cencerrita wrote:
SJ-Chris wrote:
*** Power Surge Protection ***
I hear a lot of people who encourage buying/using a surge protector when plugged in at campgrounds. Cost ~$200. I suspect that most people do NOT have/use surge protectors, but that is just based on my observations.
What I hardly ever hear is people talking about damage to their electrical system due to an electrical surge. So it makes me wonder if it is really a big issue or not.
Specifically, as it pertains to Cruise America former rental units....I wonder something... Cruise America sends out 1000s and 1000s of renters every year and NOT ONE of them has a surge protector! Why not? Is it because in reality they aren't needed? Do you think Cruise America has their RVs built with some sort of built-in surge protection?? Do GFCI circuits protect against surges?? Just want to hear the thoughts of other CA formal rental owners...
Is there a single Former Rental unit Owner out there who, without using a surge protector, has had a power surge that damaged their RV's electrical system/components?
Honestly, I don't even mind buying one and using one for myself. BUT, I often times let others (family/etc) use my Majestics and I know they will either forget to use it, or lose it, etc.
Thoughts?
-Chris
Surge protection is fine BUT you are not protected from "brown outs" which is low voltage. The damage done by undervoltage can be considerable.
I brought and fitted a Progressive Industries EMS-HW30C (or EMS-HW50C for 50 A supplies) Not cheap but peace of mind should say the fridge get fried or anything else. I fitted it in our Rv between the shore supply and main panel and this also proteceted me against a generator fault.
Surge Protection: 3-Mode / 1,790J / 44,000A. Ratings: 30A / 120V / 3,600W. Includes 14' Data Cable
Open Ground, Open Neutral and Reverse Polarity detection and protection, Over/Under voltage Protection, Accidental 240V Protection and A/C Frequency Protection
Miswired pedestal indication and surge failure indicator; Time Delay (136 seconds)
Remote Scrolling Digital Display scrolls continuously through the power source information
One time it picked up that the campsite socket did not have correct earth protection, which the owner then called in an electrician to
fix.
If you can wire a plug then you can fit this yourself. Just cut the main supply cable going into the main panel and insert this unit :)
Good suggestion (hardwiring it). That way, it will be used 100% of the time (even by inexperienced or careless users) and it also won't get stolen or lost.
I see this one on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/PROGRESSIVE-INDUSTRIES-HW30C-Hardwired-Electrical/dp/B004A32CGI/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=30%2Bamp%2Bpower%2Bmanagement%2BRV&qid=1614068354&sr=8-1&th=1
Looks like it has a built in display. Perhaps this could be wired in the rear of the compartment that houses the shore power plug and generator junction box. Then every time you plug in you could just glance into that compartment and see the readout and make sure it says all is good (E0)...
Question: From reading the description on Amazon, it looks like if it detects over or under voltage it will shut off until the power is once again within the proper range. But what about other problems that it detects?? (like reverse polarity or an open ground) Does it still allow power into your rig? Or does it act as a circuit breaker and not allow the power to pass??
What happens if there is a surge? Does it shut down?
For installation, Can you simply cut the power cord and splice in this controller? Seems pretty simple actually...
-Chris
