Surge protector

Go with hard wired. No messing around with pedestal and chance of theft.


Progressive EMS-HW50C here.


C.B.

I wouldn't plug in without one. Get an EMS as they provide more protection than just a surge protector. Progressive Industries and Hughes Power Watchdog are both I would consider.

Receptacles in campgrounds get pretty worn. I have seen some ugly electricals. We've been using a plug in protector 15 years and it's saved me several times. Has tripped from lightening strikes nearby and poor neutral connections, low voltage, etc. Cheap insurance IMO.

First off, I consider them to be “ insurance “ . Every time we go camping the first thing I do is plug in my surge protector/ EMS. Then I plug plug in my shore power cord . We have never had any problems, but you never know when the first time will be. Next, is it worth it? Is your house insurance worth it? Is your car insurance worth it? Only you can decide that. I suggest you get the best one you can afford.

you have a couple of choices
a) a surge protector ONLY. will protect against very high voltage surges
b) A EMS (electric dmonitor system) which usually has

surge protector
low voltage protection. won't turn on if voltage is low, around 100V
high voltage protection. disconnects if voltage goes above a certain level, around 130V
open ground protection. won't connect if it detects an open ground
open neutral protects against a plug with an open neutral
hot/neutral reverse. protects against a plug with hot an neutral reversed
on 30A units usually protection against accidental connection to 240V miswire

The above won't allow poewr to the trailer if any of the above occur. Usually takes about 15 seconds before they will allow connection as it checks for all the above.

Are they worth it? depends. However ours has on multiple occasions showed an open ground on the pedistal, usually on a pretty worn out 30A plug,

And has shut off on rare occasions when voltage dropped below the 100ish limit. protects the AC Motors don't like low voltage, (a) counterintuative but current increases as voltage decreases. max power drops, heating problems.

Personally a surge protector only is not something I would go for. EMS yes.

progressive industries has several and there are other companies as well that sell them.