Hughes Power Watchdog EPO Install in 32RLS

[CornCrib]

Summary: We moved the diagonal wall in the entry door side basement to square off that area and create more space (finish pics coming soon). We installed our Hughes Autoformers PWD50-EPO-H, on the ceiling, behind the wall. Disconnected the 6/4 wire in the converter, ran to the Hughes, then new wire from Hughes back to converter. As we have access to the info from the Hughes via BT, we really don't "need" to have it in the open to view, but it still will be accessible to replace the RSP-50-PWD-EPO Replacement Surge Protection board, if the need arises. (Added benefit of providing a small amount of ambient light behind the wall when plugged into shore power).

Overall, not a complicated job, but working with 6/4 in the crowded confines of the converter was a pain. I saved that step for last.



Installed on the ceiling, behind the door side wall in the basement


Wall will be squared off, eliminating the diagonal run and creating more room.


Working with 6 ga. wire in the panel was a pain. New appreciation for the folks who do this for a living. They have a higher tolerance for patience than I.

 

[TJJ]

May I ask why you went with the hardwired?Not a lot of $$ difference between the portable.

 

[CornCrib]

From my point of view, basically 3 reasons:
- one less thing to do in Setup/Tear-down
- eliminates the possibility of having it walk away, or accidentally leaving it behind
- there is really no logical reason to ever not use it, so why not hard-wire, thus ensuring it's always used?

 

[TJJ]

Good points..You just made my decision.

 

[Jim Beletti]

Summary: We moved the diagonal wall in the entry door side basement to square off that area and create more space (finish pics coming soon). We installed our Hughes Autoformers PWD50-EPO-H, on the ceiling, behind the wall. Disconnected the 6/4 wire in the converter, ran to the Hughes, then new wire from Hughes back to converter. As we have access to the info from the Hughes via BT, we really don't "need" to have it in the open to view, but it still will be accessible to replace the RSP-50-PWD-EPO Replacement Surge Protection board, if the need arises. (Added benefit of providing a small amount of ambient light behind the wall when plugged into shore power).

Overall, not a complicated job, but working with 6/4 in the crowded confines of the converter was a pain. I saved that step for last.

Installed on the ceiling, behind the door side wall in the basement

Wall will be squared off, eliminating the diagonal run and creating more room.

Working with 6 ga. wire in the panel was a pain. New appreciation for the folks who do this for a living. They have a higher tolerance for patience than I.

Nice upgrade. Thank you for sharing the details here on the forum for others.

I'm using the Progressive Industries 50A model and like you, built it in.

 

[fireman0175]

Hi, I am doing the same install soon. I do not understand what you mean by squaring off the diagonal wall. Am I correct that you enter that area from the removable large wall in the under the bathroom, crawl in (fun) and remove the shore power from the panel 50 amp breaker, connect it to the Watchdog which is screwed to the ceiling, reconnect a 6/3 to that breaker and to the watchdog? What size screws did you use for the ceiling connection? My dealer mechanic had no clue on where to access that shore power or where to install the watchdog... unless I paid of course. ha ha.

 

[Midnight Rider]

From my point of view, basically 3 reasons:
- one less thing to do in Setup/Tear-down
- eliminates the possibility of having it walk away, or accidentally leaving it behind
- there is really no logical reason to ever not use it, so why not hard-wire, thus ensuring it's always use

You did a great job.
I have been a big fan of Surge and Power Protectors since I fried my Micro and TV from a low power pedestal at a Res RV Park in 100 degree summer heat and no pedestal protector?
I still roll out with the portable version and hears why.
~ If you get into a bad pedestal and the Protector gets FRIED or blown to protect the coach from low or high voltage you can just get a new one, no install.
~ Mine has a metal collar on it so every now and then if I’m in a sketchy park I just bike lock it on. i have locked it 3 times in 20 years? “Code of the West”
~ Main Contributing Factor? I lack the knowledge and know how to mess with my Electricity on the 110 side of things?😂😂

I think it’s a matter of preferenc.

 

[CornCrib]

Hi, I am doing the same install soon. I do not understand what you mean by squaring off the diagonal wall. Am I correct that you enter that area from the removable large wall in the under the bathroom, crawl in (fun) and remove the shore power from the panel 50 amp breaker, connect it to the Watchdog which is screwed to the ceiling, reconnect a 6/3 to that breaker and to the watchdog? What size screws did you use for the ceiling connection? My dealer mechanic had no clue on where to access that shore power or where to install the watchdog... unless I paid of course. ha ha.

On my 32RLS, the back wall of the basement ran diagonally for the last 3rd of it's run (see blue tape line in pic below). I removed it and squared it off to get more storage space. Also, having 90deg angles makes for more efficient for stacking in the space.

I was able to remove the incoming shore power from the converter, having enough slack to run it into the WatchDog. Then added a run from the output on the WD back to the converter. I reached in and removed a couple of cable brackets mounted to the floor to give me more slack. I used a good sized, short screw for the mounting .. less that an inch to avoid coming up thru the floor. All in all, reconnecting to the converter was the most difficult part, as the wire I used was terribly rigid.

I've since installed a Victron system in the front bay, so the output of the WD goes to the front bay, and from the Victron MPII back to the converter.

 

[CornCrib]

~ If you get into a bad pedestal and the Protector gets FRIED or blown to protect the coach from low or high voltage you can just get a new one, no install.


I think it’s a matter of preferenc.

Good point. The current WD has a replaceable circuit board in case of your scenario above, and while a do carry one in my spare parts, I've yet to need it in over 300 nights of camping. I have heard from those who have done it that's its a bit of a pain to do ... and that Hughes has addressed that with their upcoming new model.

 

[fireman0175]

On my 32RLS, the back wall of the basement ran diagonally for the last 3rd of it's run (see blue tape line in pic below). I removed it and squared it off to get more storage space. Also, having 90deg angles makes for more efficient for stacking in the space.

I was able to remove the incoming shore power from the converter, having enough slack to run it into the WatchDog. Then added a run from the output on the WD back to the converter. I reached in and removed a couple of cable brackets mounted to the floor to give me more slack. I used a good sized, short screw for the mounting .. less that an inch to avoid coming up thru the floor. All in all, reconnecting to the converter was the most difficult part, as the wire I used was terribly rigid.

I've since installed a Victron system in the front bay, so the output of the WD goes to the front bay, and from the Victron MPII back to the converter.

View attachment 2429

now they had done just what you have done. made it squared off.

 

[George]

I've had the portable Watchdog for awhile now but would like to install it permanently. Does anyone have comments or photos of adding a plug and receptacle on the "line in" cable to do this?

 

[2 Allies]

Geo,

If you check out Rich Geyer's youtube video, he does use that method. 'Checking it out with Rich' is his channel.
Hope this helps,
Bruce

 

[George]

Geo,

If you check out Rich Geyer's youtube video, he does use that method. 'Checking it out with Rich' is his channel.
Hope this helps,
Bruce

YIKES, he has HOT terminals on a male plug! He did it to be able to bypass the Watchdog by moving the incoming power plug but this seems VERY dangerous.
This would be similar to what I want to do but mine is the portable flavor and not the hardwired Watchdog. I would use a male and female box (or plugs) to plug the Watchdog into.

 

[2 Allies]

I believe you can do it. Just need to cut the wire between shore power connection and the power distribution box and add the appropriate receptacle fittings. Hard wiring is probably a better route to ensure no loose connections i.e.(plug wear etc)