Watchdog Surge Protector Compatibility With Generator Use

Updated 07/17/2026 | Published 06/24/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Hughes Autoformers Ground Neutral Bonded Plug for Generators

(127)

$15.99

Question:

Dues it work with generator?

asked by: Paul S

Expert Reply:

The Hardwired Power Watchdog Surge Protector with Bluetooth and Emergency Shut Down - 50 Amp Item # HU27FR is compatible with generator use. One thing you will have to note is that some generators have a ‘floating neutral’. This might cause the Power Watchdog EPO surge protectors or any other EMS surge protector to give you an ‘open ground’ or ‘open neutral’ error code and prevent power from going into your RV. If this is the case with your generator you can resolve this by plugging the Hughes Autoformers Ground Neutral Bonded Plug for Generators Item # HU33FR into an open outlet on your generator.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Jeremy

6/5/2024

Is there a thirty amp version of this?

Kevin C.

6/5/2024

@Jeremy if you're looking for a 30 amp hardwired surge protector for your RV then you'll need part # HU77FR. If you're looking for a 30 amp plug style ground neutral bonded plug for generators then there unfortunately is not one.

George A.

6/9/2024

I have a WatchDog 30amp Autoformer portable surge protector. I purchased a grounding plug to get past the open ground error when plugged into a generator. We purchased a new Onan 4500 watt inverter generator. The surge protector is also new. It will Not power the air conditioner, no other appliances are running. Is there a compatability issue with the WatchDog? It reads 124 volts, drops to 84 volts when compressor tries to start, WatchDog shuts down the power.. Thanks

Kevin C.

6/10/2024

@GeorgeA If the watchdog is shutting the power down you should see some sort of error code? Are you running the generator for a couple of minutes for the power to stabilize and then turning on the AC?

George A.

6/10/2024

@KevinC . Yes it's running for about 5 to 10 mins. Error code is low voltage... I tried to screen print from WatchDog app. But, was unable too. I started the process by running the fan for a minute or 2 and then setting it to ac. Also tried without running fan first. Fan comes on...then ac compressor tries to come on...then surge protector shuts down with low voltage message with both start up scenarios. Thanks

Kevin C.

6/17/2024

@GeorgeA If the Watchdog is giving you a low voltage error then there could be an issue with either the Watchdog or the generator just isn't producing enough power to support the load. I would watch the voltage as you place a load on the generator and see how far down it dips. I would also check your settings on the Watchdog to see where you have the low voltage cutoff at. You could potentially have the shut off set too high up.

Dave R.

8/11/2025

If I use this bonded plug in 1 outlet will all the other outlets be grounded too?

Robin H.

8/12/2025

@DaveR that is correct, yes.

Scott

7/17/2026

Have a predator generator 11500 has newtrail bonded ground to fram of generator and stud terminal with nut. Have a watch dog with Bluetooth and ems. Wired in before entering the fuse and breaker box and inverter. 50 amp rv. By using this plug work for my rv. I know i Need a ground rod for home use.

Claire H.

7/17/2026

@Scott Some generators have a 'floating neutral' and this can cause the Watchdog or other EMS surge protectors to give you an 'open ground' or 'open neutral' error code and prevent power from going to the RV. If that's the case, you can use the Hughes Autoformers Ground Neutral Bonded Plug for Generators part # HU33FR to resolve this issue by plugging it into your generator.