Noisy Surge Guard 40250

  • 07/05/2017 8:40 PM
    Message # 4934803

    We are experiencing an annoying humming buzz sound coming from the Surge Guard Transfer Switch mounted under the drawers in the bedroom on our 2014 Fleetwood Southwind.

    During the day you don't notice it, but at night, and in the bedroom it is a very annoying sound.

    The manufacturer TRC has discontinued this model and have offered suggestions on cleaning any possible dust etc. from in-between the magnets, but it hasn't improved.

    Their tech also said the 60hz will have a low hum at any time, but personally, I think this is too loud.

    Has anyone else experienced this problem and how did you resolve the problem

    Thanks for any input.

  • 07/06/2017 10:07 AM
    Reply # 4935493 on 4934803
    Anonymous

    We have a '13 Bounder and have had the same problem sometimes.,  Usually when we get to a new campground and plug in.  Some times it will even start, hum for awhile then stop.  I was also told there will be a hum but sometimes it is not noticeable and other times it seems quite loud.  Most of the time it is fine.  I  wonder it the power source is not really clean power and the surge guard is reacting to that, but I don't know.  So this did not help you at all but you are not alone in this issue.  Sleep well.

  • 07/06/2017 10:26 AM
    Reply # 4935506 on 4934803
    Deleted user

        The transfer switch/surge protector (same as yours)  on my 2012 Southward has a hum as well.  Last summer shore power would cut out once or twice a night.  Starting the generator would restore shore power.  Checking the terminals of the the switch, I found three or four that were loose, barely finger tight. Tightening the fasteners alleviated the loss of shore power, but now that hum is back again.  I am just starting a trip so will check the terminals later today.  I have to talk to a couple of electrician friends but I doubt the very noticeable hum is normal.  I did not notice it when purchased 3 years ago.  Try tightening all your cables that come go to your switch. with all power off of course  

        A replacement switch runs around $550 on Amazon.  Expensive as the surge protector is built in.  There is a replacement for our discontinued model.  I think it is a #3 that replaces the 2 in the model number, if I recall right.  Please post again if you find a favorable result.

  • 07/06/2017 11:05 AM
    Reply # 4935729 on 4934803

    I am impressed with the FMA Forum.

    I just posted this topic last night and have already received 2 interesting replies ... Thank You.

     I look forward to any additional comments or updates on the topic of a Noisy Surge Guard Transfer Switch.

  • 07/07/2017 9:58 AM
    Reply # 4937166 on 4935729
    Anonymous
    Jim & Linda Brown wrote:

    I am impressed with the FMA Forum.

    I just posted this topic last night and have already received 2 interesting replies ... Thank You.

     I look forward to any additional comments or updates on the topic of a Noisy Surge Guard Transfer Switch.


  • 07/07/2017 10:02 AM
    Reply # 4937167 on 4934803
    Anonymous

    We also have the humming sound which varies in loudness over time.

    In our case it is coming from the main contactor. A replacement is almost as expensive as a new surge protector.

    I assume that replacing would void any warranty remaining. 

    Last modified: 07/07/2017 10:03 AM | Anonymous
  • 07/07/2017 2:46 PM
    Reply # 4937522 on 4934803

    Thanks for your comments Allan.

    I am in contact with Surge Guard and one of their Techs.

    I have supplied him with photos of the display panel when running on the Genny (no humming), and also when running on shore power from my house (basically 15 amp) and it hums loud enough to hear it 8' away. It also hums on 30 amp shore power in an RV Park, but have not been in a park with 50 amp yet.

    All screw connectors have been tightened and an electrical spray applied to the Blue Contactors.

    My next opportunity to run on 50 amp shore power in an RV park is not until late July and I will forward display photos to the Tech at that time.

    I will post any responses and look forward to hearing from anyone else with examples or remedies.

     Is it possible to simply cover / surround the transfer switch with a sound deadening insulation such as a special foam (not a spray foam)?

  • 07/09/2017 5:48 PM
    Reply # 4958328 on 4934803
    Deleted user

    You'll likely have the same level of electrical noise using 50 amp power.  I do.  Unless an electrician recommends it, I wouldn't add any material on top of the transfer switch or its case as any air surrounding it probably helps dissipate the heat it creates.  Hope you find a solution.

  • 07/19/2017 9:15 PM
    Reply # 4985514 on 4934803

    Update

    Today I went out and tested the temperature on the Surge Guard Transfer Switch when not plugged into shore power and it read 65 deg. F.

    I then tried to clean the switch contacts again.

    I plugged into 15 amp shore power (house) and tested the temp after 10 min. and it was still at 65 deg.

    Following the test I wrapped the switch box housing in sound dampening foam (Amazon) and also added sound dampening wall foam that I've used in my music studio.

    The result was a reduced volume level on the "hum" that hopefully is enough to allow us to sleep at night.

    I see two problems:

    1) Fleetwood should never have installed the Transfer Switch in a bedroom or anywhere in the living area if there is potential for Hum from a 60 hz switch.

    2) The Surge Guard 40250 Transfer Switch is a poor performing product, just discontinued and has not been backed by the manufacturer.

    I will probably end up replacing it, and it will not be with another TRS product.

    Any recommendations will be appreciated.

    Thanks to all that have provided input.


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