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We purchased our new Alfa Gold 3905SH-MC and had the Dealer install a few items that weren't included. We had an Onan 5500 Generator installed, a surge protector, washer and dryer, satellite. When we went to pick it up, we were told we would need another surge protector added for the generator. Is this something normally required? Thanks for any advice you might have.
Hmm. I wouldn't think you would need another surge protector for the generator if the installation of the generator and surge protector (I'm assuming hard-wired and not a plug-in type) were installed correctly. Of course it depends on what type of surge protector was installed and where in the electrical line it was installed, but I would think the surge protector would be installed so that it would monitor power from either the generator or the campground pedestal.
Perhaps the more electrically astute folks will provide a better answer.
No, a “surge protector” is not required for a generator.“Surge Protectors” – using the term correctly, won’t protect against any mishap from a generator.Generators don’t produce the kind of “surges” that basic surge protectors deal with.
What is necessary is a true electrical protection system on your main power line coming into the rig.Specifically something like a Progressive Industries HW50C of which there are many threads in the forum. Not inexpensive but worth every penny when needed.
A “surge protector” will protect the rig from very high power surges mostly that come from lighting.But they won’t protect from basic high or low voltage, mis-wiring of the campground power pedestal and “open neutrals” the last of which can fry many expensive items in the coach.
The generator you have shouldn’t concern you. But I’d recommend you make sure you have a true power monitoring / protection system such as the one mentioned above on the power line coming into the coach.
I would think the surge protector would be installed so that it would monitor power from either the generator or the campground pedestal.
Howard:
Actually, no.A “surge protector” or a true electrical protection system, should be installed on the power line feed to the shore power / generator changeover switch.Why?If the coach does receive a true electrical spike, such as from lightening, you want the power protection system to protect the changeover switch.The switch that automatically switches between the generator or the shore cord.
If the protection system is placed after the switch and you get a lightening hit the odds are fair to good it will “fry” the changeover switch (relay) and then you have neither shore nor generator power.
In general, all protection devices should be on the shore power input.
We ordered our Alfa See-ya from the old Alfa Leisure factory. It came from the factory with an Onan 5500 generator installed with no surge protector. Never an issue worked great to run the washer, dryer and air conditioner plus other electric appliances and electronics. The generator died after 10 years, we now use two Honda 2000i generators still no surge protector.
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"May the FOREST be with you" Alfa See-Ya 5'er and 2007 Kodiak C4500 Monroe
