Forum Discussion

Explorer

May 01, 2016

Hard Wired or Portable EMS (surge protector)???

Hello. I am purchasing a class C motorhome and have a question for all. I am torn between purchasing a hard wired EMS vs a Portable version. Can anyone provide any suggestions. I was looking at the Progressive Industries as well as the Surge Guard brands. I know you have to look at Joules and all that stuff. Just don't know whether to get hard wired or portable. If portable, then you have to get a lock guard or something so it does not "grow legs" and if I get a hardwired version, and something happens to it, I am stuck until I get it fixed in order to get power. I am torn!!! Any suggestions or recommendations would be appreciated! Not looking for a brand suggestion, just hard wired vs portable.

Thanks again in advance!

James

14 Replies

Ava
Explorer
May 01, 2016
I have the Progressive hard wired unit that works great. It has shut down a couple times from low voltage input as well as high voltage. There is a read out monitor with it that can be mounted where ever you like to show voltage,amps, cycles and errors.
As said this has a better warranty and good suggestion to make plugs to be more versatile.
jplante4
Explorer II
May 01, 2016
If you hard wire it, make sure you do it after the transfer switch so it will protect the gen output as well.
pianotuna
Nomad III
May 01, 2016
Hi,

It is possible to have the best of both worlds. Cut the shore power cord down to about 4 feet. Put a female end on the "extra" cord. Plug the RV into the Progressive unit (it has a life time warranty) and plug the surge device into the "extra" cord. Mount the surge device in your rv at some convenient location.

Low voltage causes far more damage that surges. I'll be going the autoformer route myself.
Trackrig
Explorer II
May 01, 2016
If it's hard wired then you can't forget it and it won't wonder off. Mine is hardwired.

Bill