2018 Seneca transfer switch

[tnrzryd]

Can anyone tell me the make/model of the transfer switch in the 2018 Seneca?

[RVermont]

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[tnrzryd]

Thanks for the picture. Since this is a basic transfer switch, do you also use a device to protect against voltage fluctuations, power surges and incorrectly wired shore power to prevent severe damage to RV appliances and electronics? If not, I’ve had good luck with the SI EMS-HW50C on my previous RVs.

[RVermont]

I use the same thing. The more protection the better.

Hardwired EMS-HW50C RV Surge & Electrical Protector

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[Robbbyr]

Originally Posted by RVermont

I use the same thing. The more protection the better.

Me too.

But being who I am I (certified nuts!) I also installed a Hughes Autoformer with surge protection in my cord reel compartment. Both the Hughes and the Progressive Industries EMS are installed with plugs and receptacles. That allows me to completely bypass either device in the event of a failure. Or if I ever sell, I can take both devices out in minutes.

Overkill? Probably!

[tnrzryd]

Originally Posted by Robbbyr

Me too.

But being who I am I (certified nuts!) I also installed a Hughes Autoformer with surge protection in my cord reel compartment. Both the Hughes and the Progressive Industries EMS are installed with plugs and receptacles. That allows me to completely bypass either device in the event of a failure. Or if I ever sell, I can take both devices out in minutes.

Overkill? Probably!

Rob, tell me the advantages to having an Autoformer? Thanks

[Robbbyr]

Originally Posted by tnrzryd

Rob, tell me the advantages to having an Autoformer? Thanks

An Autoformer is a transformer device that has the ability to modify the voltage/amperage relationship. Needed when incoming campground voltage is low, which causes motor-driven equipment to draw more amps creating excessive heat which can damage the motor's windings. The Autoformer can use some of the incoming current to boost the voltage. It does consume some power itself when doing the conversion. When incoming voltage is within the "normal" range it more or less just passes power through itself without changing things.

At some campgrounds I used to have my EMS periodically drop out due to low voltage, especially in the late afternoon in summer when everyone's AC was running. With the Autoformer first in line now, I did not have that happen a single time this past camping season.

Here is a link to their website which explains thing much more thoroughly: https://hughesautoformers.com/

[tnrzryd]

Rob - great explanation. Thanks. As soon as you made mention of the problem with low voltage when everyone was using their ACs, I thought of a similar instance years ago in our class A. If we had had an autoformer, we wouldn’t have had to run our generator to get our ACs online. Add 1 autoformer to the list of must haves when we get our next RV.