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Old 10-11-2017, 07:21 PM   #1
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Surge suppressor install

Installing a hard wired surge suppressor this weekend. I see it can go two places. Before the transfer switch or after to it will cover power from generator. Any thoughts of the best place to put it?? It's going in a 2017 Challenger 37TB. Thanks all.

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Old 10-11-2017, 08:02 PM   #2
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The surge protector will work well in either position. Generators aren’t generally know for causing problems. I would install the in whatever place is easiest to get to, in my case it was after the transfer switch, your layout is probably different so pick the easiest one and sleep better at night knowing you’re protected!
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Old 10-11-2017, 08:09 PM   #3
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Thanks Dave! With my setup it is not hard to do either way.
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Old 10-12-2017, 12:31 PM   #4
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I have installed it after the transfer switch, thus it also measures the generator output. On my last RV it showed the frequency output of the generator was high, thus it was no problem for Cummins to adjust the governor of the generator. Had it been before I would have never known about this.
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Old 10-12-2017, 11:31 PM   #5
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Thanks for the question and the responses. It's the first on my list should I get mine back from CW, grumble, grumble.
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Old 10-13-2017, 01:44 AM   #6
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The surge suppressor arrived today. Install looks to be fairly easy. Just have to pay attention to details and all should be well..as long as I don't screw into the black tank!!
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Old 10-21-2017, 11:18 PM   #7
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I have a 2017 Challenger 37LX and I installed before the transfer switch. It was a really easy install. I just removed the wire coming from the plugin going to the transfer switch. Then I cut the cable, and did all the wiring into the surge suppressor in the shop. Then I just put that whole assembly back into my coach like I was just putting that wire back in. Also when I was wiring it in I took out the cable clamps that came with the suppressor and went to an electrical shop and got the ones that belong on the conduit that's on that wire already in the coach. Now it looks like it was installed at the factory.
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Old 10-22-2017, 04:36 AM   #8
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I got my surge suppressor installed last Saturday. Took longer than I anticipated due to how wires had to be run and just the fact that the #6 wire is a pain to try and bend. Install is done and it is working great. I mounted the remote monitor to the right of the transfer switch with command velcro strips. I can now monitor shore power or genny power. Thanks for all the comments of what worked for you.
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Old 10-22-2017, 10:47 AM   #9
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#6 wire is a pain like you said!!! Glad you got the install done ok, you can sleep better knowing you’re coach is protected!!!
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Old 10-22-2017, 02:42 PM   #10
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While working around transfer switch wiring open transfer switch box and look at wire connections. EVERY connection should have a bit of copper wire showing. If you just see insulation best to remove a bit more insulation. If wire is clamped on insulation there could be a problem down the road.
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Old 10-22-2017, 02:43 PM   #11
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We use one of these:



Is this not enough protection?
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Old 10-22-2017, 04:09 PM   #12
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We use one of these:



Is this not enough protection?
For power surges and miswired pedestals... yes. You have limited over/under voltage protection and no frequency protection with that device though. A lot of old campgrounds suffer from low voltage problems because of wire lengths and the number of outlets on a circuit. The unit you picture will operate according to its specs to as low as 90 volts and as high as 140 volts. Without going into further, it is my opinion that is not enough protection.
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Old 10-22-2017, 09:56 PM   #13
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Trying to post a picture of my surge suppressor install. I chose the hardwired version for theft purposes plus the additional protection.
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Old 10-22-2017, 09:58 PM   #14
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guess I'll have to learn how to get the rotation correct on the pictures. This is mounted on the side of the power bay with the remote display velcroed just to the right of the transfer switch. I'll get a second display for inside the coach later.
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Old 10-23-2017, 10:22 PM   #15
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I'm with jb1911. Do we over estimate the potential for problems?
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Old 10-23-2017, 11:48 PM   #16
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Possibly but I will always overprotect. Too much electronics these days to be too trusting.
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Old 10-24-2017, 01:23 AM   #17
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I'm with jb1911. Do we over estimate the potential for problems?
It may not be a problem, and maybe it is the old schooling in me that makes me feel that way. Decrease in voltage means an increase in current thus an increase in heat. Maybe newer appliances and electronics will just shut off or not run when the voltage is low, but how is one to know? Years back low voltage was the main reason for appliance replacement. I am just more comfortable knowing that if I am plugged in somewhere and the voltage goes below 105 volts,( because everyone is running their air conditioners or space heater, or I am in a jam-packed campground), that my unit will power off.
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Old 10-24-2017, 01:36 AM   #18
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I was debating on that 50A surge suppressor. Glad I came across this thread.
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Old 10-24-2017, 04:21 AM   #19
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Originally Posted by Peterrrr View Post
Maybe newer appliances and electronics will just shut off or not run when the voltage is low, but how is one to know? Years back low voltage was the main reason for appliance replacement. I am just more comfortable knowing that if I am plugged in somewhere and the voltage goes below 105 volts,( because everyone is running their air conditioners or space heater, or I am in a jam-packed campground), that my unit will power off.
If anything, the new electronics are are more sensitive to voltage. It's not just high/low voltage, but also for bad grounds, reversed polarity, etc. I look at it as cheap insurance.
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Old 10-24-2017, 10:13 AM   #20
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There are numerous posts on this and other forums where coaches have had their electronics damaged due to faulty power pedestals. Having a surge protector is definitely a good thing!!! I used to check pedestals with a multi meter before plugging in but that’s no guarantee something won’t happen in the middle of the night, now I don’t worry!
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