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kt0819's avatar
kt0819
Explorer
Jun 25, 2013

A few questions about surge protectors

Hoping to get some advice:

1. Which of these is better to have, or does it matter? This one Or This one ??

2. Dh found the green one linked above that comes with a lock attached for about $30 more. Does anyone know if the lock actually works well? Is getting a lock on a surge protector a good idea? I've read a few threads where people say theft is not a big issue when camping but I'm not sure I'm 100% comfortable leaving a $300 piece of equipmet sitting out. I'd like to protect my purchases but not be overly paranoid either.

3. We don't currently have a surge protector and now I'm a bit concerned heading out camping without one. We need to pick one and have it shipped from US so that may take a couple weekends of good camping time. Should we put off our first trip to a full hookup site until we have the S.p. in our possession?

25 Replies

  • Well, the second one holds a narrower band, kicks out at 104 rather than 102, which by itself is not much of a difference, The other specs for the first one are not listed, so its hard to compare them there. Also the second one is listed as Made in USA. For the cost differnece (Regular price, not sale price), I'd go with the one that lists its specfications, and keeps jobs here too. Its rare on electronics you get to make that choice.
  • I picked up the one from Progressive Industries this year for a piece of mind and i like it so far, a friend of mine has the Surgeguard product, mine is a bit smaller and not as bulky and it has the stainless piece with the wire through it to attach the lock to. In the end if they want it bad enough they will get it but if they want to cut the wires and destroy it that is what will happen. I have a length of chain that I wrap around the pedestal or the conduit depending on the setup. I even have run the chain through the bracket and locked it to the box anything to make them move on and look elsewhere.
  • the standard "lock" that locks the SP together to the cord is a JOKE, IMHO.
    all it will do is assure that either both cord and SP will get stolen or that a wire will get cut. I used epoxy and fastened a padlock hasp to the side of mine. they can take a cold chisel and break everything to smithereens or just go and steal the one next door.
    get a multi-function one that in addition to a surge guard, has over/under protection, miswiring protection, timed delay for restart to protect AC compressor etc.
    check out another thread. I always say not to get the $99 special and spend $250 or so, but there was a link to one at CW that was normally $250 and now $99 and it had over/under protection, etc.
    as far as the two you linked, I would "guess" that the expensive one would be better but I didn't check out the specs. if money is an issue, by all means at least get the cheaper one.
    bumpy
  • Being prepared is what makes a camping trip enjoyable.....having the lock kit for the SP is being prepared, as is having the SP in the first place.
    I'd lock up anything that I would worry about losing. As Hodavalk said, thefts are somewhat rare, but these are trying times, and I'd imagine that they are up from what they were a few years back. Not sure which is better either....though perhaps others will chime in, with personal experience. I would imagine that either will be fine. The lock box is "Universal" So may work with either one? The advantage of the green one, is that it's got the pigtail, so it may hide up inside the shore box better than the other one?
    Being worried about thefts shouldn't stop you from going and having a great time...
    Just take whatever precautions you can.

    Have a great trip:)
  • While I believe in using one I went 10 years without one before I ever had an issue. I would certainly still go on my trip. Like you, even though theft of anything is low I lock my sp up also. I use a pad lock on the power pedestal cover. Enjoy your trip