Forum Discussion

okwaterdog's avatar
okwaterdog
Explorer
Jul 16, 2018

Surge protection INSIDE the camper?

I recently had a problem that cost me my converter, microwave, television, vcr and the sound system. I am lucky the refrigerator and a/c's weren't damaged. Yes I do have a surge protector at the outlet, but the problem was caused by a bad plug on the rv's power cord.

Before I replace everything, wanted to see if there is any type of surge protector that can go between the outlet and the item (for example the microwave)....?? It would have to be small, would fit into the 110 and then the microwave would plug into it.

I'd rather not have this happen again.
  • Iraqvet05's avatar
    Iraqvet05
    Explorer
    Jul 16, 2018
    The Progressive hardwired EMS should cover everything in the camper. I don’t see the need to put individual surge protection on individual items if you use the correct equipment.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jul 16, 2018
    The single point surge protectors offer little protection. For example, if 220V were applied to your RV the surge protector would probably either not notice it (it's looking for much higher voltage in super short bursts) or fry its circuitry and allow the voltage to pass.
    You need an EMS for real protection.
  • RedRollingRoadb's avatar
    RedRollingRoadb
    Explorer
    Jul 16, 2018
    http://www.progressiveindustries.net/ check the online retailers for prices as they very. IIRC I got mine at https://www.rvupgradestore.com/ but shop around.

    I would go with a portable unit. Secure with a bike cable lock under the conduit to box, or through the box hasp lock, run a proper sized extension cord to a locked compartment and plug it in there. I covered mine with a plastic garbage bag, kinda hid it and gave me a warm fuzzy during the Western Oregon rains.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Jul 16, 2018
    Doubt your RV plug created a surge to damage all that. Do you have a basic surge protector or full EMS protection?

    30 amp or 50 amp RV? Plugged into 30 amp or 50 amp?

    +1 for the hardwired PI EMS.
  • beemerphile1's avatar
    beemerphile1
    Explorer
    Jul 16, 2018
    time2roll wrote:
    Doubt your RV plug created a surge to damage all that. Do you have a basic surge protector or full EMS protection?

    30 amp or 50 amp RV? Plugged into 30 amp or 50 amp?

    +1 for the hardwired PI EMS.


    My guess is an open neutral on a 50a service, that can certainly cause over voltage on appliances.
  • Bobbo's avatar
    Bobbo
    Explorer II
    Jul 16, 2018
    2naEagle wrote:
    Progressive Industries

    50 amp

    30 amp

    This ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^.

    It should be hard wired immediately prior to the main breaker in your RV.

    time2roll wrote:
    Doubt your RV plug created a surge to damage all that. Do you have a basic surge protector or full EMS protection?

    30 amp or 50 amp RV? Plugged into 30 amp or 50 amp?

    +1 for the hardwired PI EMS.

    If he has a 50 amp RV and his cord lost connection to the NEUTRAL wire somehow, that is EXACTLY the damage he would see. The EMS systems above, when hardwired immediately before the RV's main breaker, would have disconnected power to the RV before any damage was done.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jul 16, 2018
    This open neutral thing is so easy to have happen with 50A units. I had an EMS in hand before I even brought home our new TT.
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Jul 16, 2018
    Since we don't know what the OP has for protection these are just nice guesses.

    The actual surge protection in the PI and SG units is poor. One giant step up are the ones that detect things such as open neutrals, polarity and the like.

    Perhaps the plug for his RV had an open neutral? If that was so then even the top of the line ems devices may not help much.
  • Cydog15's avatar
    Cydog15
    Explorer
    Jul 16, 2018
    pianotuna wrote:
    Since we don't know what the OP has for protection these are just nice guesses.

    The actual surge protection in the PI and SG units is poor. One giant step up are the ones that detect things such as open neutrals, polarity and the like.

    Perhaps the plug for his RV had an open neutral? If that was so then even the top of the line ems devices may not help much.

    A nice guess is kinda degrading to those wanting to help. You come across as another rv.net "internet expert" :) The best place to get it is bestconverter.com if you want their support on electrical stuff, especially if yoo are a new guy to Rving. I think they are offering a lock with it but I never have any theft problems.

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