Troubleshooting An E6 Error Code On A Hughes Autoformers Watchdog Surge Protector

Updated 09/11/2025 | Published 12/17/2022

Question:

can you tell me what error code E6 is ?

asked by: Gordon W

Expert Reply:

An E6 error code on the Portable Power Watchdog Surge Protector # HU87FR would indicate that the Line 2 and neutral have been wired in reverse. This means that the outlet you're plugging into has these two wires flip flopped and the Watchdog is kicking off to protect your camper.

The outlet will need to be fixed before you can plug back in and get power to your camper.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Dave

5/5/2024

Hi Kevin C, I have a 50amp power watchdog hardwired into my 5th wheel. When I plug it into my westing house 2550 generator for boondocking it puts up a E6 code. Does that mean the generator has a reversed 2nd line and nuetral? Or is it a floating ground that needs a Hughes ground plug, plugged into an outlet on the generator or is something else wrong? Thanks for your help! Dave

Kevin C.

5/6/2024

@Dave Unless you have a ground wire staked to the ground for the generator you'll need the Hughes Autoformers Ground Neutral Bonded Plug for Generators # HU33FR to clear up your E6 error code.

Helpful Links

tv-review-hughes-autoformers-ground-neutral-bonded-plug-for-generators-hu33fr.aspx

Tx- H.

1/17/2025

I only randomly get an E6 error... so scratching my head as to how the wires in the pedestal are only flip-flopped occasionally.

Kevin C.

1/20/2025

@Tx-H If you're randomly getting an E6 error code and you've confirmed the pedestal is wired correctly this could indicate an circuit board malfunction of your Watchdog. It could also be a sign of a weak ground though. Are there any common factors that lead to the error popping up? Is this happening at one place or multiple?

Matt H.

3/24/2025

@KevinC This just happened to us and 3 other campers. We had ALL been plugged in, several if us for more than 1 week with no issues. Something happened, everyone’s watchdogs tripped with E6 error, less than a minute later, everyones power was okay, a few minutes later everyone’s watchdog tripped and stayed tripped with E6 code. Situation has not been resolved as it is a Sunday evening.

Jameson C.

3/24/2025

@MattH If it happened to several people's Watchdog then that would be something to do with the power supply in the park. I know it's frustrating but it probably saved some electronics in your RV.

See All (7) Replies to Tx- H. ∨

Allen H.

9/11/2025

The campground 50amp service kicked off; Code E6 displayed on the one-year -old Watchdog Smart Surge Protector + EPO unit. I reset the breakers. Service came back on but soon failed again. Same code. The campground maintenance man tested the breakers . Had 120 volts on one side and 117 volts on the other side of the outlet. He replaced the breakers and they tested to 122 volts and 120 volts ( previously 117 volts). Also, he replaced the 30 amp breaker. The 50 amp service worked for about 9 hours and failed again. Power could not be restored by cycling the breaker on the pedestal. I switched to 30 amp service so we could have Air conditioning over night. However, it is failing (codeE6) but eventually recovers on its own, but fails again after a short period of time (code E6). The campground maintenance man thinks it could be the Watchdog “ going bad”. How do I know if the Watchdog is failing? Thank you!