Watchdog Power Center Surge Protector and Voltage Booster with Built in Hughes EMS
Updated 08/21/2026 | Published 08/11/2026
Question:
I have a class A motorhome 2020, 50 amp, that has a built in Hughes Watchdog EMS. I have had some issues at campgrounds that supply 30 amp with low voltage. I bought the 50 amp Watchdog Power Center. I have 2 questions. First, can I use them both together? Second, can I place the Power Center in the electrical compartment with the EMS too? My thought is to plug in to the pedestal with my 50 amp extension cord with 30 amp adapter if on 30 amp and then plug the cable from the built in EMS to the output of the Power Center. Would that work?
asked by: Rob L
Expert Reply:
Thanks for letting us help Rob. There's no issue with using your Hughes Watchdog Power Center Surge Protector and Voltage Booster # HU74ZR along with a built-in Hughes Watchdog EMS. Some of the protection features will be redundant, but the two systems can work together. The important thing is to install the # HU74ZR upstream (pedestal side) of the built-in EMS. This allows the Power Center to detect and correct low voltage before the built-in EMS sees it. If the Power Center were installed downstream, the EMS could disconnect power to the coach for a low-voltage condition before the # HU74ZR has a chance to boost the voltage.
As for storing the Power Center in your electrical compartment, that should be fine as long as there is adequate space and ventilation. I'd also keep the unit upright and make sure the vents remain unobstructed so it can properly dissipate heat. If you're concerned about heat buildup in the compartment, you can always place the unit outside the RV while it's in use.
Have you been anywhere fun in your motorhome recently?
Michael D.
8/19/2026
Regarding the Hughes Watchdog Power Center Surge Protector and Voltage Booster #HU74ZR: I haven’t had any issues with any of the RV parks I’ve stayed at since April of this year. As you know, Texas temperatures have been hitting triple digits in a lot of places, so I’ve been keeping the Power Center inside a plastic container with vent holes. That setup has worked fine overall — only once did I get an overheating warning on the app, which lines up with what others have mentioned about heat buildup . Eventually I plan to buy the kit to relocate the unit into my electrical bay. The manufacturer notes that storing it in a compartment is fine as long as it has enough space and ventilation and the vents stay unobstructed . I’ll probably have someone with more electrical experience help with the install to make sure everything is routed correctly.
Christopher H.
8/20/2026
Mark P.
8/21/2026
FWIW I did NOT install our 50 amp power center in the underside and have it hardwired to keep the ability to have it inline or not. Keep in mind that it does boost by 2 volts. When we run into campgrounds that have higher voltages (seen as much as 124 under low use periods) that I don't want that added voltage. Over voltage can cause damage just like under voltage. In order to keep the unit in the underside I use a short HIGH quality extension cord from etrailer. Keeps it safe and dry and away from prying eyes.
Christopher H.
8/21/2026
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Watchdog Power Center Surge Protector and Voltage Booster - Bluetooth and WiFi - 50 Amp
- RV Surge Protectors
- Surge Protector
- Voltage Booster
- 50 Amp
- Portable
- Automatic Shutoff
- Bluetooth Monitoring
- WiFi Monitoring
- Hughes Autoformers
more information >
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on RV Surge Protectors
Joe K.
8/19/2026
Hi Rob, just read your post question. Yes this will work. I have this Watch Dog and use it all the time at different camp grounds on 50 or 30 amp with adapters. Recently we were at a site were one leg of the 50 amp dropped below 108 volts. It shut the camper down then came back on with a boosted 122 volts. I’m impressed! That sold me on this unit. It was hot out and this thing kept my camper AC going. Be careful with overheating it. I did get a message on my phone that it was overheating. I did have the rain cover on it for protection on a very hot day. Now I leave the cover off unless radar shows rain. Also I do have a cable lock to secure it to the power post. I want to keep this unit. Good luck hope this helps. BYW install the app then you can see what this thing is doing for you. I highly recommend this Watch Dog.