Forum Discussion

egarant's avatar
egarant
Nomad
Aug 04, 2015

Electrical Protection

I currently own a Technology Research Surge Guard 30A portable unit that I plug into the park power.

Surge Guard

I just saw what looks like a similar product made by Progressive Industries that seems to get better reviews then the product I currently have.

Progressive Industries

Finally what do you guys think of the Huges Autoformer?

Hughes Autoformer

This is a pretty expensive unit, but claims to do a lot more than the others.

I was in a park recently that was only putting out 107 volts and I was running my AC, would have been nice if the Hughes Autoformer could have added some pop to that number.

I look forward to your input.

MR. E

10 Replies

  • I always plug our SSP-30 into the post before plugging the TC into it. This way it verifies that ground and neutral are connected and correct.

    Considering the questionable condition some of those post mounted breaker boxes, it seems like a reasonable procedure.
  • I have the hard wired version of the Progressive Industries unit.

    In some situations, I hate the thing and want to rip it out.

    1. It won't pass generator power until I flip a switch on the remote unit.
    2. It almost ALWAYS cuts off my incoming generator power when I start the air conditioner or microwave with both EU2000s running.
  • We also have the Progressive Industries EMS PT 30 C. No issues with power pedestals in four years until our last two trips when the EMS detected problems with park power source. We tested other sites that checked out OK and were able to move to them. Cheap insurance!
  • Kayteg1 wrote:
    Power surges don't happen often in real life, so this is one of the protection I would question.
    Years ago at my house we had power spike when duck flew into high voltage lines.
    The estimated 400V blew few TV at neighbours, while I had digital dishwasher blowing fusible link, answering machine blowing the $5 charger and computer power unit went out at $40.
    I hear autoformers are good, but carrying plug-in meter I can monitor the hookup voltage, on rare occasions when I have one.
    The only thing on my TC that can suffer from low voltage is AC and those usually don't mind it low till they come to cycling.


    Remember the old saying, You pays your money and takes your chances.

    Well this post is a little different. You don't pays your money and you really takes your chances!

    Perhaps the thinking would be different if the television was his!

    The $300+/- for a PI EMS is real cheap insurance.
  • Power surges don't happen often in real life, so this is one of the protection I would question.
    Years ago at my house we had power spike when duck flew into high voltage lines.
    The estimated 400V blew few TV at neighbours, while I had digital dishwasher blowing fusible link, answering machine blowing the $5 charger and computer power unit went out at $40.
    I hear autoformers are good, but carrying plug-in meter I can monitor the hookup voltage, on rare occasions when I have one.
    The only thing on my TC that can suffer from low voltage is AC and those usually don't mind it low till they come to cycling.
  • Anything but Technology Research Surge Guard, PI is far superior in every way and the warranty and customer service a thousand times better.
  • I have the Progressive EMC-PT30C and a PowerMaster Autoformer. The autoformer is not a replacement for the EMS(surge guard). They work well in combination as I have the best EMS protection available and the ability to "pump up" the voltage in a low voltage situation. I plug in as follows..Park post--autoformer--EMS.
    Both Hughes and PowerMaster offer "spike" protection, but are not a replacement for a good EMS unit.
  • Differences between 'TR Surge Guard' and 'Progressive Industries' :

    TR doesn't trip on Low Voltage until 102V
    PI trips at 104V

    BOTH are too low for my tastes.......below 108V I shut down my A/C Unit
    but that is me.

    Biggest Difference....
    TR---1 year warranty (TR.....maybe)
    PI.......LIFETIME and they really do mean it/back it up

    Hughes Autoformer
    10% boost in low voltage.
    At 116V goes into boost mode.
    Below 95v Shuts Down

    Above 116V goes into bypass mode

    Good unit.......does what it is designed to do. Boost Voltage.

    Power Pedestal>>>>>Hughes Autoformer>>>>>>PI Power Protection>>>>>RV Power Cord
    About the best set up for unknown power supply (Boost & Protection)


    I try to stay away from places that have low voltage issues
    Power Pedestal>>>>>>PI Protection>>>>>RV Power Cord.

    Low voltage ....I use my generator cause I have it.
    Otherwise I might have an Autoformer except I use generator when boondocking also
  • We have the Progressive Industries EMS-PT30C and have not had any issues the few times we have had hookups. Recommend you do some price shopping, I paid 212.83 last year from

    Camper Connection
    9140 W Hwy 192
    Kissimmee, FL 34747
    Phone: 866-576-8171
    Email: websales@campingconnection.com
    Website: www.campingconnection.com

    Checked there site today and currently they are showing a price of $249.00