to be warm on my next set of days off so I'll be doing this exact thing..

On a side note, I was really thinking there would be access to the furnace someplace but can't seem to find anything. I guess pulling the paneling back is the only option?

Camping_J · 04-11-2016, 04:43 AM

Dave that install looks great glad you found a place back there to install it.

Aero_Dave · 04-11-2016, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oz97tj

That's awesome! I was thinking in the same area but hadn't done any poking around to see if any space was available. That's perfect!

I wanted to do mine this past weekend but it was very cold. Supposed to be warm on my next set of days off so I'll be doing this exact thing..

On a side note, I was really thinking there would be access to the furnace someplace but can't seem to find anything. I guess pulling the paneling back is the only option?

Yes, you can access the furnace from inside by removing the grille. It's only held on by 4 screws.
After seeing how thin the paneling is that I pulled-back, I think I will be removing it. Then cut and mount a 1/2" or 3/4" foam insulation. Then put the paneling back over it and use 1" screws to hold it on. Using screws will make it much easier later on to gain access to this area again if needed.

Notice the Light coming through near the steps. Nothing between this air-gap and the thin paneling. I could feel the breeze blowing in while I had the paneling pulled back. So I think a little foam insulation would be great.

Dave...

spepi · 04-11-2016, 06:51 AM

Dave, looks great. Maybe something on my To-Do list. This should be a sticky for all of us with the 29.5 BHDS

Cdash · 04-11-2016, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aero_Dave

Cdash, yes it it. I plan to run the cable directly under the monitor on that panel. The plug for the cable is under it, I wish it was on the back side. Then you would ever see any of the cable at all.

Dave...

Read your post a second time and realize you said that. Don't know why I didn't get that the first time......

What make and model is that surge protector?

Aero_Dave · 04-11-2016, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cdash

What make and model is that surge protector?

I got the Progressive Industries HW30C 30 Amp Hardwired Electrical Management System with Remote Display.

Robot Check

Dave...

Aero_Dave · 04-11-2016, 05:47 PM

Finished the install. Made a Black cable for the monitor and re-routed it. Looks great and I like the remote display location.
http://rs228.pbsrc.com/albums/ee57/R...h=480&fit=clip
http://rs228.pbsrc.com/albums/ee57/R...h=480&fit=clip
http://rs228.pbsrc.com/albums/ee57/R...h=480&fit=clip
http://rs228.pbsrc.com/albums/ee57/R...h=480&fit=clip

Dave...

Cdash · 04-11-2016, 05:57 PM

No one will ever notice the sub of wire under there! Very nicely done!

Btrow · 04-13-2016, 07:53 AM

I see you have a 30amp service, is the 50amp wired the same way? That's a great location and write-up!! Thanks.

Aero_Dave · 04-13-2016, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Btrow

I see you have a 30amp service, is the 50amp wired the same way? That's a great location and write-up!! Thanks.

Basically yes, but you'll have an extra wire on a 50Amp connection.

Dave...

Icescreamer · 04-13-2016, 06:32 PM

Thank you, I was debating about getting a hard wired or the plug in style. I was a little intimidated by the hardwire install. This made it look rather easy. This is on the short list now. Nice work and thank you for the share

Aero_Dave · 04-13-2016, 06:35 PM

Yes, it really is a Very Easy install. Good luck,
Dave...

SouthCo · 04-13-2016, 07:49 PM

Nice job. I think I'm going to go hardwired with the next camper.

spepi · 04-20-2016, 01:20 PM

I ordered one for my 29.5BHDs yesterday. 50 amp model. This spot does make the most sense. I have seen some installs done near the converter, but this seems to be the spot. The remote panel is what I have on my mind. Not sure where I want it. I'd like to get it near the power and usb at the counter area but that would require some snaking, unless I put it near the converter. Once I get it, I will post some pictures of my install, seeing it will be 50amp

spepi · 04-25-2016, 07:28 AM

This is no question the best place for the surge protector. I did mine yesterday. One thing I will add. If you have 50 amp service, expect to have to muscle the wires as they are very thick and rigid. I'm thinking 6 gauge wire so its not forgiving at all.

Dave, does your surge protector hum? I can hear mine in while sitting on the couch.

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