Electrical surge protector - Whole house type?

pianotuna wrote:
CA Traveler,

Too bad they don't include the new Hughes on that listing. It does obviate the need for low voltage disconnect, so it might be hard to integrate it to the chart.

Not exactly. If the park voltage drops below 95 volts then the autoformer cannot operate and goes into bypass, not Disconnect, and at that point your coach systems are trying to operate at a very damaging voltage level. I would still want a PI EMS Line Monitor between the autoformer and the coach. The best of both worlds, voltage disconnect when the autoformer cannot boost and voltage boosting when campground is at 104 to 95 volts so the PI would not have to disconnect the power at its programmed lower level of 104. In other words, the EMS would act as backup protection for very low or high voltage outside the range of the autoformer and protect against other wiring problems the autoformer cannot correct that could occur. The autoformer would be the first stage of defense and could take a damaging hit but the newer ones have replaceable built in surge protector boards. Others may wish to reverse the order, PI at the ped first, so that the autoformer is protected just like everything else, but of course the power to it and the coach would be lost if the L-1 or L-2 voltage drops below 105 volts or goes up to 132.

CA Traveler,

Too bad they don't include the new Hughes on that listing. It does obviate the need for low voltage disconnect, so it might be hard to integrate it to the chart.

CA Traveler wrote:
Check this chart for comparison of protection devices.

Very good info, thanks

Kidoo wrote:
Polarity and ground is easy to test with a simple plug-in tester. What are the whole house protectors protect from?

Yes but the ground could open later and that has happened to me.

The PI HW50C checks high/low voltage, open ground, reverse polarity, and high/low frequency.

Hi,

That will only monitor and test one leg.

Kidoo wrote:
I will plug this one in the RV in one of the outlet of the RV. Or maybe I can use a 50 to 30 to 15 amps connector.

DrewE wrote:

You're correct on two out of three of these. They're both NEMA 14-50 connectors.

You are right about NEMA 14-50R for the first two, but I included the welder plug 50 Amp which is: NEMA 6-50R 250 V

Open Roads Forum


Topic: SURGE PROTECTOR A MUST!
Posted By: stoversfromnj on 01/18/11 10:49am

We were camping in the Poconos this weekend and we lost a camper to a fire due to power surges. Problems all night long with dips and outtages. People went to breakfast and came back to find the interior of their rig was destroyed. Fire started with a tv that was not even on! Outside of rig looked ok. People were very thankful their dogs did not come camping with them this weekend like they usually do. We left the campground and went home and began our homework as to what is the best surge protector for our 50 Amp fifth wheel. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Power Surge Fire

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Should anyone really consider going without the best protection you can get? Do you really want to risk your safety and your rig to "save" a few hundred bucks?

You know you can lead a person to information, but you can't make them THINK!

happycamper002 wrote:
A 30Amp clothes dryer, electric range /oven or welder are not compatible with RV 30 or 50 Amp plugs. RV plugs are specifically made for RVs.

You're correct on two out of three of these. A current 4 wire electric range/oven outlet is exactly the same thing as a 50A RV outlet (aside from typically being mounted at the bottom of the kitchen wall rather than on a pedestal outside). They're both NEMA 14-50 connectors.

A 30Amp clothes dryer, electric range /oven or welder are not compatible with RV 30 or 50 Amp plugs. RV plugs are specifically made for RVs.

Now, if a know-it-all curmudgeon tries to defeat this safety feature and suffered some losses he has no one to blame but himself.

No wonder we see a lot of RVs going up in flames and seeing spectacular July 4th display.

This industry is grossly unregulated and some innocent bystanders are affected and traumatized.

We Americans don't want to see someone looking over our shoulders. Just mention NEC and someone will raise hell and think you are nuts.