A Garmin SERV+ display can switch six circuits by itself. A SERV can't switch any (see SERV vs SERV+). When your RV has more lights, pumps, fans and motors than that, the switching moves into an EmpirBus module, and in our range that module is the EmpirBus Connect 50 v2. This guide covers what the Connect 50 does, how it connects to a SERV or SERV+, how many you can add, and the questions to settle before you order one.
Do I need a Connect 50?
| Your situation | What to use |
|---|---|
| Up to 6 circuits, under 30 A in total | A SERV+ on its own may be enough |
| More than 6 circuits, or more than the SERV+'s 30 A total | A Connect 50, with a SERV or SERV+ as the screen |
| A SERV (no built-in switching) and no switching module yet | A Connect 50, or another compatible switching system |
| Motors that run both ways (a table, window or hatch), or a full rocker-switch replacement | A Connect 50: Garmin's data sheet lists 2 channels with programmable polarity reversal |
| Loads spread around the coach | One or more Connect 50 modules, mounted near the loads |
Garmin's own SERV+ page puts it this way: the display has 5 inputs and 6 outputs, but combined with EmpirBus systems the number of inputs and outputs is "almost endless".
What the Connect 50 is
Garmin's RV OEM catalog calls the Connect 50 a 31-channel DC module, built from components designed for the automotive industry. Its data sheet lists, for the Connect 50 family:
- Outputs: 20 high-side channels, 1 to 10 A each, plus 4 low-side channels at 6 A. Outputs can run in parallel for more capacity.
- Output features: electronic over-current protection and undercurrent detection with a programmable fuse size, soft start and soft stop, dimming, real-time current readout per channel, and wiper control.
- Inputs: 11 channels, digital or analog. Analog inputs read 0 to 16 V on 12 V models, or 0 to 1,500 ohm resistance. Multiplexed inputs take up to four switches per channel.
- Power: 50 A maximum current, 9 to 16 V DC on 12 V models, main power on two M6 stainless bolts, reverse polarity protection.
- Network: the isolated Connect 50 models connect to NMEA 2000 through a Micro 5-pin M12 male connector and draw no power from the bus.
- Build: IP65 polycarbonate case, two 16-way Molex MX150L connectors, -4 to 131°F (-20 to 55°C) ambient.
- Size: 229 x 106 x 41 mm, about 9.0 x 4.2 x 1.6 in, and 0.4 kg (about 0.9 lb), per the manual.
About the v2 we sell
Our part is Garmin 010-02279-20, a 12 V v2 model. Garmin's catalog says Connect 50 models can have an optional CAN (RV-C) port, RS-485, LIN bus, Wi-Fi and an EnOcean receiver, depending on the model. The published data sheet and manual cover earlier part numbers, not the -20, and the manual lists its other 010-02279 models as non-isolated units without LED indicators or touch control. So before you plan every channel, check with us on the v2's channel split, its network connection (NMEA 2000 or CAN), and whether it has the on-unit buttons for fuse reset and manual override.
How it connects to a SERV or SERV+
Garmin's SERV install guide says a complete EmpirBus system needs one or more display products and one or more digital switching modules. The displays connect to each other over a wired network. The modules connect to the display over Garmin's CAN network.
- Backbone: if you don't have one, the NMEA 2000 starter kit supplies the backbone cable, power cable, T-connectors and terminators.
- Drop cable: for Connect 50 models on NMEA 2000, Garmin's manual says not to plug a T-connector straight into the module. Run a drop cable, such as the 4 m backbone/drop cable, between the backbone and the module.
- Display side: the display's CAN port connects through an adapter (Garmin's SERV install guide also shows a Mini-Fit route to an RV-C multi tap), such as the 4-pin CAN to NMEA 2000 adapter cable. On the display, the installer turns on the EmpirBus web display function in the installer settings, unless a separate EmpirBus WDU is already installed.
Keep the Garmin CAN backbone separate from any RV-C bus: Garmin's install guide warns against combining them. Our RV-C vs NMEA 2000 guide explains why.
How many can I add?
Garmin's Connect 50 manual sets the limits (confirm the v2 follows them):
- A maximum of 6 Connect 50 units on the same network.
- Each unit needs its own bus ID. The factory setting is bus ID 0, so a second unit must be changed. The manual shows how to set it from the unit's buttons, on models that have them.
- A Connect 50 in "master mode" handles up to 6 bus IDs.
With 20 outputs per unit on the family data sheet, that is a lot of headroom for an RV. Most of the planning effort goes into the circuit list, not the module count.
Installing it
- Mounting: on a flat vertical surface with four screws (not included), in the orientation Garmin shows.
- Power: positive on the left M6 bolt, negative on the right. Total maximum output is 50 A, so fuse the feed for the loads you put on it.
- Connectors: use the correct crimp and extractor tools, wire up to 2.5 mm², and plug unused pins to keep the IP65 rating.
- Loads: connect each load between its channel and negative. Don't use the Sensor GND pin as a negative.
- Two-way motors: connect between two channels with minus-output capability (half-bridge).
- Switches: a switch goes between negative and the input; up to four momentary switches can share one input with the multi-switch circuit. Garmin sells an EmpirBus multiswitch resistor accessory for this kind of wiring.
The module also needs configuring. The Connect 50 manual refers to Garmin's EmpirBus Studio PC software for settings. Garmin's SERV install guide strongly recommends an experienced installer with electrical knowledge for the display, and the same care applies here.
Day-to-day use
- Tripped channel (on models with LED indicators and touch buttons): shown by a steady red indicator. Reset it from the module's arrow and RESET/AUTO buttons. If the fault remains, it trips again.
- Bus failure (same models): channels can be switched on or off by hand from the module. A manually switched channel flashes red (off) or green (on).
- Control: everything else happens from the SERV or SERV+ screen, the Garmin RV Controls app, or "OK Garmin" voice commands, as your installer set it up.
Shop the parts
For the full list, see what you need to install a SERV or SERV+. Everything ships from our warehouse in Upland, California. Browse the full Garmin SERV range. Found it cheaper? We'll beat it.
FAQ
Does the Connect 50 draw power from the NMEA 2000 bus?
Garmin's data sheet says the galvanically isolated Connect 50 models draw zero load from NMEA 2000 bus power. Main power comes in on the M6 bolts. Ask us to confirm this for the v2 (010-02279-20).
Can I use a Connect 50 without a SERV?
Most systems pair it with a display. Garmin's catalog lists other EmpirBus controls, such as the WDU web display unit, which we don't stock.
Is it 12 V or 24 V?
The v2 we sell is a 12 V model. Garmin makes 24 V Connect 50 models separately.
How much can one output carry?
Up to 10 A per high-side channel on the family data sheet, and channels can run in parallel for more. The whole module is rated 50 A.