Forum Discussion

DutchmenSport's avatar
Sep 27, 2014

Surge protector - advise please

Purchased a Surge Guard protector 1 year ago. Took delivery of the protector the same day we took delivery of our Outback, that was 1 year ago.

Keep the Outback plugged in at home and camping 24 x 7 for a year now. (except rare occasions where it was unplugged when traveling or needed to move extension wires to mow the grass).

Am camping this week end. Protector worked perfectly fine Friday AM. Friday afternoon plugged into the campground and all appeared well, until the air conditioner was turned on. Then "pop!" Couldn't get it to work right again. Tried the next post over and plug in, and even had DNR check the electric post. All is well, but even plugged into the next site, the protector wouldn't come back on. Looks like it might be toast.

Couple weeks ago at home we had some serious storms and lightning strikes. One took out my computer modem and router. The camper was plugged in. I think it's possible, with all the power flux and spikes we've had at home over the last year, the poor protector finally just "pooped" out! If it did, it did it's job well. It protected my camper. That what it was bought for.

But now I do need to purchase a new protector so want your opinions, advise. First, I've owned a Surge Guard and was very happy with it. It did do it's job. But I've also read on these forums the Progressive is much better. Doing a quick internet search, the price is not that much difference, so cost is not the factor. Second, I want to stick with the portable version. I do not want to hard wire a permanent one inside the camper. So that eliminates some discussion right away.

My gut feeling when we purchased our Outback and the protector was to go with pedestal in-line version was for this very reason. In the event of mechanical failure, all you have to do is unplug it and plug your camper right in. (unprotected).

So, after all this rambling? What's so "great" about the Progressive that outshines the Surge Guard? Before getting home on Tuesday, I can travel by two different RV dealerships where I can pick up a new protector once home. Remember, this thing will be plugged in 24x7, non stopped? What's your opinion and why?

18 Replies

  • I like that the EMS-PT50C tells me what the voltage is, not that it is just in range. Also tells me how many amps are being used. Does volts and amps on both legs of my 50 amp service. And I also keep it pluged up at home, 24/7. The Surge Guards just give red or green lights.
  • TechWriter wrote:
    DutchmenSport wrote:
    Purchased a Surge Guard protector 1 year ago.

    What model #?


    34730
  • We too had the surge guard and this summer during a severe storm our surge guard died, it also did what it was supposed to do. With that said after extensive research on this forum and the web on both units we decided to get the Progressive 30amp portable one.

    We like the information that the Progressive provided and the life time warranty would be nice. Just seemed after a lot of reading the Progressive was an overall better unit.
  • DutchmenSport wrote:
    Purchased a Surge Guard protector 1 year ago.

    What model #?
  • Get the progressive Industries, life time warranty, all surge guard will do is sell you a new unit.
  • Check this website for all detailed comparisons but know this, Progressive has hundreds of testimonials on this forum about their quality, after sale customer service and lifetime warranty even before they published a warranty. Yes, Surge Guard works OK but if you have problems after the year that's it.

    Dave
  • As Pianotuna said above Progressive has a lifetime warranty you only have to but it once.
    Get a hardwired version you will only have to plug in your RV once..
    If there is a malfunction there is a by pass switch.
    My hardwired progressive unit has been great. It has detected faulty circuits 3 times in 3 years. Once installed I have nothing extra to do but plug in. The Progressive unit monitors /checks everything from that point.
  • Hi,

    What is so great is a lifetime warranty. If the Progressive goes "poof" no need to buy another one.

    That said, I would only get one for a 50 amp RV. I prefer to measure and monitor voltage and polarity before I plug in.

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