50amp Surge Guard

[SoonerCamper-JAY]

My trusty Southwire 50amp Surge Guard 34850 has worked great for about 7 years, but the seal has failed and moisture is getting in. Looks like there are several options now, that didn't exist when I bought mine. There is a product by EMS-PT50X and Camco has one now (Power Defender). Generally I like the Camco products. Anybody have any opinions on these newer options? I have no problem going with another Southwire product. It saved our rig many times from electrical issues.

 

[DL2221705]

https://hughesautoformers.com/power-watchdog-smart-surge-protectors/
https://www.progressiveindustries.net/

 

[2edgesword]

While I have some issues with Southwire's slow response on an issue I was having (they did eventually work with me on resolving the issue) as far as features go their newer 50A unit (34950) matches up well with the Progressive unit. The newer Surge Guard unit also provides protection on the line and load side so if you develope an open neutral or some type of grounding issue in the RV it will detect those issues. The Surge Guard unit also has a higher Joule rating (ability to absorb energy) than the Progressive unit (4,200J versus 3,580 for the Progressive 50A EMS-PT50X) and issues are displayed in plain text rather than codes.

 

[Jeffur]

I use the surge guard 3451 with wireless remote display. I got it from Eric at TechnoRV

 

[cavie]

Hughes Watch Dog with Bluetooth.

 

[jasum]

I’ve had a Surge Guard brand hard wired unit with a wired display that has been awesome since 2006. On second fifth wheel. Still works perfect.
Would definitely buy again.

 

[F350guy-JAY]

I had a hardwired Progressive in our previous fifth wheel. Worked very well but did have to replace the circuit board once. This time I bought the portable Watch Dog by Hughes. It is really nifty being able to see what is happening with its blue tooth connection. I can also reset from my phone if need be. Very pleased so far.

 

[Roo-minator]

I got the plug and play Progressive Industries unit and am very happy with it. Cut power to my RV at 3 different campgrounds so far. At one it happened a few times so the voltage drop to my site must have been bad.
Last one it was a real low voltage level at each phase, I think that time it may have saved me some components. Been using almost 2 years so it is not really to old.

 

[anguscampbell]

I use the surge guard 3451 with wireless remote display. I got it from Eric at TechnoRV

34951


There is a good article at Techno RV here....
https://www.technorv.com/articles/do-you-need-an-rv-surge-protector/


It is biased towards Surge Guard but they are fully transparent about it, as it is their business model to do research and choose one product in a given category to sell and support.


We have the remote as well. With it I could convince Joan that she did not have to worry about her hair drier when running the A/C's and the microwave and the....


We actually have two of them with one as a hot spare.


Angus

 

[Radar57]

Hughes Watch Dog with the Bluetooth. You can monitor power usage and voltage on each leg on a 50 A device.

 

[81greer]

Hughes Autoformers PWD50-EPO Power Watchdog Smart Bluetooth Surge Protector Plus EPO with Auto Shutoff - 50 Amp Portable Version

 

[anguscampbell]

Hughes Autoformers PWD50-EPO Power Watchdog Smart Bluetooth Surge Protector Plus EPO with Auto Shutoff - 50 Amp Portable Version

Banned in RV parks by the National Electric Code

 

[F350guy-JAY]

Banned in RV parks by the National Electric Code

First I've heard of that but I think maybe you are referring to the auto transformer/conditioner Hughes makes, not the Watchdog. Two different products with two different functions. I didn't think the transformer is actually banned but some parks don't like explaining why everyone has low voltage except for the guy who has one. It may also affect the availability of power to those who don't have one from what I've read. The Watchdog does not do that. It just shuts you down if there is a bad power situation, like the other brands do.

 

[anguscampbell]

First I've heard of that but I think maybe you are referring to the auto transformer/conditioner Hughes makes, not the Watchdog. Two different products with two different functions. I didn't think the transformer is actually banned but some parks don't like explaining why everyone has low voltage except for the guy who has one. It may also affect the availability of power to those who don't have one from what I've read. The Watchdog does not do that. It just shuts you down if there is a bad power situation, like the other brands do.

You are probably right about the Watchdog model; I reacted to the "Hughes Autoformers" part of the post. Autoformers/ Autotransformers are forbidden by the 2020 NEC according to electricians on another well known forum that focuses on RV Electricity.

Some will argue that "Autoformers" are not the same as autotransformers, but many use the terms interchangeably.


Normally I would cite my source, but I have already been admonished by moderators here for referencing other forums, even when it is a matter of public safety.
Angus

 

[cavie]

You are probably right about the Watchdog model; I reacted to the "Hughes Autoformers" part of the post. Autoformers/ Autotransformers are forbidden by the 2020 NEC according to electricians on another well known forum that focuses on RV Electricity.

Some will argue that "Autoformers" are not the same as autotransformers, but many use the terms interchangeably.


Normally I would cite my source, but I have already been admonished by moderators here for referencing other forums, even when it is a matter of public safety.
Angus

there are no Autotrans former police.

 

[Johnynorthland]

I switched to the Hughes Watchdog after my sure guard had a melted end from a overheated, bad connection.

10 days with the watchdog now, no issues, it caught an over draw before it tripped the parks breaker and I was able to reset it from the App,I love the app! I’ve been calculating all my loads to design a good solar system!

 

[Bugman-JAY]

We've had a Southwire Surge guard 30 Amp model 34931 since February and it's already saved us from open-ground problems at two different campgrounds and once with a low-power situation. Paid for itself already and I won't hesitate to get another Southwire when, or if, it needs replacing.

 

[Johnynorthland]

I switched to the Hughes Watchdog after my sure guard had a melted end from a overheated, bad connection.

10 days with the watchdog now, no issues, it caught an over draw before it tripped the parks breaker and I was able to reset it from the App,I love the app! I’ve been calculating all my loads to design a good solar system!

I forgot to mention, the watchdog has a replaceable surge module that will take numerous hits before it needs to be replaced, which can be preformed by the owner.

 

[anguscampbell]

I switched to the Hughes Watchdog after my sure guard had a melted end from a overheated, bad connection.

That was likely dirty/ poor connection at the pedestal. Following a recommendation from RV Electricity author and expert Mike Sokol, I use DeOxit D5, a contact spray cleaner. A 5 oz can cost $15 on Amazon but the can I bought a year ago is still going. I spray it it the pedestal socket, the SugeGuard and my 7-wire trailer plug at every set-up. It also makes inserting and disconnecting easier so Joan and I don't fall on our butts following a tug of war pulling the Surge Guard off the plug.



Angus

 

[Johnynorthland]

That was likely dirty/ poor connection at the pedestal. Following a recommendation from RV Electricity author and expert Mike Sokol, I use DeOxit D5, a contact spray cleaner. A 5 oz can cost $15 on Amazon but the can I bought a year ago is still going. I spray it it the pedestal socket, the SugeGuard and my 7-wire trailer plug at every set-up. It also makes inserting and disconnecting easier so Joan and I don't fall on our butts following a tug of war pulling the Surge Guard off the plug.



Angus

Yes, piss poor connection caused the issue. And Thank you! I will try it.