Surge Protector

[WrightOn]

What do you use? I'm looking into Progressive Industries EMS-PT50X Portable RV Surge Protector - 50 Amp ($335 on Amazon).

How much difference is there between the expensive brands and the less expensive brands (Portable Surge Guard Protectors, 50 amp - $78)?

Signed, electricity knowledge-deficient camper

[SUMRX4]

I went with the Hughes power watch dog portable over progressive industries for two by reasons. One is it’s less expensive and two, if you have a surge that trips it, you can buy and replace the board inside where the progressive model requires you to replace the entire unit.

[work2much]

I have always used PD units but on the new Rig I went with a Hughes Watchdog. Progressive makes a quality product but Hughes has some advantages.

It has bluetooth app which is handy to alert when it disconnects from shore and also allows me to see where power is being used between legs of power. This is helpful to see what use and voltage is on each leg.

I went hard wired as I don't need to worry about theft or extra moves hooking up as well as extra friction electrical connections. (plugs) that aren't always great electrical connections. I mounted it in with the rest of the equipment.

In the last year it has disconnected power twice due to under and over voltage conditions. Each time giving me an alert on my phone. Each time being an unsafe condition from the parks electrical.

[Allworth]

Progressive Industries.

You can't buy the parts to run all the different tests a PI EMS does for what they cost.

[pianotuna]

TXiceman wrote:

pianotuna wrote:
I always check the voltage under load before I plug in.

How do you check under load before you plug in Unless you have load cell?

Ken

Since I am in a 30 amp RV, I made a 30 amp to 20 amp box, with 4 outlets. That allows me to plug in two high draw items. For example a hair drier, or the like. I plug in a kill-o-watt meter set for voltage. in another of the 4 outlets.

[TXiceman]

pianotuna wrote:
I always check the voltage under load before I plug in.

How do you check under load before you plug in Unless you have load cell?

Ken

[pianotuna]

I always check the voltage under load before I plug in.

[ACZL]

Check w/ Tweety's as well for price. Bought the EMS 50 last year (unit still in storage, but think it's same as being mentioned). Very well built unit and really like the features. Also bought a cable lock yo secure it to the power pole. Bit overboard perhaps, but should keep the 300 bucks spent safe.

[Paul_Clancy]

I have the pt50x and am happy with it. I feel it is worth the peace of mind.

[StephJohn2010]

Progressive Industries produces a high quality product. I have a build in/hardwired one.

[Dennis_M_M]

I have a Progressive Industries EMS-LCHW 50 that is a bit over ten years old. Started acting weird late last summer. Would take 5 to 20 minutes to start scan told him one issue - no receipt! He said OK, plan B, I'll send you a new circuit board! He sent free circuit board, I installed, works fine!

BTW these units are much more than a simple surge guard. They protect against a lot more issues than just a power surge.

[Me_Again]

With 30amp service a portable one is ok. With 50amp service a hard wired one in much better. If you loose neutral on a 50amp circuit you burn up all the AC items with 240 volts across them. Hard wired just ahead of the circuit panel protects you from problems with the power cord and cord reel if you have one.

PI with remote is the way to go.

Chris

[pianotuna]

Go whole hog or measure before you plug in for 50 amp service.

[old_guy]

get one that reset itself. not one that has to be sent back to get reset

[Paul_D_]

I can tell you from personal experience the customer service at Progressive Industries is top notch. Had a minor issue with a 30 amp unit and they sent new parts out fast and gave advise on how to best install them.