Forum Discussion

roachcoach's avatar
roachcoach
Explorer
Jul 22, 2015

Surge Protector

I had a SSP50 Surge protector for a couple of years with never any issues.
I finally broke down and purchased a EMS-PT50C which costs 3 times as much. It was a portable type because I felt that was the best one for me. I plugged it in and went back into the rv and the tv was off which was surprising because it was on before I went out. Tried to turn it on but it wouldn't go. Then the extension cord in the bedroom that operated the tv there started smoking. After talking to Progressive tech they said to bypass the inverter and plug directly into the outlet and just turn inverter off which I did. Needless to say I was worried about this new surge protector. Everything worked fine after that but the tv never did go on so bought a new one . Never had a problem with my little SSP50 surge protector but now I just turn on my inverter when on the road. BTW this1500w inverter is hooked up just to run entertainment system 2 tv's 2 receivers about all. Just wanted to get this info out so maybe it would help someone not have this happen to them.
Class A

4 Replies

  • GMandJM's avatar
    GMandJM
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2015
    Think it might have been a problem with the MSW inverter?

    Timing would be quite a coincidence...seeing as how OP just got the PI SP.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Jul 22, 2015
    Ok, first let me explain the difference between the little SSP50 and the PT-50C or the HW-50C

    The SSP has MOV's that clip spikes. that's all it just passes the power through but it can clip spikes., .it also tests for some wiring issues (park side) and reports them (The LEDs)

    The HW and PT-50Cs also monitor voltage and some other stuff and if they observe a problem like a 30 amp rig pulgged into 220 volts, or a brown out they protect you by shutting you off.

    There is ONE possible error in manufacture which I would be real surprised by that can cause a problem

    Here is how to test it.. On a 50 amp outlet you should see 240 volts side to side and 120 side to top or bottom (either side)

    Use volt meter.. Plug it in, Wait for it to time in (that's a time in, not out) and measure voltages after it clunks. If you get 240 size to side and 120 side to top or bottom (both sides) the problem is NOT with your PT-50C
    If you get 240 either side to top or bottom Problem *IS* with the PT-50C

    NOTHING in the PT-50c should have smoked that extension cord,, NOTHING,
  • roachcoach's avatar
    roachcoach
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2015
    It was a Kisae MSW inverter which was always plugged in to the inverter.
  • GMandJM's avatar
    GMandJM
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2015
    We just bought the same surge protector. (You're right, it's sorta pricey.)

    What kind/brand inverter is it? Pure sine or modified? Some electronics REALLY don't like MSW.

    Interesting that you were plugged into shore power and could still run your inverter. Ours doesn't run if it senses shore power or power from the generator.

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