Surge Supressors

[r2pipes]

Just picked up a new Jayco 321 Fifth wheel. Since most manufacturers do include any type of surge suppression, I have always purchased a post type suppressor just for the added protection. I am now looking at a Progressive Industries HW-50 that will provide surge protection as well as additional filtering of the incoming electric. This "better" system will provide surge protection as well as current deviation protection. I am questioning if this really needed or is it over kill. I can see surges in the line but is a drop or deviation in current common enough to justify the cost of a suppressor like the HW-50, about $300. Anyone had any experience with this..

[Bayerlake]

Thank you so much for the info.

[Greene728]

avvidclif1 wrote:
Buy the 50a model and hardwire it in. Then it will protect on 30 and 50 both. If you don't want to hardwire it in but use the portable one buy the 50a and put the 30a adapter between it and the pedestal.

What he said!

[avvidclif1]

Buy the 50a model and hardwire it in. Then it will protect on 30 and 50 both. If you don't want to hardwire it in but use the portable one buy the 50a and put the 30a adapter between it and the pedestal.

[Bayerlake]

This is probably a silly question, but here goes:
our new Outback 326RL can use 50 amp service but with a different plug can use 30 amp service. Do I need a 50 amp surge protector? or when using 30 amp service will I need a 30 amp surge protector, too?

[Paul_Clancy]

Again no. Progressive industries is the real deal.

[Greene728]

Bumpyroad wrote:

fj12ryder wrote:
Well, I'll chime in about the SurgeGuard unit.

I've used the portable SurgeGuard 50 amp unit for about 5 years with no issues. It works like it's supposed to and has shut down when necessary, and not allowed the current through when first plugged in, like it supposed to. No complaints so far.

yep, used my 30 amper for 2-3 times that long with no "lifetime" repairs needed. perhaps if they fail a bunch, they have to give that guarantee?
bumpy

Nice try, but nope.
They are both good units I'm sure. Looked at both myself. However, the company who owns SurgeGuard is Southwire of North America. A monstrous corporation that is all about productivity and the bottom line. Nothing wrong with that, making money is what makes the world go round. PI is still family owned and operated and about making money too I'm sure. But there not part of corporate America and still care about customers and the companies reputation as well as standing behind their products. Research them both enough and you'll see for yourself which one fails the most and which company stands behind them when they do.

[Bumpyroad]

fj12ryder wrote:
Well, I'll chime in about the SurgeGuard unit.

I've used the portable SurgeGuard 50 amp unit for about 5 years with no issues. It works like it's supposed to and has shut down when necessary, and not allowed the current through when first plugged in, like it supposed to. No complaints so far.

yep, used my 30 amper for 2-3 times that long with no "lifetime" repairs needed. perhaps if they fail a bunch, they have to give that guarantee?
bumpy

[fj12ryder]

Well, I'll chime in about the SurgeGuard unit.

I've used the portable SurgeGuard 50 amp unit for about 5 years with no issues. It works like it's supposed to and has shut down when necessary, and not allowed the current through when first plugged in, like it supposed to. No complaints so far.

[CA_Traveler]

avvidclif1 wrote:

wredman wrote:
lots of recommendation for the progressive ems, what about the surge guard ems (with voltage monitoring)

Camping world has them on sale now, and I got a coupon at the ready.

1 year warranty vs lifetime. Your choice. Lots of praise for the Progressive support. Never seen anything about the other.

Plus the PI hardwired units are field serviceable vs having to ship the unit back.

[avvidclif1]

wredman wrote:
lots of recommendation for the progressive ems, what about the surge guard ems (with voltage monitoring)

Camping world has them on sale now, and I got a coupon at the ready.

1 year warranty vs lifetime. Your choice. Lots of praise for the Progressive support. Never seen anything about the other.

[Bumpyroad]

wredman wrote:
lots of recommendation for the progressive ems, what about the surge guard ems (with voltage monitoring)

Camping world has them on sale now, and I got a coupon at the ready.

I used a surge guard 30 amp unit for several years with no issues. I "assume" you are talking about a full featured one, $250 and up?
bumpy

[wredman]

lots of recommendation for the progressive ems, what about the surge guard ems (with voltage monitoring)

Camping world has them on sale now, and I got a coupon at the ready.

[joe_puma]

Never had it on my TT, but I went with the 50-C hardwired on my fiver. Small price compared to cost of the rig. Midway through the season it tripped at home. Somehow lost the ground in the whip to my recep at home. Hardwired is always on and protects if the power cord is bad.

[CA_Traveler]

In 12 years my HW50C has protected 2 rigs from virtually every type of pedestal problem.

Generally utility power is very reliable but CG power tends towards old age, worn parts, lack of maintenance, miswired, etc.

How about 160V on a 30A pedestal? That would have fried the equipment if unprotected.