Quote:
quote:Originally posted by offroad71
When plugged into shore/campground power, does the power hit the converter first or the distribution center? If I install a transfer switch and/or a surge protector where in the line would I install them? Since I'm using a portable generator, would I install a surge protector on the shore power line before it hits the transfer switch?
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You ask a good question and there can be many answers.
First you stated
"does the power hit the converter first or the distribution center?"
The distribution center is an electrical connection location. The transfer switch would fall in this same category. The converter is an electrical appliance. Note - I say this because it does convert 120VAC to 12VDC but it is an application not a electrical connection location.
The surge protector is a generic name for a device that can do multiple things depending on which one you get. The cheap ones (lower in price) only protect from a voltage spike/surge caused by lightening normally. The more expensive $350 for a 50 amp device also has a low voltage, high voltage, incorrect wiring fault and delay timer to protect the electrical appliance that need time to settle down (normally air conditioners).
So I am taking the converter out of the question because it is wired to your distribution center or I call it circuit breaker panel.
The transfer switch determines which electrical source is sent to the circuit breaker panel.
So my first statement is you definitely need to protect your trailer when it is plugged into the commercial power pole.
Now = Do you want to also protect your electrical equipment when connected to a generator (assuming you are using a transfer switch).
Note here - the generator has to have a specific ground wire between it and the trailer or the wiring fault detection of the expensive surge guard will detect no ground and not allow voltage to pass.
So if you feel the need to protect both you need to install the surge guard between the transfer switch and the circuit breaker panel.
If you only want to protect when connected to commercial power then it can be between the electrical connection (plug) and the transfer switch.
I hope this is not too confusing.
Good luck and let us know if you need more clarification.