Splitting 50A power feed

[Jkwilson]

Trying to install a bypass method for my PWD. My plan is to use a manual transfer switch. Split the incoming power. Raw power to one side of the transfer switch. Protected power to the other. Allows for bypassing the PWD by choice. Should be integrated into the PWD, but that’s another topic.

Im looking for a simple, safe, functional and maybe even cheap way to split the power. 6AWG wires makes it a little harder.

Three-way multi taps in a junction box would do it, but that’ll be around $100. Seems there should be a cheaper way

[Scott'n'Wendy]

I'm guessing the terminals on the PWD don't allow for doubling up? There are numerous lugs out there that could do the job but not very elegant. Servits would be cheapest but ugly
How about thiese?
https://www.amazon.ca/Joinfworld-Dis...c1df98776&th=1

[Jkwilson]

I'm guessing the terminals on the PWD don't allow for doubling up? There are numerous lugs out there that could do the job but not very elegant. Servits would be cheapest but ugly
How about thiese?
https://www.amazon.ca/Joinfworld-Dis...c1df98776&th=1

Looked at things like that, but not much cheaper than multi-taps that are better insulated. No room for multiple wires on the devices.

Looked at these https://www.amazon.com/Insulated-Ele...8382764&hv pos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4825394554473979940&a mp;hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c& hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9016582&h vtargid=pla-2202950450146&psc=1&mcid=e3e2daa63499386b8 9335aee773829a4

These are fairly large, so it will take a larger junction box just to fit them, and I’ll need to secure them to avoid damage from movement.

I was hoping something existed like a small junction box with four bus bars, three isolated from the box. Kind of a small subpanel without breakers. If I’m dreaming, the transfer switch would mount in the box too.

[TucsonJim]

I guess I'm dense this morning - PWD?

Jim

[Jkwilson]

I guess I'm dense this morning - PWD?

Jim

Power Watch Dog. I had it in the original title, but my tablet hiccuped and I left it out the second time

[IDRVr]

Trying to install a bypass method for my PWD. My plan is to use a manual transfer switch. Split the incoming power. Raw power to one side of the transfer switch. Protected power to the other. Allows for bypassing the PWD by choice. Should be integrated into the PWD, but that’s another topic.

Im looking for a simple, safe, functional and maybe even cheap way to split the power. 6AWG wires makes it a little harder.

Three-way multi taps in a junction box would do it, but that’ll be around $100. Seems there should be a cheaper way

Just out of curiosity, why are you doing this? Are you concerned about the PWD preventing power flow to your RV in some circumstance?

[COReflection]

The simplest solution---upgrade to something like I have installed.....Progressive Industries Energy Management System and Surge Protector inline. Mine has a remote display that shows all types of power statistics as well as a bypass switch that allows a quick and easy bypass of the system. Love it. Super easy to use and monitor.

Amazon.com: Progressive Industries Hardwired RV Surge Protector, 50 Amp EMS with Remote Display and Fault Detection - EMS-HW50C : Automotive

[Jkwilson]

Just out of curiosity, why are you doing this? Are you concerned about the PWD preventing power flow to your RV in some circumstance?

I’d like to be able to run my converter if the shore power is too sketchy for expensive stuff or to operate if the EMS fails. Had a situation where voltage would drop briefly to 100-101 when other campers’ AC started.

[Jomani]

The simplest solution---upgrade to something like I have installed.....Progressive Industries Energy Management System and Surge Protector inline. Mine has a remote display that shows all types of power statistics as well as a bypass switch that allows a quick and easy bypass of the system. Love it. Super easy to use and monitor.

Amazon.com: Progressive Industries Hardwired RV Surge Protector, 50 Amp EMS with Remote Display and Fault Detection - EMS-HW50C : Automotive

I second that. That was one of the deciding factors when I purchased mine. I also like the fact that I can monitor both legs of the 50a circuit from inside the rig.

[IDRVr]

I’d like to be able to run my converter if the shore power is too sketchy for expensive stuff or to operate if the EMS fails. Had a situation where voltage would drop briefly to 100-101 when other campers’ AC started.

OK, makes sense. I have the hardwired power watchdog. If that were to fail for some reason - no power. I do have the inboard generator so I could use that in a pinch. It is wired downstream of the PWD.

[Jkwilson]

OK, makes sense. I have the hardwired power watchdog. If that were to fail for some reason - no power. I do have the inboard generator so I could use that in a pinch. It is wired downstream of the PWD.

Generator would cover you if allowed. I’m thinking I might be able to just carry an extension cord, which I often do anyway, and plug the converter into that to get by. Simpler.

[IDRVr]

Generator would cover you if allowed. I’m thinking I might be able to just carry an extension cord, which I often do anyway, and plug the converter into that to get by. Simpler.

The converter is well inside the capability of a #14 3 wire pigtail. You could sneak the #14 conductors into the #6 terminals on the input side of the PWD’s ground, neutral, and L1 or L2 inputs. Just secure the pigtail by the converter. You wouldn’t even need to break out the extension cord. You could even stick a 15 amp in-line fuse in the hotwire if you get creative.

[Jkwilson]

The converter is well inside the capability of a #14 3 wire pigtail. You could sneak the #14 conductors into the #6 terminals on the input side of the PWD’s ground, neutral, and L1 or L2 inputs. Just secure the pigtail by the converter. You wouldn’t even need to break out the extension cord. You could even stick a 15 amp in-line fuse in the hotwire if you get creative.

I’ve considered doing exactly that. Weather has turned bad here for the last few days so I’ve been working in the house rather than on the camper to see if it will work.