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CLOC-AdminShould I be using a surge protector?
What surge protector are others using?Posted: 9:36 PM – Dec 27, 2013Never hurts to have one. The question really is do you want a hardwired one or portable one.
I use a portable one all of the time. I have run into low power as well as reversed polarity.
Not much you can do about either one if you run in to those situation other than let the campground peeps know, move sites or camp grounds.
On the low power my protector would not allow power to my trailer. I tested the power myself and had to run without the surge protector. The power was about 108 amps ,some times higher some times lower. I did not stress the electrical of the trailer I used propane for fridge and water heater. But atleast I knew it was low and was carful with power. The reverse polarity I just plugged into a differnt pedestal. Thats the nice thing about surge protectors. It lets you no when there is an issue and you have a chance to act before you hurt some thing.Kevin
Posted: 11:12 PM – Dec 27, 2013We use a Surge Guard RV Voltage Regulator, it continuously monitor line voltage conditions and use a special transformer to increase the incoming voltage to an acceptable level when incoming line voltage is low enough to cause damage. It will switches between two modes of operation: Boost Mode-raises output voltage by 10% if incoming line voltage is between 95 Volts to 110 Volts. Bypass Mode-passes input voltage directly to the output when incoming line voltage is above 110 Volts or below 95 Volts. It has a LED Status/Fault Indicator Panel shows line conditions and voltage status. We find many campground with low voltage and in rare occurrences high.Posted: 9:18 AM – Dec 28, 2013http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_ … Caps%2C271Bunch to chose from. The EMS version, protects against alot of other issues as well. We have an inline EMS-50 with the wired remote. Its an easy install.
On a previous rig we used the portable 30 amp EMS with very happy results.Posted: 10:05 AM – Dec 28, 2013We went Escapade Seminars (Escapees RV club) and heard all the scary stories on campground electricity and purchased EMS-PT50C. As Kevin mention we have run into low power, reversed polarity, AC Frequency Protection, open ground. When you report these issue to host or owner of campground you normally get the deer in headlight looks. Also as Kevin mention we have requested to move different site. We also purchased AC Voltage Meter stays plug inside RV to keep eye voltagePosted: 10:24 AM – Dec 28, 2013I have the portable 50 amp from CW.Lillyputz
Posted: 10:28 AM – Dec 28, 2013We use both the Surge Guard 30 amp and the 50 amp models which we got from Camping World, but are avail from Amazon as well. Nice feature is the digital display on the units lets you read what the unit is doing. Also built in is a automatic delay where the device allows upon a trip the RV a/c units to fully cycle off before allowing elec to enter the RV again. A safety feature to prevent damage to the compressors. Surge Guard also sells a locking hasp (plastic) which more or less secures the surge guard against theft. The down side is that both units are a bit pricey, but you pay for what you get … Peace of mind!Dan
Posted: 6:10 PM – Dec 28, 2013We have a Progressive Sure/EMS hard wired into our 5er. I believe it has saved electrical problems several times. I would not be without it.Posted: 8:49 PM – Dec 28, 2013I think it would be a good idea to get one. My rig has 50 amp plug, what happens if I put in a hardwired model for 50 amp but am only plugged into 30 amps? I quite often find only 30 amps at some parks. I also plug into 20 amps when parked at home to keep batteries up.Posted: 1:17 AM – Dec 29, 2013My observation with our Progressive HW 50 amp unit, is that when plugged into 30 amps or less, it does readings on only 1 leg, while the 50 amp model displays on both legs, if both these legs are energized.Rick
Posted: 8:26 AM – Dec 29, 2013It would not matter what Amperage you are plugged in to. It is designed to protect over and under voltage as well as surges. To install it you will need 6 gauge cable. I purchased mine Lowes. Be sure it has the proper number of wires. It is very difficult to work with when it is cold. I did not cut any wires from the box. I just took the inlet wires and attached them to the EMS and then took the purchased cable attached it to the out side of the out side and attached them to where I removed the original wires from the fuse box. I moved the fuse box upward and mounted the EMS just below it. I have a 2012 so when I open the cabinet I have full view of the EMS and the status display. Mounting in this fashion allows you to remove it if you want to another RV later. You just have to reattach the original wires you took from the box. It is also secure, not like an outside unit that can “walk”.Posted: 7:25 PM – Jan 31, 2014Another vote for Surge Guard. Had the 30A portable with our last trailer, 50A hardwired on current one. Rick (rwb_wl) is correct, the 50A model protects both legs (one leg=20A, 30A; both legs=50A).
Inductive loads (like A/C) will draw higher current as the voltage drops; high current can burn wires, fry A/C units. Any park with less than 105V, we move on. We got guff about “unplug your surge thing” from one park (Thousand Trails, they wanted us to stay for their sales pitch). I told them we’d be glad to stay if they’d be liable for air conditioner damages and put that in writing. We were on our way in minutes.
Make sure to orient the unit properly! Don’t know about other brands, but Surge Guard (portable or hard-wired) will burn out its relays if not oriented vertically.Posted: 7:33 PM – Jan 31, 2014rwb_wl wrote:My observation with our Progressive HW 50 amp unit, is that when plugged into 30 amps or less, it does readings on only 1 leg, while the 50 amp model displays on both legs, if both these legs are energized.Rick
Ours is the same way. Another great feature of the Progressive Industries brand is that they are lifetime warranted – period. No receipt or original owner needed. We also have the digital remote located inside so we can monitor any situation. Phillip
B.W.Gentry
Owner/Admin
2007 Carri-Lite XTRM5
Breckenridge, TX
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