Southwire 44270 problem?

[jdarwin]

We have a Southwire surge guard 44270 (50 amp) surge protector. I hooked up to the campground pedestal and all 3 lights (at the top of the surge protector) lit up. However, only one of the two at the bottom lit up... indicating the L1 is not protected. Is this a campground or surge protector issue? I don't see how it could be the campground since they only provide the electrical and the surge protector should be monitoring/protecting the voltage from the pedestal? Maybe someone can educate me? Thanks

[rohrmann]

I think you need to get the manual out for that device. There are all those other lights that might tell you what the problem is, maybe a polarity issue or something else is amiss. Maybe plug it into another pedestal to see if there is anything different. This is not an EMS device, so it will not protect your rig, just tells you if there is a problem.
https://rvpower.southwire.com/produc...r-model-44270/

[rames14]

Bob, it does have Surge, does it not protect against faulty wiring? I know it doesn’t protect against the over/under voltage.

[rames14]

I just reviewed the chart. The top three, all green, power is on and good to go. On the bottom, left light on, surge protection is good. Not sure what the right light on the bottom does.

[rohrmann]

The manual doesn’t indicate what those lights are for, but I’m thinking possibly they indicate the actual arrester for each hotleg, and if one of the lights is out, it may be the one arrester has failed. I think a call the the customer suppport number should be the next step.

[jdarwin]

I sent an inquiry to Southwire yesterday and here is their reply.


"When one or both lights are out on the bottom of the device that means the unit has blocked a surge on the line the light represents. The unit is only capable of blocking one surge per line. So if one light is off, you no longer have any surge protection on that leg and it is recommended to purchase another protection device."


Apparently my unit blocked a surge on L1. More importantly their warranty is basically no good. Once you blow a line the unit is shot.


So now I'm in the market for a another EMS. Any suggestions?

[rames14]

We had the hardwired Hughes Watchdog 50 amp EPO installed to replace our PD Transfer Switch. They went with the transfer switch for the EMS function. If the unit sustains a surge, it is $32 for a new board, user installable. Plus, it’s Bluetooth. And, it tells you exactly what is wrong. Plus, will shut down if you have high or low voltage. So far I’ve been very happy with it.

[rohrmann]

We’ve had our Progressive hardwired EMS for quite a few years now and it has protected our trailer very well. The nice thing about this device is, if a surge takes out one or both of the arresters, you can get replacements from Progressive and replace them yourself.

[DQDick]

11 years of full timing and always with a Progressive. Have one for each rig and over the years have had one fail. Customer service was great and replaced the unit two days later by express shipping.

[jdarwin]

I emailed Southwire about parts to repair the unit. Here’s their reply.

“ Surge damage is not covered by warranty and we do not repair units when they have been surged. We also do sell any spare parts for our devices.

So if you want to continue with surge protection, the unit will need to be replaced.”

I’m looking at an EMS-PT50X. Those that own one, how have they performed?

[rames14]

Jdarwin, I am curious if you looked at the Hughes Watchdog? First, they make both a hardwired and portable unit. Second, it is Bluetooth enabled, allowing me to check the unit remotely. Third, the module is user replaceable. I can carry a spare module and know I will have protection. Best of luck whichever way you go.

[jdarwin]

Originally Posted by rames14

Jdarwin, I am curious if you looked at the Hughes Watchdog? First, they make both a hardwired and portable unit. Second, it is Bluetooth enabled, allowing me to check the unit remotely. Third, the module is user replaceable. I can carry a spare module and know I will have protection. Best of luck whichever way you go.

Thanks. I’d never heard of watchdog until now. Very impressive and I like that you can replace the surge module.

[jdarwin]

Just bought a Watchdog and an extra replacement module off Amazon. Thanks!

[rames14]

Did you go hardwire or portable? When you plug it in, the whole face lights up - red if there’s a problem, white if all is good. You can read a book it’s so bright. We really like ours, it’s hardwired in the Super Solar area.

[jdarwin]

Originally Posted by rames14

Did you go hardwire or portable? When you plug it in, the whole face lights up - red if there’s a problem, white if all is good. You can read a book it’s so bright. We really like ours, it’s hardwired in the Super Solar area.

I ordered the portable version.

[bcrvman]

Originally Posted by jdarwin

I sent an inquiry to Southwire yesterday and here is their reply.


"When one or both lights are out on the bottom of the device that means the unit has blocked a surge on the line the light represents. The unit is only capable of blocking one surge per line. So if one light is off, you no longer have any surge protection on that leg and it is recommended to purchase another protection device."


Apparently my unit blocked a surge on L1. More importantly their warranty is basically no good. Once you blow a line the unit is shot.


So now I'm in the market for a another EMS. Any suggestions?

Get an actual EMS, not just a surge guard. Either a Hughes Power Dog (you can order extra surge modules as well) or a Progressive Industries. I used to have PI but switched to Hughes for the Bluetooth and replaceable surge units.