Melted plugs are NOT indicative of a power surge. Melted RV power plugs are a common problem, often caused by a combination of factors like corrosion, loose connections, and overloading the electrical system. To prevent melted plugs, regularly inspect and clean your power cord connections, ensure a tight fit, and avoid overloading the circuit. ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS ARE A REGULAR MAINTENANCE POINT (like changing the oil in your car’s engine). ELECTRICAL CURRENT FLOWING ACROSS ANY FOULING ON THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION WILL CAUSE HEAT THAT EVENTUALLY LEADS TO A MELT. If you are in between trips, or are in one spot for an extended period, it is important to turn everything off inside the RV, cut the power via the power box breaker, and unplug the RV from the Power WatchDog. The connection points/prongs should be clean and shiny brass. If there are dark rust spots, you will have to wipe or sand them off. If there are orange/red or green spots, replace the male plug as soon as possible. Those colors of rust reflect oxidation that has grown beneath the surface of the metal.

WHEN A GFCI BREAKER AND A SURGE PROTECTOR ARE BOTH DOING THEIR JOBS, THE GFCI IS GOING TO INTERRUPT THE POWER. ALL SURGE PROTECTORS LEAK ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO GROUND. THE GFCI BREAKER REACTS ACCORDINGLY AS DESIGNED. THE ONLY WAY AROUND THIS IS USING ANOTHER CIRCUIT THAT IS NOT TIED INTO A GFCI. CAMPGROUNDS SHOULD NOT HAVE A GFCI TIED INTO A 50-AMP OR 30-AMP CIRCUIT. THIS SHOULD ONLY OCCUR WHEN USERS HAVE THEIR RV STORED AT HOME AND THEY USE A GARAGE OUTLET THAT IS OFTEN (PER CODE) TIED INTO GFCI.

This is a common issue typically after app or operating system updates. If you run into this scenario, check your phone’s app permissions settings. Your Bluetooth may be enabled, but your phone isn’t allowing the app to use it. For either Apple or Android devices: 

Phone settings -> apps -> Power WatchDog app -> Allow Power Watchdog app to access: Make sure Bluetooth (and everything else) is enabled. For Android, make sure it states ‘NO PERMISSIONS DENIED.’

No. The ONLY time the surge module needs to be replaced is when the WatchDog logo turns red, and an E9 code is displayed in the LCD window below also in red. The Power WatchDog does not cut power in an E9 state, as surges come and go in thousandths of a second. E9 is the ONLY code that does not cut power. 

If the WatchDog has cut power to your RV, reference the app or the LCD window on the front of the unit to see what the fault code is. The WatchDog has found an unsafe situation with the power. Depending on the code, the WatchDog will automatically restore power after the situation goes away and remains consistent for 90 seconds. Codes that require manual reset E3/E4, E8.

YES! The Power WatchDog has a (LIMITED) Lifetime Warranty. ‘Limited’ refers to the original purchaser of the product. Warranties DO NOT transfer from owner to new owner. It is very advisable to retain the invoice or proof of purchase simply by taking a picture or a screenshot of it, and keeping it on a cloud service so you’ll always have access to it. Our new warranty system accepts photos of the proof of purchase in the registration process that we will retain with your customer account. 

WE HAVE BECOME AWARE OF SOME DEALERS OFFERING ‘EXTENDED WARRANTY’ ON OUR PRODUCTS. WARRANTIES ONLY GO THROUGH HUGHES AUTOFORMERS/POWER WATCHDOG AND ARE FREE. DEALERS DO HAVE THE OPTION TO SWAP UNITS OUT ON OUR BEHALF, BUT TO INQUIRE WITH HUGHES/POWER WATCHDOG FIRST TO DETERMINE THE NATURE OF THE WARRANTY.

The WARRANTY registration on the website is a different system than the Gen 2 app account. To register an account on the Gen 2 app, tap on ‘REGISTER’ below the login and follow the steps. Enter your email address, and then wait for a security code to be sent to your email to verify your email is correct, and that you are a real human. Once the code is received (5-6 numerical digits) then enter into the bar that says ‘CODE’ - then choose a password, then type the password in again below to verify it. (You can tap on the symbols to the right that look like an eyeball with a slash through it to un-hide  your password entry).

YES! A ‘GROUND NEUTRAL BOND PLUG’ will be required for use with a generator. They are a simple, primitive device that plugs into one of the 110-style aux outlets on the generator (they are all linked, so bonding one bonds them all). We do produce them and can be found on our website [link] 

WHY? In the event of a fault (like a short circuit), a neutral-ground bond provides a path for fault current to flow back to the generator's breaker, allowing it to trip and prevent electrical shock. ALL AC power sources have a ground-neutral bond at service panels, or distribution transformers. Since the source of power is now your generator, this bond needs to be put in place. Just plug and play! The Power WatchDog will no longer fault E7/E8.

This means that the wrong app is being used, and just a fancy way of stating such.

There are 3 Power WatchDog apps:

Early basic models (PWD30-30 amp PWD50-50 amp) utilize the ‘Power WatchDog’ app color coded in red and white logo. 

Early EPO models portable/hardwired (PWD30EPO PWD50EPO / PWD30-EPOH PWD50-EPOH) utilize the ‘Power WatchDog EPO’ app color coded in black and red logo.

GEN II MODELS (PWD30W PWD50W PWD30EPOW PWD50EPOW [AND HARDWIRED MODELS] ALL UTILIZE THE POWER WATCHDOG GEN2 (WIFI) APP 

COLOR CODED IN BLUE ON WHITE LOGO

YES. What you are hearing is the contactor unit inside ‘kicking on’ because the WatchDog performed its power check and determined that the power is safe to use, and is sending the power back to the RV. Additionally, the WatchDog logo on the face will light up a white color, indicating ‘ALL GOOD.’ You will also hear a ‘thunk’ when disconnecting the WatchDog from power as it automatically interrupts the connection like a circuit breaker when power is disconnected, ensuring that when you plug it in again or connect it to power, it won’t allow power to your RV without checking first.

The current GEN 2/WiFi units are only compatible with a 2.4 GHz SSID (WiFi band). ALL WiFi routers out there are 2.4 GHz standard, but some may not be set up to broadcast a 2.4 band (SSID). One would need to be created if using your own WiFi setup.

Many routers broadcast both a 5 Ghz and a 2.4 Ghz band simultaneously, you just want to make sure you have your phone connected to the 2.4 Ghz SSID while connecting your WatchDog to it.

NO. As a rule, surge protectors do NOT work with a DC (direct current) power source. Doing so may create an unsafe situation. Many of these DC source generators have monitoring hardware built-in, and a Power WatchDog or any surge protector/EMS is not needed. Surges come from a shared/utility AC (alternating current) power source.

This is a known defect affecting certain serial numbers in the PWD50EPO(H) models. 

NOT TO WORRY, the defect is covered under warranty, and the nature of the defect is 100% cosmetic. A faulty capacitor on the LED display circuit board is the culprit, and when that capacitor goes bad, power flows to the little red LED and never stops. Give us a call (888) 540-1504 or email warranty@autoformers.com and have a couple pictures ready (front and back of the unit). Continue to use the Power WatchDog like normal as the unit is still doing its job. ‘If the face is lit up white, then all is good!’ then ignore the red LED for the time being, or until your new warranty replacement unit arrives.

IN FRONT OF THE TRANSFER SWITCH. The Power WatchDog is designed to protect the RV ‘as a whole’ and must be installed in the line before the transfer switch. It should be the FIRST device the power runs through from the shore source and from the shore power cord. This is not only important for the operation of the Power WatchDog unit, but for electrical safety.

NO. The Power WatchDog is designed and certified for use ONLY with a Recreational Vehicle on land (RV). The codes and characteristics between RV and Marine electrical greatly differ from one another. ‘Marine shore power codes, primarily found within the National Electrical Code (NEC) (NFPA 70), ensure safe and reliable power transfer from shore to boats at marinas and docking facilities. Key aspects include receptacle standards, grounding and bonding requirements, and the use of ground fault protection to prevent electrical hazards.’ PLEASE DO NOT USE A POWER WATCHDOG SURGE PROTECTOR FOR YOUR BOAT. A Marine application model is currently under design with no anticipated release date yet.

The ONLY indications of needing a new surge module (varying on unit model) is either the Power WatchDog logo lights turn red, displaying an E9 (GEN 1 EPO or ALL GEN 2 models), or for GEN 1 base models (PWD30 / PWD50) is when either of the 1 or 2 lights BELOW the main 3 go out. Always check the status of the lower 1 (PWD30 A) or 2 (PWD50 A) LED lights. If on and green, all is good.

When codes are present, the Power WatchDog’s indication lights that make up the logo picture will turn red, and the ‘E’ code shows up in red in the LCD display. If you are seeing ‘8.8’ but it appears to be white in color, it is just the LCD diodes reflecting bright sunlight. Shade the LCD screen with your hand to verify the numbers are not illuminated. If the logo lights don't appear to be illuminated and are looking at the unit that is facing direct sunlight, shade the front of the unit from the sunlight to verify it is illuminated. (Bright sun makes bright lights dim, and dim lights bright). 

The line of Power WatchDog surge protectors do not include a remote display screen. They are designed to be used with our phone applications to view the live monitor.

YES. Adapting down to 30 A with a standard ‘dog bone’ adapter will take the single phase hot wire (L1) and split into two so that you will have power on both sides of your 50A wired RV.

It is important to note that the Power WatchDog is NOT going to convert 30 amps into 50 amps (that is impossible without dropping the voltage 60% via ‘Ohms law.’ 

It is also important to note that a 50-amp Power WatchDog is only looking for 50 amps maximum draw. When plugged into 30 amp service, use the Power WatchDog monitor on your phone to ensure that you do not exceed 30 amps to avoid the breaker at the pedestal to trip.

***IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO MATCH YOUR POWER PROTECTION PRODUCTS TO YOUR RV. IF YOU HAVE A 50 AMP RATED RV, YOU DEFINITELY WANT 50 AMP RATED SURGE PROTECTION/VOLTAGE BOOSTING/INVERTERS ETC. ***

YES. The Bluetooth and WiFi radios inside the unit are ‘active’ components and they need a power source to communicate.

FIRST: IS THE LOGO (DOG FACE) ILLUMINATED WHITE ON THE FRONT OF THE UNIT?

YES: Give us a call 888-540-1504 - It is a known defect affecting serial numbers starting with YW2001 up to YW2321, but the defect is 100% cosmetic, and the unit is still working and doing its job with ignoring the red LED for the time being. 

NO, the Power WatchDog is dark except for the red LED: The unit has detected there is no connection to the neutral wire to the park. There is either an issue right at the pedestal, or the park’s electrical distribution either under the ground or at the transformer. (NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH RED DOG AND E8 IN THE CODE WINDOW, WHICH INDICATES A NEUTRAL PROBLEM AFTER THE WATCHDOG/INSIDE THE RV)

The basic Power WatchDog unit that utilizes the ‘red and white logo’ has the ability to set limits for notifications regarding the state of your power. In often cases, if the voltage and amperage draw look fine, it is the overlooked Kilowatt Hours meter. You can either set the limits to 999 or ‘reset energy’ to bring them back to 0. It is an option for the user if they are staying at a site that meters electricity usage.

Is the unit brand new? YES. This means someone has used it previously from wherever you bought it from. If from an online retailer like amazon.com it means the unit was bought then returned. Notify amazon immediately, then give us a call 888-540-1504 with a screenshot of the invoice ready. Proof of purchase is required to verify the unit is actually yours. If the unit was bought in a store, notify the store immediately and in either case, inquire about a swap. The unit isn’t actually new. We can unbind the unit while over the phone if you wish to continue using it. 

The unit is NOT brand new:Make sure you are using the SAME email address that you used when you initially registered and bound the unit when you set it up the first time. If you do not remember the email/password, you can tap on ‘forgot password’ or give us a call 888-540-1504 and we can reset the account. Proof of purchase is required.

FIRST: Check your ‘spam’ or ‘junk’ folder. The server emails out many emails each day and a lot of popular email service providers automatically flag that as spam.

IT IS NOT IN MY SPAM FOLDER - You will need to give it time. If you are using a company email, or a higher security email service provider, there may be a delay in receiving your security code. Typically, with Gmail, yahoo, AOL etc the codes arrive almost instantaneously. Other than the security code on initial pairing/app registration, it will not email again.

No worries! That timer is there to slow down the generation of security codes and another cant be sent in that 60-second time frame.

IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE CODE IS NO LONGER VALID. (UNLESS ANOTHER CODE WAS GENERATED, THEN THE LAST CODE THAT WAS GENERATED IS THE CORRECT CODE. IT IS IMPORTANT TO WAIT UNTIL THE INITIAL CODE ARRIVES).

YES. Depending on the model of the Power WatchDog you have and the associated app, there are auto-search features on the app. For Gen 1 PWD30/50 EPOH units utilizing the Power WatchDog EPO app, tap on ‘help’ -> can’t connect to my device -> auto-search - the BLE input ID will pop up starting with ‘APMD########’ then tap on that number when it comes up. 

For Gen 2 PWD30/50 EPOHW utilizing the Gen 2 or WiFi app, you can use the QR code in the manual literature, and/or tap on auto-search underneath the ‘scan QR code’ option. A number should appear starting with ‘WD_##_##########’ - then tap on it and follow the remaining steps.

THIS WILL VOID THE WARRANTY. We have a hardwire installation kit that can be installed inside the coach that can utilize internal space to bring your portable power protection devices inside.

Yes. Please use the original purchase information from when the original unit was purchased. The only thing that needs to be updated is the serial number.

Unfortunately, we get this call too often. This means that the electrician wired up a 30-amp 240 volt utility/dryer outlet. Please use a multimeter set to ‘AC voltage’ and stick the black probe into the round hole in the outlet (ground), and the red in the left-hand slot (if the round ground is oriented on the top). You should see 120 volts (or close to it) as your normal house voltage from the utility. 30-amp service for an RV has the same wiring diagram as your house wall outlets (1 hot, 1 common, and a ground [black, white, and green color wiring]) A utility/dryer outlet has 2 hot wires and a ground. Connecting any 120 volt electronics into 240 volts is INSTANT DAMAGE, AND A FIRE HAZARD TO YOUR RV AND YOUR POWER WATCHDOG. *Anyone can double check an electrician’s work to make sure it is wired for RV’s, and not for a dryer.

… BUT SHOULDN’T A SURGE PROTECTOR BLOCK THIS? NO, BECAUSE IT IS NOT A SURGE. A SURGE COMES AND GOES WITHIN MILLISECONDS. IT IS MOST OFTEN A SINGLE WAVE THAT MOVES ABOUT 1/100TH THE SPEED OF LIGHT, WHICH A SURGE PROTECTOR CAN ABSORB - VS. - A CONSTANT HIGH VOLTAGE SOURCE.