Where To Install A Hardwired Watchdog Surge Protector In A System With A Transfer Switch
Updated 10/30/2025 | Published 02/08/2025
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I have 2 Renogy 3000 watt inverters and was looking at adding a hard wired bulldog in front of the transfer switch. The inverter are wired in a junction box post transfer switch. My question is wiring the bulldog in front of transfer switch correct and is there any issue with inverter. How water proof is the hardwired unit. I need to install on the back side of a storage area.
asked by: Robert S
Expert Reply:
Hey Robert,
The Power Watchdog Surge Protector # HU82VR can be installed on the shore power lines before the transfer switch. Since it's before the transfer switch it would only be tied to the shore power and wouldn't be an issue with the inverters. The inverters would be separate from shore power due to the transfer switch so the Watchdog wouldn't be connected to the inverters.
These units are not waterproof like the portable units # HU62VR since they're intended to be installed inside. If you can't install this in a waterproof environment I would definitely go with the portable version instead to avoid any issues. The housing is IP65 rated and connection to your shore power cable is covered by the base of the housing.
Is the back side of the storage area within the trailer?
(click to enlarge)
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Power Watchdog Surge Protector with Bluetooth, WiFi, and Emergency Shut Down - Hardwired - 50 Amp
- RV Surge Protectors
- Surge Protector
- 50 Amp
- Hardwired
- Automatic Shutoff
- Bluetooth Monitoring
- WiFi Monitoring
- Hughes Autoformers
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Power Watchdog Surge Protector with Bluetooth, WiFi, and Emergency Shut Down - Hardwired - 50 Amp
- Search Results: rv surge protectors
- Search Results: rv camera system
- Q&A: Recommended In-Line Surge Protector to Monitor Generator Voltage Remotely
- Shop: Portable Power Watchdog Surge Protector with Bluetooth, WiFi, and Emergency Shut Down - 50 Amp
- Search Results: 50 amp rv surge protectors
- Video: Review of Hughes Autoformers RV Surge Protectors - 50 Amp Surge Protector - HU82VR
- Video: Inside Watchdog Surge Protectors: How They Keep Your RV Safe
- Q&A: Do You Carry SnapPad's that Permanently Stay on the Feet of My Jayco Seneca?
- Shop: Furrion Vision S+ Wireless RV Backup System w/ 1 Camera - 7" Screen
- Shop: Hughes Autoformers Adjustable Cable Lock - 36" Long - 3/8" Diameter - Steel
- Shop: Power Watchdog Surge Protector with Bluetooth, WiFi, and Emergency Shut Down - Hardwired - 30 Amp
- Shop: Portable Power Watchdog Surge Protector with Bluetooth and WiFi - 50 Amp
- Shop: Furrion Vision S Wireless RV Backup Camera System w/ Night Vision - Rear Mount - 5" Screen
- Q&A: Can 50 Amp Power Watchdog Surge Protector be Used with 30 Amp Power Source
- Q&A: Can Power Watchdog Surge Protector HU82VR Be Used with Generators
- Q&A: Is Power Watchdog Surge Protector # HU82VR Current Version
- Q&A: Availability of Gen II Power Watchdog Surge Protector PWD50EPOHW
- Video: Let’s Check Out the Master Lock Python Cable Lock
- Video: A Closer Look at the Hughes Adjustable Cable Lock
- Video: Hands-On with the Hughes Autoformers Adjustable Cable Lock
- Q&A: Input and Output Ends of the 50A Power Watchdog Surge Protector
- Shop: RV Mattress
- Search Results: rv air conditioners
- Search Results: short queen mattress
- Search Results: 50 amp power watchdog
- Article: The Best Trailer Tongue Locks for Preventing Trailer Theft
- Shop: RV Roof Membrane
- Search Results: watchdog 50 amp
- Video: Review of SnapPad RV Jack Pads - Universal Leveling Block and Jack Pad - SN84VR
Jameson C.
10/30/2025
Hey Robert, did you end up going with the hardwired Power Watchdog or the portable one for your setup? I'm curious how the location on the back side of the storage area worked out. Your update could make it easier for others wiring similar inverter systems.