505-00003F
INSTALLATION & OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
The Surge Guard* voltage regulator (VRSG) is intended for use with recre-
ational vehicles to provide a regulated and reliable source of power. The VRSG
continuously monitors line voltage conditions and uses a unique implementation
of a special transformer to increase the incoming voltage to an acceptable level
when low incoming line conditions exist. In the boost mode, the VRSG raises the
output voltage by 10% over the incoming line voltage. In the bypass mode, the
unit becomes a bypass element and simply passes the input voltage directly to
the output. In the bypass mode, the unit exhibits minimal insertion loss.
The VRSG is not a protective device and the connected RV will not be
protected from damage should an open neutral develop during the course
of operation. The fault indicator panel is for indication only. Note: The
VRSG is not a surge protector. To achieve the ultimate combination of
line voltage and surge protection, use with Surge Guard models 44750 or
34830, which must be plugged in after (downstream) the VRSG. In addition,
to provide surge protection for the VRSG, use Surge Guard model 44260
which must be plugged in before (upstream) the VRSG.
The unit includes a clearly marked Status and Fault indicator panel with LED’s
to show line conditions as well as indicate the voltage status of each output line.
The VRSG is designed to be fault tolerant so that it cannot be damaged by an
open neutral that results in high voltage on one of the incoming lines.
The VRSG is housed in a metal case that meets the requirements of a rain-tight
enclosure for operating in an outside environment. The unit has mounting feet so
that it does not sit in standing water. An optional low profile mounting plate can
be used to mount the VRSG in any orientation inside the RV.
It is mandatory that this device be connected and used in accordance with the
requirements of the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70. For safety purposes,
the enclosure is internally connected to the electrical system ground through the
safety ground wire in the power cord. This assumes that an adequate ground to
the metal chassis of the RV exists. The unit is intended primarily for outdoor use;
however, if it is mounted in the RV, it should be located in a well-ventilated area
where it is not near flammable objects and should be mounted in the RV by a
qualified installer trained in the safety requirements essential to mounting.
When operating in an outdoor environment, the unit should be placed next to the
power pedestal in the horizontal, upright position only, resting on the feet, and
on a relatively flat surface. This mounting orientation is necessary to prevent the
unit from standing in water or from rain intrusion.
Do not plug the RV into the VRSG until line conditions have been thoroughly
checked. This can be done by using the following procedure:
1. Assure that the breaker at the power pedestal is in the OFF position before
plugging in the VRSG and ensure that the RV is not plugged into the
VRSG.
2. After plugging in the VRSG, turn ON the breaker and observe the Status
and Fault indicator panel for signs of defective line power. There is an ap-
proximate 10 second initialization period before the indicator readings are
valid. Should defective line conditions be indicated, the RV park manage-
ment should be contacted to correct the problem before connecting the RV.
3. If no fault indication is present, turn OFF the breaker in preparation for
connecting the RV.
4. Plug the RV into the VRSG. Turn on the breaker to the ON position. At this
point, there should only be a few light loads on in the RV to prevent a large
inrush current to the breaker which could cause nuisance tripping.
5. Again, observe the Status and Fault indicator panel for indications of a
problem. If an over voltage or under voltage condition is shown, immedi-
ately turn off the breaker and notify the RV park management of a problem.
6. Note: Poor connections in the power pedestal may not be indicated under
light loads. For this reason, it is recommended that the RV be momentarily
brought close to full load conditions while the Status and Fault indicator
panel is being monitored for signs of a problem.
7. If no fault indications are present, the user can be confident that conditions
are adequate for reliable power from the RV park or other locations.
CAUTION
Power conditions may be acceptable during initial plug in; however, ongo-
ing line conditions may change during prolonged operation, therefore, it is
recommended that a Southwire Surge Guard RV power protection device
be installed in conjunction with the VRSG to provide surge protection as
well as regulated power.
WARNING
Always assure that power is OFF before connecting or disconnecting the
VRSG by turning OFF the pedestal circuit breaker. Never plug or unplug
devices to the output of the VRSG without removing power from the VRSG
by turning the breaker to the OFF position. Failure to follow this procedure
could result in severe shock causing injury or death. This circumstance
is worse in wet weather conditions. Never plug or unplug the VRSG in wet
weather with the park pedestal circuit breaker in the ON position.
The VRSG has two basic modes of operation.
If the park voltage should fall below 110V, the unit will go into the boost mode
and raise the output voltage by 10% over the input voltage. Boost mode is indi-
cated by a red illumination of the bi-colored status LEDs. The VRSG will remain
in the boost mode unless the incoming line voltage drops below 90V. In this
case, the unit returns to the bypass mode and indicates a low voltage condition
on the Status and Fault indicator panel. The VRSG cannot regulate below 90V.
If the incoming line voltage is above 110V, or below 90V, the unit will be in by-
pass mode and only passes the input voltage through to the output without any
intervention. Bypass mode is indicated by a green illumination of the bi-colored
status LEDs.
Switching modes is accomplished without the use of large contactors to assure a
reliable, seamless transition between the bypass and boost modes of operation.
Each line voltage control circuit operates independently so that an increase
only occurs on the required line. The VRSG is protected from damage due to
drastically unbalanced line conditions that can be caused by an open neutral
connection.
As mentioned previously, the Status and Fault indicator panel LEDs are provided
to show the operating status of the unit. The panel is divided into two sections;
one section indicates if the unit is in boost mode, and the other section indicates
fault conditions associated with the incoming line. The fault section of the Status
and Fault indicator panel continuously monitors incoming line voltage conditions
and can separately indicate either over voltage or under voltage
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
CONNECTION
OPERATION
LOW VOLTAGE (Boost) MODE
BYPASS MODE
Voltage Regulator
Model 10176 • Rated 120V, 30A
For use on single phase, 2-wire services
