Introduction
The Southwire Surge Guard 44270 is an essential device designed to protect your valuable RV electronic components from inconsistent and faulty shoreline power. This portable surge protector minimizes potential conditions that can damage equipment by identifying wiring issues and providing robust surge protection. It is particularly useful for RV campsites where power quality can vary.
Key Features
- Identifies faulty park power and offers 4200 Joules of surge protection.
- Analyzes circuits to verify pedestal power.
- Indicator lights illuminate to show power status.
- Tests for and indicates open ground, open neutral, and correct polarity.
- Ideal for Pop-ups and Travel Trailers.
What's in the Box
- 1 x Southwire Surge Guard 44270 Portable Surge Protector
- User Manual
Setup Instructions
- Inspect the Power Pedestal: Before connecting, visually inspect the RV park's power pedestal for any obvious damage or hazards.
- Ensure Power is OFF: Turn off the circuit breaker(s) on the power pedestal before plugging in the Surge Guard.
- Connect the Surge Guard: Plug the Southwire Surge Guard 44270 directly into the 50 Amp receptacle on the power pedestal. Ensure a secure connection.
- Verify Power Status: Turn on the circuit breaker(s) on the power pedestal. Observe the indicator lights on the Surge Guard. All lights should be green, indicating correct wiring and voltage. If any red lights or incorrect patterns appear, refer to the "Operating Instructions" and "Troubleshooting" sections.
- Connect Your RV: Once the Surge Guard indicates safe power (all green lights), plug your RV's 50 Amp power cord into the Surge Guard's receptacle. Ensure the connection is tight and secure.
- Secure the Connection: Utilize the built-in safety features, such as the clear cover, to protect the connection from weather elements.
Image: The Southwire Surge Guard 44270 connected to an RV power pedestal, showing its compact design and indicator lights.
Operating Instructions
The Surge Guard 44270 continuously monitors the incoming power for various electrical faults and provides visual feedback through its indicator lights. Understanding these indicators is crucial for safe operation.
Indicator Lights:
| Indicator | Status | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Green "Power On" | Lit | Indicates the unit is receiving power. |
| Green "Correct Wiring" | Lit | Indicates correct wiring (no open ground, open neutral, or reversed polarity). |
| Red "Open Ground" | Lit | Indicates a missing or improperly connected ground wire. |
| Red "Open Neutral" | Lit | Indicates a missing or improperly connected neutral wire. |
| Red "Reverse Polarity" | Lit | Indicates hot and neutral wires are reversed. |
| Red "Low/High Voltage Alert" | Lit | Indicates voltage is outside safe operating range (e.g., below 104V or above 132V). |
| Red "Surge" | Flashing | Indicates a surge event has occurred and the unit has absorbed it. The unit may need replacement if surge protection is compromised. |
Always ensure all indicator lights are green before connecting your RV. If any fault is detected, disconnect immediately and address the issue or move to a different power source.
Video: Demonstrates the connection process of a Wi-Fi enabled surge protector, including pressing the reset button and observing LED indicators. This video is for a similar product, but the connection and indicator principles apply.
Maintenance
- Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect the Surge Guard for any signs of physical damage, wear, or corrosion, especially after prolonged exposure to harsh weather conditions.
- Cleanliness: Keep the unit clean and free from dirt, dust, and moisture. Use a dry cloth to wipe down the exterior. Do not immerse the unit in water.
- Connection Points: Ensure the electrical connections remain tight and free of debris. Applying dielectric grease to the prongs can help prevent corrosion and ease connection/disconnection.
- Storage: When not in use, store the Surge Guard in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No Power to RV | Faulty pedestal wiring, tripped breaker, or Surge Guard fault. | Check Surge Guard indicator lights for fault codes. Reset pedestal breaker. Try a different pedestal if faults persist. |
| Red Indicator Light(s) On | Indicates specific wiring fault (open ground, open neutral, reverse polarity) or voltage issue. | Do NOT connect RV. Disconnect Surge Guard, turn off pedestal breaker, and report issue to campground management. |
| Surge Light Flashing | Unit has absorbed a power surge. | The unit has performed its function. While it may continue to pass power, its surge protection capability might be reduced or depleted. Consider replacing the unit for full protection. |
| Unit Not Turning On | No power from pedestal or internal unit failure. | Ensure pedestal breaker is on. Test the pedestal with another device if possible. If no power, the unit may be faulty. |
Video: Official Southwire video demonstrating the Surge Guard 50 Amp unit, showing its connection and indicator lights for power status and fault detection.
Specifications
- Model: 44270
- Amperage: 50 Amps
- Voltage: 120 Volts / 250 Volts
- Surge Protection: 4200 Joules
- Dimensions: 22.1 x 3.8 x 3.5 inches
- Item Weight: 0.48 ounces
- Manufacturer: Technology Research (Brand: Southwire)
Warranty & Support
For specific warranty information and customer support, please refer to the documentation included with your Southwire Surge Guard 44270 or visit the official Southwire website. Keep your purchase receipt for warranty claims.
Important Safety Information
- Risk of Electrical Shock: Always ensure power is disconnected at the pedestal before plugging in or unplugging the Surge Guard.
- Outdoor Use: This product is designed for outdoor use. However, ensure connections are protected from direct heavy rain or standing water.
- Proper Grounding: Never use the Surge Guard with an ungrounded or improperly grounded power source.
- Product Modification: Do not attempt to modify or disassemble the Surge Guard. This will void the warranty and could create a safety hazard.
- California Proposition 65 Warning: Product may contain materials cautioned by California Proposition 65.
