1. Introduction
The Southwire Surge Guard 35550 Hardwire Model is a 50 Amp electrical protection device designed for recreational vehicles (RVs). This unit continuously monitors shore power conditions and automatically disconnects power to your RV when it detects potentially damaging electrical issues. These issues include power surges, open ground, open neutral, low or excessive voltage, miswired pedestals, reverse polarity, and elevated neutral current conditions.
As a hardwire unit, the Surge Guard 35550 is permanently installed within the RV's electrical bay, offering enhanced security against theft and protection from environmental elements. An optional Remote LCD Display is available (sold separately) for convenient remote monitoring of your RV's electrical power status.
2. Key Features
- Automatic Reset: The unit automatically resets and restores power once safe electrical conditions are detected.
- Multi-Mode Surge Suppression: Provides comprehensive protection against various types of power surges.
- 128-Second Reset Delay: Incorporates a delay to protect sensitive appliances like air conditioning compressors during power restoration.
- 3850 Joules of Protection: Offers robust surge protection capacity.
- Easy Installation: Designed for straightforward hardwire installation into your RV's electrical system.
- Built-in Intelligence: Detects and protects against a wide range of power anomalies including open ground, open neutral, low/excessive voltage, miswired pedestals, reverse polarity, and elevated neutral current.
Figure 2.1: Diagram highlighting key features and connection points of the Surge Guard 35550.
3. Installation
Important: Installation of the Surge Guard 35550 requires knowledge of RV electrical systems. If you are not comfortable with electrical wiring, it is recommended to seek assistance from a qualified RV technician or electrician.
- Safety First: Ensure all power sources to the RV (shore power, generator, inverter) are disconnected before beginning installation.
- Mounting Location: Select a dry, protected location within the RV's electrical bay or compartment. The unit should be securely mounted using appropriate fasteners.
- Wiring Connections:
- Identify the incoming 50 Amp shore power line and the outgoing line to the RV's main electrical panel.
- Connect the incoming shore power wires to the "LINE" terminals on the Surge Guard unit. Ensure correct polarity (Line 1, Line 2, Neutral, Ground).
- Connect the outgoing wires leading to the RV's main electrical panel to the "LOAD" terminals on the Surge Guard unit, maintaining correct polarity.
- All connections must be tight and secure to prevent arcing or overheating.
- Remote Display (Optional): If using the optional remote LCD display, connect its cable to the "REMOTE PORT" on the Surge Guard unit.
- Verify Connections: Double-check all wiring connections for correctness and security before restoring power.
Figure 3.1: Surge Guard 35550 unit with labeled connection points and indicators.
4. Operation and Indicator Lights
The Surge Guard 35550 provides visual feedback through a series of indicator lights on its front panel. Understanding these indicators is crucial for monitoring your RV's power status.
| Indicator | Color/State | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| POWER ON | Green | Indicates the unit is receiving power and is operational. |
| CAUTION WHEN FLASHING | Orange (Flashing) | Indicates a detected fault condition. The unit has disconnected power to the RV. Refer to Line 1 and Line 2 indicators for specific fault. |
| LINE 1 | Green | Line 1 voltage is within acceptable limits and connected. |
| LINE 1 | Red | Fault detected on Line 1 (e.g., low/high voltage, open neutral/ground, reverse polarity). Power to RV is disconnected. |
| LINE 2 | Green | Line 2 voltage is within acceptable limits and connected. |
| LINE 2 | Red | Fault detected on Line 2 (e.g., low/high voltage, open neutral/ground, reverse polarity). Power to RV is disconnected. |
| SURGE | White (Lit) | Indicates that the surge protection components have been compromised due to a significant surge event. The unit may still provide other protections, but surge protection is no longer active. Replacement is recommended. |
When a fault is detected, the unit will disconnect power to the RV and the "CAUTION" light will flash. Once the fault condition is resolved and stable power is restored, the unit will automatically re-connect power after a 128-second delay to protect connected appliances.
5. Troubleshooting
If your Surge Guard 35550 is not functioning as expected, refer to the following troubleshooting steps:
- No Power to RV, All Lights Off:
- Check the shore power pedestal breaker. Ensure it is ON.
- Verify the shore power cord is securely plugged into the pedestal and the RV.
- Inspect the wiring connections to the Surge Guard unit for any loose or disconnected wires.
- "CAUTION" Light Flashing, No Power to RV:
- Observe the "LINE 1" and "LINE 2" indicators. A red light indicates a specific fault on that line.
- Common Faults:
- Low/High Voltage: The voltage from the shore power is outside safe operating limits. Try a different pedestal if available, or wait for utility power to stabilize.
- Open Ground/Neutral: Indicates a missing or faulty ground/neutral connection at the pedestal. Do not use this power source.
- Reverse Polarity: Hot and neutral wires are reversed at the pedestal. This is a dangerous condition; do not use this power source.
- Elevated Neutral Current: Indicates an imbalance or fault in the neutral circuit.
- Once the fault condition at the shore power source is corrected, the Surge Guard will automatically restore power after the 128-second delay.
- "SURGE" Light is Lit (White):
- This indicates that the internal surge protection components have absorbed a significant power surge and are no longer functional.
- While other protection features (voltage, ground, neutral) may still be active, the unit will no longer protect against future surges.
- It is highly recommended to replace the Surge Guard unit to ensure full protection.
- Unit Does Not Reset After Fault Clears:
- Ensure the fault condition is truly resolved. Sometimes, intermittent issues can cause repeated tripping.
- If the unit consistently fails to reset after a confirmed stable power source, contact Southwire customer support.
6. Specifications
Figure 6.1: Physical dimensions of the Surge Guard 35550.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Southwire |
| Model Number | 35550 |
| Current Rating | 50 Amps |
| Voltage | 120V/240V |
| Surge Protection | 3850 Joules |
| Mounting Type | Hardwire (Bolt-On Mount) |
| Number of Poles | 2 |
| Product Dimensions (L x W x D) | 12 x 6 x 4 inches (approximate) |
| Item Weight | 5.13 pounds |
7. Maintenance
The Surge Guard 35550 is designed for minimal maintenance. However, periodic checks are recommended:
- Visual Inspection: Annually inspect the unit and its wiring connections for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose terminals. Ensure the mounting is secure.
- Indicator Lights: Regularly observe the indicator lights during operation to ensure they are functioning correctly and to identify any fault conditions promptly.
- Surge Protection Status: If the "SURGE" light illuminates white, the surge protection components have been expended. While the unit may continue to provide other protections, it is recommended to replace the unit to maintain full surge protection capabilities.
8. Safety Information and Legal Disclaimer
WARNING:
- Always disconnect all power sources to the RV before attempting any installation, inspection, or maintenance on the Surge Guard unit.
- Installation should only be performed by individuals with appropriate electrical knowledge or a qualified technician. Improper installation can lead to electrical shock, fire, or damage to the RV's electrical system.
- Do not operate the unit if it shows signs of physical damage or if any wiring is exposed.
- This product is designed to protect against electrical anomalies but cannot prevent all possible electrical damage, especially from direct lightning strikes.
- Product may contain materials cautioned by California Proposition 65.
9. Support
For technical assistance, warranty information, or to purchase replacement parts, please refer to the official Southwire website or contact their customer support directly.
Additional resources, including PDF user guides and manuals, may be available on the manufacturer's website.
Note: This manual provides general instructions. Always refer to the latest documentation provided by the manufacturer for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
