Ok, I will discuss basically several products here
The Progressive Induristeries HW-XXc (Where xx is either 30 or 50 depenbding on if your RV is a 30 or 50 amp model) is the one I recommend.. Wired in so you don't forget it and also it is far less likely to "Walk off" while you are out sopping.,
Next is the PT-XXc same xx, this is the portable,, You have already read why I prfer the HW
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PI calles these "Energy Management Systems" I call them ENergy Mnonitor Systems"
Many call them :Surge guards" and they are too genunine surge guards
The protect against Sustained HIGH or LOW voltage and a few other things
They also contain spike supression.. More on that later
PI also makes a basic spike supressor.. I do not recommend, either for or against (it won't hurt but does not protret against SUSTAINED high or low just spikes) many companies make produts like this I have sonme,
TRC (Technical Research Corporation) Makes a couple of units under the SURGE GUARD label. that are direct compition for the PI HW and PT-XXc units
All thest units have a LCD display that shows the voltage and current and occsionally what the trouble is...
THe reason I recommend Progressive Iustries over TRC is the warranty (Lifetienm v/s 1 year on the TRC)
Now: Spike suppressors: Both companies make these as well.. A Spike is a sudden and very fast rise in voltage typically lasting less than 1/10th of a second (Way less) and these devices use MOV's to "Clip" the spike.. But they can not survive sustained high voltage (Been there Sounded like a fireworks display as NOV's went off like firecrackers).. They may also have lights to indicate proper wiring of outlets but it's all up to you they do not have solenoids so they can not cut you off.
I understand PI now makes a slighly lower cost unit that works like the PT XXc but has no LCD, THis one is also goodm but I still recommend the better unit.
Another advantage... The Portable units do this by default, the Hard wired may need an adjustment (Clip a wire). Read the fine manual.
Imagine a power fail in the park,, Power company comes out and reassembles the fuse that came appart but it took a couple of hours.. So now everybody Air Conditioner is trying to start at once..
That's going to be one flying rollar coaster voltage wise as they all kick in and out and in again..
Well my Portable TRC is busin going 1,3,4,5,6,....170.... CLUNK
(I think it is 172 seconds without reading the fine manual)
BY then the rollar coaster ride has ended and I get good clean power.
The default on the PI HW-50C is 15 seonds with I think 160 as the option if you clip the wire, I suggest clipping the wire .
Finally you plug in at your buddy's garage, a nice 30 amp outlet,, OH it is fine, We've had others plug in there no problem... ... Right
240 volt outlet for the prior owner's wekder
Your HW-or PT-50C (or 30C) or TRC equivlent will tell you 240 volt, DO NOT OVERRIDE, and thus armed.. You do NOT let all the magic smoke out of your electronics.
THe cheaper spike suppressors.. Well they tell you as well, they blow up like firecrackers on July 4... LIke I said . Been there (only it truly was NOT my fault)
