Hard wire surge protector

[BryanValRox]

Hi gang, I didn’t like the thought of a external surge protector, so I decided to go the hardwire route and was able to locate a spot on the Nautilus panel that worked out nicely. Made an easy modification to the mounting strategy to obtain that”Factory Installed Look” that I was after. Gives me the visibility to “Status” and any error codes that might surface.

 

[Oregon_Camper]

We have the same one, but I buried it behind the pass-through wall. I monitor it from the app on my phone.

 

[BryanValRox]

Hi Jim, I use the app as well once the initial hook up is completed and we are settled in. (only in the driveway at this point, for Sunday Football, ha) Hoping for the truck to arrive soon! Call me crazy, but I really like to be informed on the systems status of the coach. Apps and monitors are key to that addiction Also love the EPO feature of this SP for added protection.

 

[CornCrib]

We have the same one, but I buried it behind the pass-through wall. I monitor it from the app on my phone.

I did the same as Jim, I may have stolen the idea from him ... don't remember for sure. Also, I got a replacement surge board to have on hand in case needed. (I read about that somewhere .. don't remember where).

 

[Hotrodjohn]

I have this one to the right of the outlet at the top. Unit is mounted near the transfer switch so it protects if it’s on the Generator or the pedestal

 

[Whitey]

Hi Guys,

Alliance Valor 32a10 with Generator
I'm looking for more information to where to add a hardwired watchdog.
Power comes in from near the rear of the RV to where?

Appreciate the help in advance,
Whitey

 

[BryanValRox]

The wire would run from your wall power connection to a transfer switch. As far as the location of the transfer switch on your rig, I have no clue. However, you might be able to track it down by the “clunk” it makes when you plug/unplug the pedestal or fire up the genset.

Generally speaking, the protector should be installed between the shore connection and the transfer switch. Be sure to follow the manufacture instructions.

 

[Whitey]

okay, find this guy

 

[BryanValRox]

Yes, that is correct.

 

[BryanValRox]

It will have 3 large cables attached to it.
1. Shore Power Inlet
2. Genset Inlet
3. Outlet to the Breaker Panel

When you find it, I would also recommend the you ensure it has no active voltage supply, remove the cover, and check the torque on all of the set screws to ensure your wire connections are tight.

 

[RoadJunkie]

I see that there is a new (?) model of this hardwired unit that has wifi and BT?

 

[BryanValRox]

I see that there is a new (?) model of this hardwired unit that has wifi and BT?

You are correct!

Gen II – 50 Amp WiFi Surge Protector with Auto Shutoff – Hardwired — Power Watchdog Smart RV Surge Protectors

The Successor to the World’s Best RV Surge Protector This Gen II Model Includes: 50 Amp Service With Emergency Power Off HARDWIRED VERSION (Internal mount) As the successor to the world’s first Smart RV Surge Protector, which became one of the best-selling RV accessories ever,

www.powerwatchdog.com

Link to the 50 amp pasted above.

 

[Flyer32RLS]

Really neat work done by all. I have an external one and for $399, I'll pass on making it permanent fixed inline.
Great idea and if this one ever goes kaput, I might invest but for now. I like hooking it up before connedting to RV to insure it is correct before connecting to RV.
Great work all!!

 

[Midnight Rider]

Hi gang, I didn’t like the thought of an external surge protector, so I decided to go the hardwire route and was able to locate a spot on the Nautilus panel that worked out nicely. Made an easy modification to the mounting strategy to obtain that”Factory Installed Look” that I was after. Gives me the visibility to “Status” and any error codes that might surface.

Thats really nice

 

[Whitey]

Really neat work done by all. I have an external one and for $399, I'll pass on making it permanent fixed inline.
Great idea and if this one ever goes kaput, I might invest but for now. I like hooking it up before connedting to RV to insure it is correct before connecting to RV.
Great work all!!

Hi Flyer32RLS,
Your comment really sank in, I sold my hardwire and got a GenII pedestal one, so I could check electrical connections before setting up.

 

[Lantley]

The hardwire units test the circuits as well and will not release power if things don't check out. The advantage of the hardwire is you simply don't have to handle it each and every trip. You don't have to take it out, you don't have to put it away You don't have security concerns.
You install it one time and never touch it again and get the same protection.

 

[RoadJunkie]

I just installed a hard-wired unit in our rig. If I were to make the choice for hard-wired vs portable again, I would more seriously consider installing two receptacles inside the bowels of the rig and simply plug the portable unit into the receptacles. I think that would be the best of both options. I would have on hand a short jumper to use in the event of a surge failure. But, just thinking out loud.

 

[RockDr896]

I have considered putting this on my to do list, but keep asking myself, if it is worth it. Why not leave all the potential of a power surge, outside the trailer, instead of inviting it into the trailer. In order to access any surge issue, now I am potentially throwing out everything in my pass through to get at the problem, hoping it isn't a rain day.....In the now famous words of RoadJunkie.....I am just thinking out loud...LOL!!! I think this is a coin toss in my opinion...I don't camp enough to make the change, but all the points made are duly noted.

 

[Lantley]

I just installed a hard-wired unit in our rig. If I were to make the choice for hard-wired vs portable again, I would more seriously consider installing two receptacles inside the bowels of the rig and simply plug the portable unit into the receptacles. I think that would be the best of both options. I would have on hand a short jumper to use in the event of a surge failure. But, just thinking out loud.

I have considered putting this on my to do list, but keep asking myself, if it is worth it. Why not leave all the potential of a power surge, outside the trailer, instead of inviting it into the trailer. In order to access any surge issue, now I am potentially throwing out everything in my pass through to get at the problem, hoping it isn't a rain day.....In the now famous words of RoadJunkie.....I am just thinking out loud...LOL!!! I think this is a coin toss in my opinion...I don't camp enough to make the change, but all the points made are duly noted.

I guess I have more personal experience to rely on. I have been camping since 2005 I have had one issue with my surge during that period.
I don't see the need to prepare for the hardwired unit failing. There are so many more RV things to worry about failing that I don't need to Be concerned about the surge protector failing.
Also consider I had three campers over that period. Which means I have installed 4 surge suppressors. I replaced 1.
That means I handled the surge suppressors exactly four times in 21 years.. Had I purchased a portable unit I would have handled it at least twice each trip over the same 21 year period. My reality has been install it once and never need to touch it again. Forget about it and trust that it is working. If it fails replace it just like any other appliance in the RV.
I have enough camping set up and break down chores to deal with that I simply don't need to add anything else to the routine.
I did not have this disdain for set up and breakdown 21 years ago But at this point anything I can do to reduce or eliminate a set up chore Is worthwhile to me.

 

[RockDr896]

I guess I have more personal experience to rely on. I have been camping since 2005 I have had one issue with my surge during that period.
I don't see the need to prepare for the hardwired unit failing. There are so many more RV things to worry about failing that I don't need to Be concerned about the surge protector failing.
Also consider I had three campers over that period. Which means I have installed 4 surge suppressors. I replaced 1.
That means I handled the surge suppressors exactly four times in 21 years.. Had I purchased a portable unit I would have handled it at least twice each trip over the same 21 year period. My reality has been install it once and never need to touch it again. Forget about it and trust that it is working. If it fails replace it just like any other appliance in the RV.
I have enough camping set up and break down chores to deal with that I simply don't need to add anything else to the routine.
I did not have this disdain for set up and breakdown 21 years ago But at this point anything I can do to reduce or eliminate a set up chore Is worthwhile to me.

I am picking up, what you are putting down!! I have officially quit my position as the camp cook for 20 or so people...which means all my cook stuff was removed today!! Like you guys showing what is possible with surge protection, I was showing what is possible in camp food....time for everyone to swim for themselves on everything RV!! This forum is a great place to read what others are up to...and forge their own path. This is actually the FIRST platform, I have ever posted on. I have found it very educational, to hear the many ways to skin a problem...thanks to all who contribute...including Alliance setting it up...not everyone wants a presence on facebook!!