Is this common? Surge protector flipping on connection

[Boondocker]

Background: during the rebuild of my Tradewind a couple years ago, I had the electrical system rebuilt including a surge protector (I should say I THINK that is what the device is) wired into the system. The entire system was designed by AM Solar. Until this summer, I rarely have had occasion to plug into shore power so I am not really all that familiar with that side of the house.
On two occasions in the last three weeks at two different campgrounds, I have had to reset the breaker on the surge protector that appears to have flipped immediately after plugging in to the pedestal. Is this normal and to be expected or should I be looking at the surge protector more closely?

[Bill M.]

Many surge protectors have a display that tells you why it tripped.

That does not sound normal or expected to me. But...I have had a couple of campground with low power over the years. Not often though.

My surge projector is a electrical management device with a red display that tells why it tripped and gives the volts and amps when it is working. I cannot imagine that AM Solar would install a system without some sort of read out. You just need to find it.

[richard5933]

What's the brand/model of the surge protector?

I'm suspecting that what you have is not a surge protector but rather some version of an EMS - designed to protect against more than just a surge like reversed polarity, high voltage, etc.

There are lots of things which could be triggering the unit to shut off power. For a system not used on shore power often I suspect that it's seeing an open ground, low voltage due to a loose connection, or something in the shore power cord/connection which it doesn't like.

Not at all uncommon for things to work loose in the 120v system over time. Have you checked all connections to make sure they are tight and clean? Have you tried another shore power cord?

[waninae39]

get the remote display for your surge box

it will tell you what occurred . often its mis-wired feed, missing ground, corroded connections etc.

[27ftToaster]

AM Solar is excellent at supporting their products and installs. Have you given them a call? They can usually pull up your configuration and help you over the phone. I purchased all my electrical upgrades through them and they have been fantastic about providing me with support to help me get it all dialed in correctly.

[Life is a Highway]

Always go back to what was last touched and who touched it . Loose wires? correctly routed wires? I would give the company a call they are good people.

[StanA]

Make sure the breaker at the pedestal is flipped to off before connecting your power cable. I flipped two breakers plugging in while the power was on before I knew better. Might not be your issue.