Transfer Switches
A transfer switch stands between your two AC sources, shore power and the generator, connecting the rig to whichever one you choose and locking the other out so they can never backfeed into each other. This category covers automatic and manual switches in 30- and 50-amp from Progressive Dynamics, Parallax and AP Products, and Southwire's Surge Guard line, including units that add reverse-polarity protection, plus the communication cable for a remote display.
13 products
Southwire Surge Guard 50A Automatic Transfer Switch | RV Power Source Switching
Parallax ATS503 Automatic Transfer Switch | 120/240V, 50 Amp
Southwire Surge Guard Entry-Level Transfer Switch | 50A, Reverse Polarity Protection
Southwire 50A Reverse-Polarity Transfer Switch | Manual Shore Power/Generator Switch
Progressive Dynamics 5200 Series Automatic Transfer Switch | 240V, 50 Amp
Southwire 50A Transfer Switch | Reverse Polarity Protection for RV Shore Power
Southwire Surge Guard 50-Amp Automatic Transfer Switch | Permanent Install, Shore Power/Generator
AP Products Parallax 30A Generator Transfer Switch | 120V
Progressive Dynamics PD5110010Q Automatic Transfer Switch | 30-Amp Shore/Generator Switching
Southwire ATS Remote Display Panel | For Automatic Transfer Switch Models 40350 & 41390
Southwire Automatic Transfer Switch | 30A, 120V, Hardwire
Xantrex PROwatt SW Remote Auto Transfer Switch | 15A, Auto/Plug Mode
Southwire 50' Communication Cable for TRC Automatic Transfer Switch | Optional Display Connection
Choosing an RV transfer switch
The job here is safety and convenience: never let shore and generator power connect at the same time, and make the handoff clean. An automatic switch does it for you the instant a source goes live; a manual switch does the same thing but you throw the lever. Either way, get the amperage right first, because the switch has to match your service.
- Amperage and service. Match the switch to your rig: a 30-amp switch for 30-amp service, a 50-amp switch like the Parallax ATS503 or the Southwire Surge Guard 50-amp for 50-amp (120/240V) service. Undersizing it is a fire risk, since the switch carries your whole load.
- Automatic vs. manual. An automatic transfer switch (the Progressive Dynamics PD5110010Q or Southwire's automatic units) senses when shore or generator power comes on and switches with a built-in delay to let the generator stabilize. A manual switch is cheaper and simpler but you have to flip it every time.
- Reverse-polarity protection. Some Southwire switches add reverse-polarity detection, refusing to pass power from a miswired pedestal that would otherwise energize your chassis. Worth having if you plug into a lot of unfamiliar posts.
- Install type. These are permanent-install units wired into the rig between your sources and the panel, not plug-in adapters. Plan the location and the wire runs, and confirm the terminals fit your cable gauge.
- Remote display. Some Surge Guard units accept a communication cable to a remote panel so you can see source and status from inside, which helps on a permanent install buried in a bay.
A transfer switch handles source selection, not surge or low-voltage protection, so pair it with a surge protector or EMS for that, and protect the panel it feeds with the right fuses and breakers. If you're also inverting off the battery, note that some inverter-chargers have a transfer switch built in.