BAC Forum
General Boards => Technical Support => Topic started by: Albert Balika on August 17, 2020, 06:38:09 PM
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Is there a built in surge protection on a 2007 Contessa Bayshore 42ft? My previous coach was a Monaco Dynasty and it had an onboard surge protector. What would be a recommended surge protector, assuming I do not have one onboard? Thank you.
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Albert,
The coach did not come with one.
Steve
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Is not the Surge Guard 40350 Transfer Switch common to coaches like Albert’s?
https://rvpower.southwire.com/products/transfer-switches/50a-hardwire-model-40350-rvc-automatic-transfer-switch/
Joel
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Albert,
I use a Surge Guard 35550. It seems to be the best and most trouble free unit out there. It also gives you the most bang for the buck.
https://www.amazon.com/Surge-Guard-35550-Hardwire-Model/dp/B01AASJHGO/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2ZURU1QILZT0&dchild=1&keywords=rv+surge+guard+protector+50+amp&qid=1597700379&sprefix=rv+surge+guard+protector+50+amp%2Caps%2C734&sr=8-2
Gerald
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Thank you all for your response. I am curious about an answer to Joel's question about the transfer switch. Also, Gerald, is there any difference or advantage between the "hard wire" Surge Guard #35550 protector you recommend vs. the comparable 50amp "portable" Surge Guard protector, other than the obvious outdoor exposure?
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Albert,
The brochures for 2007 models are posted on the BAC site. The Patriot and Marquis list of features includes a surge guard transfer switch. The Contessa does not list this feature.
In addition to weather exposure, the portable unit is also subject to theft. There is room on the ceiling of your bay next to the transfer switch to install the fixed surge guard.
Steve
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The 40350 fixed unit is both transfer switch and surge protector in one. I can’t speak to your model coach, Albert, but ours is in the cord reel bay on the wall, where the cord is proximal and easily connected. It’s actually a 40250. I think that at least in late 2007 Monaco was using a different brand (Iota ITS-50R?) of switch, and there was some sort of recall, but it affected ‘08 models.
Steve is correct, but I’m surprised being that Contessa is a step up from Monterey, that you wouldn’t have a 40350 or similar as standard equipment. Though occasionally there’s reported a loose/burned connection or other issue, it’s a pretty commonly used and reliable device.
As Steve notes, if your switch is as suspected just a transfer switch, then Gerald’s 35550 should mount next to it.
Joel
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Albert,
Like Steve said, weather exposure, and theft are issues, but to me the portable unit is just one more thing to get out when you set up and one more thing to store when you depart. The hard wired unit is cheaper and after a relatively easy installation, you do not need to touch it again.
Gerald
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Is there any concern over having a Surge Guard (35550) feeding into the factory surge protector (the built in one in the 40250 Transfer switch)?
Sorta like having a GFCI breaker feeding a GFI receptacle - which is a no no (they say this causes false trips).
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What is being assumed, Mike, from the brochure for Albert’s coach, is that he doesn’t have that type of transfer switch. That’s what surprised me, as I noted in my previous post. Other models’ brochures of that year/era list Surge Guard switches or a surge protector. And Steve should know... he has the same coach.
Joel
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Joel, All,
Here is the transfer switch in an 07 Contessa.
https://www.ecodirect.com/Iota-ITS-50R-p/iota-its-50r.htm
Steve
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I read that the Iota 50R had been recalled around 2012 I think for overheating, or was it a different version?
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Iota transfer switch recall; 2015
https://www.ncconsumer.org/news-articles/electrical-issue-in-recreational-vehicles-prompts-recall.html#:~:text=The%20recall%20applies%20solely%20to,used%20in%20higher%20ambient%20temperatures.&text=The%20recall%20is%20expected%20to%20begin%20October%205%2C%202015.
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From the April 2012 FMCA magazine;
Navistar Inc., on behalf of Monaco RV LLC, has announced NHTSA recall 12V060000, which affects 2008 through 2010 model-year Beaver Contessa; 2009 Beaver Monterey; 2009 through 2011 model-year Holiday Rambler Ambassador, and Monaco Cayman and Knight; 2010 and 2011 model-year Holiday Rambler Endeavor, Neptune, and Scepter, and Monaco Camelot and Diplomat; and 2011 model-year Monaco Vesta motorhomes built from October 25, 2007, through August 26, 2010. The potential number of motorhomes involved is 249. The affected units must have been sold by Monaco RV LLC to qualify for the recall.
The affected vehicles are equipped with IOTA ITS-50R 50-amp automatic transfer switches. The IOTA ITS-50R automatic transfer switch bus bar and/or electrical connections may be inadequate to handle the electrical load. This could cause the transfer switch to overheat and possibly melt, which could lead to a possible fire, potentially resulting in property damage, personal injury, or death.
A Monaco RV dealer will replace the IOTA ITS-50R transfer switch with another brand of transfer switch. The repair is expected to take approximately 90 minutes. However, because of service scheduling times, the service department may need the vehicle for a longer time period.
For more information, contact Monaco RV LLC at (877) 466-6226. Owner notification is expected to begin in April 2012.
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What is being assumed, Mike, from the brochure for Albert’s coach, is that he doesn’t have that type of transfer switch.
I wasn't asking for the OP, I was asking for my own setup (I have the 40250). Been thinking about adding some additional protection - maybe the Hughes AutoFormer or just a hardwired Surge Guard 35550 "to protect my transfer switch" as that 40250 model is no longer available if it frys and it is the only model that communicates with the Aladdin).
I guess that question is called a hijack. Sorry
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Mike,
Your question is a valid one, and from my understanding, the addition of a 35550 in front of your 40250 has only one advantage, but several disadvantages. A surge protector has a joules rating new an that capacity is diminished by every power surge that it absorbs until it no longer offers protection at which point most, but not all units just disconnect the power source. The obvious advantage of having the 35550 in front of your 40250 is that a surge will diminish its capacity instead of diminishing the capacity of your 40250. The down side is that you are duplicating several features that are not necessary, add expense to the installation, and will be a irritant to most people like the delay time on power engagement. My suggestion would be to just look for a surge protector that is only a surge protector with little to no other features. However if the redundancy of features does not irritate you, it will work.
Gerald
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Thanks Gerald.
Now I'm thinking hard about getting the Hughes Autoformer. That seems to be a smarter investment since it will give me some surge protection and corrects for low voltage.
What do you think about the Hughes equipment?
https://hughesautoformers.com/
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Steve, Thank you again for your response and expertise. Am I to assume from your response that my 2007 Contessa, which has a IOTA ITS-50R transfer switch, is "OK" because the recall started in 2008? If you know, what would be the difference between a 2007 and 2008+ Contessa which would require a recall for this transfer switch? Thank you to all for your response to my questions.
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Mike,
A Hughes Autoformer is a valuable addition to your coach under limited conditions. I use to spend a lot of time at Thousand Trails parks in the Northwest and low park voltage was a real problem, so I hard wired a Hughes Autoformer in my basement right after my Surge Guard. At that time the Autoformer did not protect against a miss wired power post, so I wanted the Surge Guard in combination with the Autoformer even though the Autoformer gave surge protection.
I kept the Autoformer when I traded coaches 3 years ago, but since I have not had a low voltage campground, I have not made the time to install it in my Solitaire, but I installed a Surge Guard within a week of purchasing the coach. To me the Autoformer is an expensive addition to a coach with very limited use unless you frequent older parks, especially those with aluminum wiring where low voltage is an issue, and then it becomes a worth wild investment.
Gerald
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I went with The Progressive Industries EMS. They make them hard wired and portable.
Product Features:
Over/under voltage protection
Open ground, open neutral & reverse polarity detection and protection
Surge failure indicator
Current indication
Previous error code (PE)
A/C frequency protection
Time delay (136 seconds)
Built-in scrolling digital display
Weather resistant /designed for outdoor use
7-days a week customer service
Lifetime warranty*
New Features Include:
All weather shield assembly
Rugged pull handle
Security locking bracket
Tough Lexan housing
Higher rated wire 6 AWG (SSP-50XL models only)
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Happened to catch this ad if Albert or anyone is considering Gerald’s 35550 recommendation:
https://www.campingworld.com/surge-guard-50-amp-hardwired-90196.html?cgid=surge-protection#start=26&sz=21&cgid=outside-rv%2Fpower-protection%2Fsurge-protection
Joel