Hardwired Surge Protector

**jkwilson** · 02-17-2023, 08:33 AM

Originally Posted by Scottyboy

I hardwired a Progressive Industries 50 amp into my GD 303. Placed it under neath the cabinet where the power chord comes in, so it wasn't too bad to connect. I can bypass it with a switch.

This is my second surge protector. I had the same in my Jayco and several times it has tripped on low voltage on one of the legs.

How did you do the switch installation and location?

**dmurdockrv** · 02-17-2023, 01:34 PM

Originally Posted by NB Canada

Something else to ponder

I chose a Hughes watchdog portable unit
Imo it is easier also I prefer any electrical issues with a pedestal to happen at the pedestal not inside my coach
Also if the unit fails overriding it is difficult

I can’t see any advantage of a hard wired unit

Ymmv

I have a Camco portable unit but got the Hughes hard wired unit so I don't have to worry about it growing legs and wondering off when I'm not around. I'm guessing that is pretty rare but it will be one less thing to worry about. But to your point if the unit fails, I agree it would be real easy to by pass it at the pedestal. I'm considering installing a switch to bypass it if needed but we'll see.

**NB Canada** · 02-17-2023, 01:50 PM

Originally Posted by dmurdockrv

I have a Camco portable unit but got the Hughes hard wired unit so I don't have to worry about it growing legs and wondering off when I'm not around. I'm guessing that is pretty rare but it will be one less thing to worry about. But to your point if the unit fails, I agree it would be real easy to by pass it at the pedestal. I'm considering installing a switch to bypass it if needed but we'll see.

Quite easy to secure it at the pedestal but I think it growing legs is internet lore. I can’t imagine it happens
Perhaps but imo highly unlikely
The type of people that commit theft unlikely care or know anything about an EMS. More apt to steal your grill

**Scottyboy** · 02-17-2023, 02:03 PM

Originally Posted by jkwilson

How did you do the switch installation and location?

The Progressive Industries 50 amp comes with a LED read out and bypass switch. I have tried the bypass and it does work.

**Mark_303RLS** · 02-17-2023, 09:09 PM

Here's a link to an interesting video that shows some of the pros and cons to hardwired vs pedistal EMS,
https://youtu.be/l69qKK6_jeI

**dmurdockrv** · 02-18-2023, 07:51 AM

Originally Posted by Mark_303RLS

Here's a link to an interesting video that shows some of the pros and cons to hardwired vs pedestal EMS,
https://youtu.be/l69qKK6_jeI

That video gave several good legitimate reasons to do a hard wired EMS. Voltage drop being the main one. I also like the idea that I don't have to worry about someone stealing mine at the pedestal regardless of how unlikely the event is to occur. Like most thefts you don't think it will happen to you and don't know many others who it's happened to until it does then your kicking yourself. I know you can chain the portables to the pedestal but it's not hard to defeat that method and I don't want to carry a chain and lock around. Plus one last thing to store and makes renting the TT out that much simpler with less details to go over. I don't rent my Imagine but the thought has crossed my mind.

**Hoopy Frood** · 02-18-2023, 08:09 AM

I don't think I've ever heard of anyone having their plugged in EMS being stolen. There may be good reasons for hard wiring, but theft really isn't one of them.

Save your worrying for things that might actually happen.

After viewing the video, it appears that the voltage drop is not a concern with the 50 amp cord, so that eliminates the main issue if you use a 50 amp cord, which I do.

**NB Canada** · 02-18-2023, 08:14 AM

Originally Posted by Hoopy Frood

I don't think I've ever heard of anyone having their plugged in EMS being stolen. There may be good reasons for hard wiring, but theft really isn't one of them.

Save your worrying for things that might actually happen.

Exactly. I almost bet it has never happened

**Jomani** · 02-18-2023, 01:41 PM

Originally Posted by joelumberjack

Has anyone installed (DIY) a Hughes Watchdog surge protector in an Imagine 2600rb?

I am wondering if it's easily done or if it's better to have it installed.

Thanks in advance for the help!

~Alan

I think the question to ask yourself is how comfortable you are working with electricity. The install is pretty straightforward but sometimes the extra peace of mind is worth the cost of install.

I went with the 50 amp Progressive with remote switch/monitor and have been very happy with it. As to the debate over hardwired, I had a portable EMS on my first 5th wheel that failed to detect a burnt connection between the EMS and power cord. In my mind, the connections will always be weak links in the system and I want the EMS on the trailer side of all weak links.

**MaddyBob** · 02-19-2023, 01:37 PM

Welcome, Alan! I installed a Progressive SP as a hardwired unit. I checked to ensure there was enough slack in the existing cables so I could wire it correctly. I had to remove some cable hold-downs to get the slack, then replace them afterward. I needed more slack than expected, as the wires were very stiff. Some awkward angles to work at but the install was very doable. 3 connections in and out. I imagine the Hughes Watchdog would be similar.

I went with the hardwired version after having 2 prior plugin units fail due to water damage. (It rains a lot here in WA.) Also, I wanted to keep my setup and breakdown as uncomplicated as possible.

Good luck with the installation!

Bob