Power Protection..Why So Few Have If Really Needed?

crcr wrote:
Could someone possible lay out a detailed primer on these, with model numbers plus pros and cons of each unit? It would be a great service to a lot of RVer's, particularly part time campers (such as myself), who want electrical protection for our campers, but want to do so as economically as reasonable. I suspect a majority of part time campers use 30 amp as opposed to 50 amp, though I don't know that for sure.

I'm very knowledgeable about electric wiring and as such have done my own electrical work (always to code) my whole life. But having said that, looking at the great variety of these devices on Amazon, ranging from $70-80 to several hundred $, I wonder which ones are adequate, which ones do the job, and which ones might be overkill. Also, some idea as to reputation of the manufacturer when it comes to warranty issues would be great. I'm sure others here are interested in purchasing one of these, but face a similar quandary in making the right decision.

I certainly can't provide a primer but I can share my experience. I started off with a portable 50amp Surge Guard. After 3-4 years, it failed. I called the company and they provided no help since it was past the 1 yr warranty. Having nothing to lose, I took it apart and found about 1 cup of water inside which caused enough corrosion to kill the unit.

I started looking for a replacement and found a used Progressive Industries portable 50 amp, which I purchased. About 1 yr later, it developed problems. I contacted the company and after a brief discussion, I boxed it up and mailed it back at my expense. They rebuilt the unit and mailed it back. I was back up and running in less than 1 week. Again, my only out of pocket expense was postage one way.

As far as recreational campers vs fulltime RVers, I don't think it makes much difference. If you only get 1 vacation a year do you really want it ruined on the second day by an electrical problem killing your AC and frig and entertainment?

Go to http://www.rvupgradestore.com/Articles.asp?ID=279 for a comparison.

I have the PI EMS-HW50C. It's hardwired. I went to PI website and clicked on Where to buy and then to Lawrence RV. It was $289 with free shipping. 3 days later I had it in my hands. The 30A version is $209.

Nomadac wrote:

randeez2001 wrote:
I think price could be an issue. Those surge protectors are upwards of $500. Made me think twice before I bought one

That is cheap insurance if you have a low voltage problem or electrical surge that could destroy many electrical products in your Fiver or MH. Mine has save me on several occasions when the voltage was too low, and could have destroyed my heat pump A-C units. I consider it just like a fire extinguisher, having it is better than wishing you had one in a emergency. A friend had a very expensive experience with a wiring problem when plugged in, one time.

Also cheap insurance when the electric company is in the park replacing ground wires and accidentally removes the neutral from your site when removing the panel without realizing it and plugs you back in. Some things are beyond your control...surge/voltage protection is not one of them. I definitely learned my lesson and will never again plug in without.

Could someone possible lay out a detailed primer on these, with model numbers plus pros and cons of each unit? It would be a great service to a lot of RVer's, particularly part time campers (such as myself), who want electrical protection for our campers, but want to do so as economically as reasonable. I suspect a majority of part time campers use 30 amp as opposed to 50 amp, though I don't know that for sure.

I'm very knowledgeable about electric wiring and as such have done my own electrical work (always to code) my whole life. But having said that, looking at the great variety of these devices on Amazon, ranging from $70-80 to several hundred $, I wonder which ones are adequate, which ones do the job, and which ones might be overkill. Also, some idea as to reputation of the manufacturer when it comes to warranty issues would be great. I'm sure others here are interested in purchasing one of these, but face a similar quandary in making the right decision.

fairhaven wrote:
For the past month I've been paying particular attention when I walk through camp grounds (both private & state parks) to see how many actually have power protection (not just a surge protector) for their rv. We camped 23 nights in June (5 different parks) and I only saw 7 protectors plugged into the power pedestal. These were all on large fifth wheel rvs. I talked with probably 1/2 of the owners and with the exception of the before mentioned 7 and motor coaches (which all had hard wired units) the owners didn't see the need for that kind of protection. So, 5 parks, 173 owners talked to, and only 7 with power protection that would take care of low voltage issue. Am I missing something on all the hype about needing this kind of power protection?

Soooo - 7 with common sense.
166 "rolling the dice" and/or don't know any better.

Most folks with "power protection" (LOL!) will have the device (like a PI EMS) hardwired.
You won't see them at the pedestal.

Upscale "motor coaches" are often "factory equipped" with EMS.
Often the owners don't know what they have - as long as it's doing what it's supposed to do.

Some of us with portable PI EMS (or?) have them located out of sight inside a compt close to the RV's power panel.
You won't see them at the pedestal either.

PI EMS will "protect" for more than just "low voltage".

Do I want/need an autoformer (for low voltage - which some parks prohibit) - nope, rather have the EMS shut it down - and never return to that campground..:(
If they want to ask why I'm running a gen, be happy to tell 'em.

I've had a DL for over 50 years, never had an accident - and keep right on paying for auto/truck insurance - higher coverage than req'd by law. Dumb, huh?

BTW - would you like to read about the losses (expense and down time for repairs) by folks that had lots of electronics zapped by 220V, etc. - *again*??..:S
(Including the parks that admitted *their* electrician/s screwed up.)

Your money, your time, your choice!
Whatever works for you.... and the 166..:W

~

- PowerMaster
- Hughes
- Surge Guard Voltage Regulator

laknox wrote:
Besides Hughes, who else makes something like the Autoformer?
Lyle

Had a problem, blew out the protector. Took it back to Camping World got a straight over the counter replacement. Bought new extended plan. Couldn't be happier...saved a bunch of cost and trouble.

One might think that frig only heats with ac but sit down some day and count up the circuit control boards you have in a camper and then consider their replacement cost can be anywhere from $100 on up to several hundred. Some reefers have 2 boards. I lost both in one day to the tune of $450. Had a progressive dynamics unit ever since.

I have a Progressive 50 Amp. Mine shut down due to high voltage. Three hours later the power company was walking down the pedastal line checking voltages and all were high. After they took the bucket up the pole and did some work, the reading was normal. (Don't ask me what they did....but there was an obvious problem.) The weather did not require AC's but I'm glad mine did it's job and shut down the power when it did to keep something that was running from getting fried.

Have the progressive. Would not leave home without it. It has shut us down several times.