Forum Discussion

Showme_5vr's avatar
Showme_5vr
Explorer
Jul 16, 2016

How do you protect your surge suppressor

I read recently in Trailer Life magazine about someone that had a surge suppressor go bad because it got wet. So what do you do if anything to protect your surge suppressor from the weather?
Thanks in advance!!
Seeking Advice
  • tvman44's avatar
    tvman44
    Explorer
    Jul 16, 2016
    I purchased the hard wired EMS unit from Progressive for 3 reasons.
    1. Keep me from forgetting it at the pedestal
    2. Keep it from growing legs.
    3. Keep it out of the weather.
  • tpi's avatar
    tpi
    Explorer
    Jul 16, 2016
    Same here, have just hung it on the post with no protection. According to MFG, it is supposedly weatherproof, but not to be immersed in water. It has been through some extended downpours. For me the biggest risk is the senility quotient-forgetting it at a campsite.
  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    Jul 16, 2016
    I don't do anything special, just plug it in. Usually it hangs from the post, a few times it lies on the ground. If it fails due to water I won't buy another of the same brand.
  • EV2's avatar
    EV2
    Explorer
    Jul 16, 2016
    I use my extension cord at the ped and connect the suppressor inside of the compartment. It re mains clean, dry, and secure behind the locked door.
  • cbshoestring's avatar
    cbshoestring
    Explorer II
    Jul 16, 2016
    cbshoestring wrote:
    I installed a hardwired unit. Stays dry, unless the closet leaks :B

    The ammo box seems to be a good solution for cord connections, but my favorite I read on here is the portable unit installed as a permanent unit.

    Cut the cord INSIDE the trailer. Place a male plug on the supply side, place a female plug on the "trailer" side. This is backwards. Male on "trailer" side, plugged into female on surge protector, which then takes male plug into newly installed female plug on supply cord.Once plugged in...your surge protector is essential permanent in a dry space.

    I am not sure how it can be monitored, but it will still protect.


    Edited myself...didn't mean to double post. Think I will leave it, so the mistake is easily seen.
  • cbshoestring's avatar
    cbshoestring
    Explorer II
    Jul 16, 2016
    I installed a hardwired unit. Stays dry, unless the closet leaks :B

    The ammo box seems to be a good solution for cord connections, but my favorite I read on here is the portable unit installed as a permanent unit.

    Cut the cord INSIDE the trailer. Place a male plug on the supply side, place a female plug on the "trailer" side. Once plugged in...your surge protector is essential permanent in a dry space.

    I am not sure how it can be monitored, but it will still protect.
  • PawPaw_n_Gram's avatar
    PawPaw_n_Gram
    Explorer
    Jul 16, 2016
    Weather resistant doesn't mean waterproof. If the pedestal isn't high enough to keep ours off the ground, I use a short extension, and cheap folding chair. I drape it so both cords are handing down.

    I do this even if there is not a forecast for rain. I never leave it lying on the ground. Been caught by surprise thunderstorms too many times.
  • NanciL's avatar
    NanciL
    Explorer II
    Jul 16, 2016
    Mine is a Progressive.
    It has been in gully washing rain storms and I have never had a problem with it.

    We are snow birds and it is exposed to off and on rain storms for five months a year

    Jack L
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Jul 16, 2016
    cut your cord, put new male and female ends
    get a plastic AMMO BOX
    make your self a weather proof box you can lock, for your surge protector

    several members have made this box for shore cord extensions to keep cord ends out of water

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