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craig7h

Branson MO area

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Posted: 06/03/22 07:08am

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Does anybody have this model of Surge Protector or heard any pros or cons?
Hughes Auto PWD 50
https://www.bzbproducts.com/hughes-auto-pwd50-surge-protector-power-watch-dog-50-amp.html

Seems like a very low price for what they say they have.

Thanks

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vermilye

Oswego, NY, USA

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Posted: 06/03/22 08:46am

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looks like normal pricing - even cheaper at eTrailer & Amazon. I prefer a built in EMS rather than external...

* This post was edited 06/03/22 12:17pm by vermilye *

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Cummins12V98

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Posted: 06/03/22 09:34am

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I built mine in.

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otrfun

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Posted: 06/03/22 12:29pm

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craig7h wrote:

I see no mention of voltage “protection” for the Hughes PWD50. It only mentions voltage/amps/watts “monitoring” and surge protection. I interpret this as meaning it’ll only shutdown or offer protection for extreme, short-term, very high voltage spikes or surges resulting from a lightning strike or equivalent. If voltage from your campsite pedestal simply rises too high (>128v) or low (<107v) , you can monitor it, but the PWD50 won’t shutdown power to protect your camper.

$150 sounds about right for a device just that only provides surge protection.

Lwiddis

Cambria, California area

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Posted: 06/03/22 02:12pm

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I too think the advertisement is clear. No mention of the unit being an autoformer.

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CA Traveler

The Western States

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Posted: 06/03/22 02:58pm

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The absolute most important protection for 50A is an open neutral which will cause very high and low voltage on the 2 power legs. Next is low voltage on either leg especially when connected to a 20A or 30A pedestal. This device offers no automatic disconnect for these conditions and others say at 2AM. OK if you plug it in and are watching the display it "monitors" some conditions. The "surge" device which your are asking about and a Energy Management System (EMS) which protects and disconnects shore power when a fault occurs are very different devices. Of course a EMS costs more.

My PI HW50C detects 10 faults and disconnects utility power. The display and fault codes are visible inside the RV.

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wa8yxm

Davison Michigan (East of Flint)

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Posted: 06/03/22 03:51pm

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Hughes now makes a number of proeducts
The Autoformer has limited "Surge" (Really spike) supression NOT control
(MOV's if you really need to know)

They also have a "Surge Guard" device that is like the Progressive Industries EMS units.. monitors for low/high voltage and shuts you down. I DO NOT KNOW how good it is.

I suspect they make a "all of the above" and Perhaps a transfer switch with some protection built in (not sure on that)

I had the 50 amp Autoformer.. and a differnt "Surge Guard" very happy with the way they worked

Shore-Autoformer-Surge guard - Auto Transfer Switch - RV

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Cummins12V98

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Posted: 06/04/22 10:00am

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"Shore-Autoformer-Surge guard - Auto Transfer Switch - RV"

ZACTLY!!! Mine are all built in.

craig7h

Branson MO area

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Posted: 06/05/22 03:10am

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Thanks all,
I am not very knowledgeable on what all those type of devices do. I remember looking at I guess an "autoformer" for double the price. From your alls comments for complete protection go the autoformer route.
Thanks

jkwilson

Indiana

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Posted: 06/05/22 06:49am

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craig7h wrote:

An autoformer is a booster for low voltage. Protection of the RV from wiring or power system problems comes from an EMS. Protection from lightning or power system incidents comes from a surge protector.

For best protection in a Hughes product, you want the EPO version of their Power Watchdog which incorporates an EMS and a surge protector. They also offer a voltage booster (autoformer) with integrated surge protection but no EMS function to handle low supply voltage situations.

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