Surge protector

I'm so glad I have a a HW50C full protector. It won't connect the power if the pedestal has a problem and it will later shut down in a few milliseconds if a problem occurs.

My 160V incident occurred as I was going to bed and without the HW50C I have no doubt everything on standby like MW, TV, HW, charger etc would have been toast. Instead I had a high and short stress moment until I could get the power cord pulled. I knew what was happening because I saw the 160V right on the inside monitor.

I'm sure I was quite a sight running outside at night dressed in whatever...

DutchmenSport wrote:
I've been using one like that for over 3 years now.

I recommend it, if you want protection without breaking the bank. Granted, it's not got all the bells and whistles like some of the more advanced ones, but for us, this works just fine.

Protection from what? Surges are just one part of the story and it's much more likely one will suffer any one of a number of other electrical failures - low / high voltage, open neutral, open ground, reverse polarity, etc, to name but a few. I typically will have my Progressive EMS-HW30C shut down several times each season while we're camping and just as often when plugged in here at the house. Any of these simple surge protectors which may monitor for some line errors but do nothing about it are in fact next to useless. Ever see that commercial for LIfelock? - bank robbery in place, bank robbery monitor declares there's a robbery, but when asked by a terrified customer if he's going to do anything about it he replies that he's just a monitor, not a police officer. :R Same with these simple surge protectors - they may monitor for certain line errors but they do nothing about it. :S In every case a full function EMS with surge protection is FAR superior as it not only monitors for errors but will do something about it when it does detect an error - instantly shut down power to the trailer. These additional features are not "bells and whistles" but rather essentials.

myredracer wrote:

Bumpyroad wrote:

myredracer wrote:

Note: the hardwire Surge Guard carries a warning This Surge Guard device must be installed by a licensed electrician or by an RV dealer. So don't even think of installing it yourself. ;)
.

give me a break, not rocket science to fasten one in. just a CYA warning IMHO
bumpy

It was a snide joke, if that's what you meant... :R In comparison, PI only "recommends" using an electrician or an RV dealer so maby they neglected to hire a lawyer? I did the hardwire installation myself several years ago and nothing has blowed up yet. :E

remember people of all persuasions read these comments. some may take your comment seriously.
bumpy

Bumpyroad wrote:

myredracer wrote:

Note: the hardwire Surge Guard carries a warning This Surge Guard device must be installed by a licensed electrician or by an RV dealer. So don't even think of installing it yourself. ;)
.

give me a break, not rocket science to fasten one in. just a CYA warning IMHO
bumpy

It was a snide joke, if that's what you meant... :R In comparison, PI only "recommends" using an electrician or an RV dealer so maby they neglected to hire a lawyer? I did the hardwire installation myself several years ago and nothing has blowed up yet. :E

Bumpyroad wrote:

myredracer wrote:

Note: the hardwire Surge Guard carries a warning This Surge Guard device must be installed by a licensed electrician or by an RV dealer. So don't even think of installing it yourself. ;)
.

give me a break, not rocket science to fasten one in. just a CYA warning IMHO
bumpy

Maybe the winking eye means something :B

myredracer wrote:

Note: the hardwire Surge Guard carries a warning This Surge Guard device must be installed by a licensed electrician or by an RV dealer. So don't even think of installing it yourself. ;)
.

give me a break, not rocket science to fasten one in. just a CYA warning IMHO
bumpy

crazyro wrote:
I know the best kind are the ones which would be wired into the system, but saw this today and wondered if it would be any good. Is this a "better than nothing" or "you get what you pay for" situation? There is also a digital version available. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Actually, there is nothing wrong with the external type like you show in the photo. The internal "hardwired" type is not necessarily better IMO, just more convenient. I use the old style external Progressive Industries in the big black box with the digital readout. I've had it for about 2 years. I think PI replaced that model with something else. PI units have a lifetime warranty

The PI EMS is the only one to get! Unfortunately TRC causes much confusion by labelling their equivalent a "Surge Guard".

Besides some already noted reasons, it shuts down at 104 volts as opposed to the Surge Guard @ 102. Even 104 is a bit too low IMO. The PI is made in the US as opposed to Ch*na for the TRC. The lifetime warranty of the PI is simply worth it's weight in gold. I believe 2 or 3 specs on the PI are better if you look at them in detail side-side.

Our PI EMS has only shut us down once and I am really glad it did because we had low voltage and a simultaneous open ground. Low voltage isn't lethal but an open ground can be. Low voltage is probably the most common electrical issue by far. Besides getting an EMS, another useful tool is a permanent voltmeter inside, either a plug-in or hardwire LED type.

Note: the hardwire Surge Guard carries a warning This Surge Guard device must be installed by a licensed electrician or by an RV dealer. So don't even think of installing it yourself. ;)

My preference is the hardwire version. You won't forget it at the pedestal, it won't walk away, you eliminate an additional plug/connector connection and it's always there looking after you (even at home).

don't cheap out with the $99 specials, get a MULTI-FUNCTION surge protector. $250 and up. as has been said, you want/need more than simple protection from surges. and you CAN get suitable ones in a portable.
bumpy

SoundGuy wrote:

crazyro wrote:
I know the best kind are the ones which would be wired into the system ...

And how do you "know" this?

What I meant by "I know" is that an integrated system would be better than just a plug-in surge protector. Wasn't making a scientific statement. :)