Surge protector

Bobbo wrote:

cummins2014 wrote:
Another tidbit about these surge protectors , I have the Progressive 50 hardwired, they do not let the power thru on the small generators , no ground. I was lucky ,was in the mountains no cell service ,drove to find service . Talked to a friend about why I didn't have any power going in from my Honda 2000, and he had just read an article about that, that those small generators are not grounded . The larger onboard ,and contractor generators are grounded ,and will let the power thru. It was just a simple matter of turning off the surge protecter . I would have never thought of that, never having read that before . Also there is a grounding plug you can buy that plugs into the generator, for a better choice of words ,it lies to the surge protecter thinking its been grounded. Southwire sells one on Amazon that I bought , farily cheap it was about $13 with tax. Part # is Southwire 44400 Surge Guard.

I am assuming the portables are the same if used with one of those small generators. I never used the portable surge protector I had on my previous fifth wheel when running the Honda 2000, so I never knew the issue with them. From reading it sounds likes using the the surge protector all the time is not a bad thing, even with the small generators. Big reason now why I bought the Southwire 44400 ,so I can leave my hard wired surge protector on all the time .

You can build a bonding plug for less than $2. Go to a big box hardware store and buy a replacement 3 prong plug and 2 inches of wire. The wire's size does not matter since it will not carry current. Put the wire connecting the NEUTRAL and GROUND pins of the plug. DO NOT connect anything to the HOT pin. Done.

Thanks, but you are just a little bit late, already bought it, but it will benefit others. It was pretty simple for me also ,pushed a couple keys on the computer, and it showed up on the doorstep a couple days later. :) and I didn't have to grab my mask ,stand in those six foot apart lines or nothing plus saving me a trip, that was worth the extra money spent right there.

cummins2014 wrote:
Another tidbit about these surge protectors , I have the Progressive 50 hardwired, they do not let the power thru on the small generators , no ground. I was lucky ,was in the mountains no cell service ,drove to find service . Talked to a friend about why I didn't have any power going in from my Honda 2000, and he had just read an article about that, that those small generators are not grounded . The larger onboard ,and contractor generators are grounded ,and will let the power thru. It was just a simple matter of turning off the surge protecter . I would have never thought of that, never having read that before . Also there is a grounding plug you can buy that plugs into the generator, for a better choice of words ,it lies to the surge protecter thinking its been grounded. Southwire sells one on Amazon that I bought , farily cheap it was about $13 with tax. Part # is Southwire 44400 Surge Guard.

I am assuming the portables are the same if used with one of those small generators. I never used the portable surge protector I had on my previous fifth wheel when running the Honda 2000, so I never knew the issue with them. From reading it sounds likes using the the surge protector all the time is not a bad thing, even with the small generators. Big reason now why I bought the Southwire 44400 ,so I can leave my hard wired surge protector on all the time .

You can build a bonding plug for less than $2. Go to a big box hardware store and buy a replacement 3 prong plug and 2 inches of wire. The wire's size does not matter since it will not carry current. Put the wire connecting the NEUTRAL and GROUND pins of the plug. DO NOT connect anything to the HOT pin. Done.

Ironically we also have a 2020 Outback so if you want to copy us, get an EMS-PT30X.
You won't need the 50 amp unless you have the 2nd ac unit but you'll need the 50/30 adapter cord " Walmart or Amazon ".

I had an open ground at a campground.. I know how to fix that at the end of my cord so I did.

On my Class A. while it lasts the Surge Guard only affects shore power (Genny it's bypassed) but if using a portale generator all you need is a "Bonding plug" and make sure the generator is bondable (most are) the bonding plug has the white and green leads jumpered. That is all.

Diamond c wrote:
Ok I’ve decided on the Hughes Autoformer PDW50-EPO portable version. It’s the first one that when I’ve read the reviews they are good and tell me what I need to know.

Another tidbit about these surge protectors , I have the Progressive 50 hardwired, they do not let the power thru on the small generators , no ground. I was lucky ,was in the mountains no cell service ,drove to find service . Talked to a friend about why I didn't have any power going in from my Honda 2000, and he had just read an article about that, that those small generators are not grounded . The larger onboard ,and contractor generators are grounded ,and will let the power thru. It was just a simple matter of turning off the surge protecter . I would have never thought of that, never having read that before . Also there is a grounding plug you can buy that plugs into the generator, for a better choice of words ,it lies to the surge protecter thinking its been grounded. Southwire sells one on Amazon that I bought , farily cheap it was about $13 with tax. Part # is Southwire 44400 Surge Guard.

I am assuming the portables are the same if used with one of those small generators. I never used the portable surge protector I had on my previous fifth wheel when running the Honda 2000, so I never knew the issue with them. From reading it sounds likes using the the surge protector all the time is not a bad thing, even with the small generators. Big reason now why I bought the Southwire 44400 ,so I can leave my hard wired surge protector on all the time .

Looks good I like the longer delay of both the Progressive Industries and the Southwire/TRC units but that looks good,

Ok I’ve decided on the Hughes Autoformer PDW50-EPO portable version. It’s the first one that when I’ve read the reviews they are good and tell me what I need to know.

Diamond c wrote:
Ok ya’ll have convinced me I’ll start looking and get one. I don’t think it’ll be a hard wired kind,but a “ plug and play “ kind.

I will give you three advantages of a Hard Wired over a portable and a suggestion.

1: YOU NEVER FORGET IT.. since it is always there
2: It never grows legs and walks off (Since the folks with sticky fingers never see it)
3: if you have a HUGHES autoformer to correct LOW voltage you can install post-hughes.. And easily I might add, The autoformer will not be protected but well.. even if it fails you still have power by bypassing it.


Now the suggestion.. Install it like a Hughes Autoformer That is put pigtails on it so that the HW model becomes like a portable. WHY well the HW has a handy wired remote display you can locate at your preference. and that way if you change rigs. Quick disconnect.

Bobbo wrote:

Diamond c wrote:
Ok ya’ll have convinced me I’ll start looking and get one. I don’t think it’ll be a hard wired kind,but a “ plug and play “ kind.

If you want a portable, I recommend the EMS-PT50X.

+1. We have had ours several years now, saved us many times.

An EMS protects from high or low voltage (low voltage damages control systems),
High or low frequency (also damages electronics and control systems),
Miswired and missing grounds. If hot and cold (return) wires are mixed up, that can result in a “skin hot” electrical shock, a dangerous condition.
I had a plug in my garage that had no ground, EMS wouldn’t pass power.
We camped at an old campground for a second time at a different location during a packed weekend during a high heat index warning. In PA, 108 temps incredible humidity. Everyone’s AC full blast, voltages kept dipping down to 103 vac. My power shut down at 106.