RV Power Protection
I looked over the Operating Instructions for both the Surge Guard 30 amp portable and Progressive Industries 30 amp portable.
This is why I like and bought the Progressive Industries unit:
Progressive monitors and displays frequency
Progressive is “Weather Resistant” – Surge is “Corrosion Resistant”
Progressive indicates when the surge protection components have failed. This is important because these devices degrade as they protect. It has been found that home power strips with surge protection can start fires when the protection devices have failed. Power strips are now including an indicator that shows when the devices / strip should be replaced. If the RV power protection units use the same surge protection components as home power strips, this indicator is a good thing.
For my Pleasure Way, someone using hands only could disconnect the power cord from the RV, unplug the Surge Guard from the power box and walk off with all; including the optional lock hasp which locks the Surge Guard unit to the RV power cord connection. The Progressive has a lock bracket, which when used with a chain and lock requires someone to at least have minimal tools to get the Progressive unit.
The Progressive unit is made in the U.S.A.
One year warranty for the Surge Guard; Lifetime for the Progressive.
Other clues:
Camping World shows the weight of the Surge Guard as 2 pounds and the Progressive as 3.5 pounds.
Web site searches found many people happy with Progressive. When problems were experienced, great Pleasure Way type customer service was reported. Two electrical technicians opened Progressive boxes and they were pleased with the quality of the work that they saw.
Camping World ads seem to push the Surge Guard; as if they make more money by selling them. Sort of like in the super market; Surge Guard would be displayed at eye level and Progressive closer to your knees. When I select “Power Protection” on Camping World’s main page, the picture of the Progressive unit does not even mention the name of the company who made it; I need to work down to “Technical Specs” to find out who made the device. The Progressive unit is only available on-line or by catalog; from Camping World.
Without a Consumer Report type of unit comparison, it is harder to judge how things will really turn out, but my Progressive unit works as advertised in the driveway and time will tell.
Chuck Sorensen
Buellton, California
2012 Ford Excel TS
This is why I like and bought the Progressive Industries unit:
Progressive monitors and displays frequency
Progressive is “Weather Resistant” – Surge is “Corrosion Resistant”
Progressive indicates when the surge protection components have failed. This is important because these devices degrade as they protect. It has been found that home power strips with surge protection can start fires when the protection devices have failed. Power strips are now including an indicator that shows when the devices / strip should be replaced. If the RV power protection units use the same surge protection components as home power strips, this indicator is a good thing.
For my Pleasure Way, someone using hands only could disconnect the power cord from the RV, unplug the Surge Guard from the power box and walk off with all; including the optional lock hasp which locks the Surge Guard unit to the RV power cord connection. The Progressive has a lock bracket, which when used with a chain and lock requires someone to at least have minimal tools to get the Progressive unit.
The Progressive unit is made in the U.S.A.
One year warranty for the Surge Guard; Lifetime for the Progressive.
Other clues:
Camping World shows the weight of the Surge Guard as 2 pounds and the Progressive as 3.5 pounds.
Web site searches found many people happy with Progressive. When problems were experienced, great Pleasure Way type customer service was reported. Two electrical technicians opened Progressive boxes and they were pleased with the quality of the work that they saw.
Camping World ads seem to push the Surge Guard; as if they make more money by selling them. Sort of like in the super market; Surge Guard would be displayed at eye level and Progressive closer to your knees. When I select “Power Protection” on Camping World’s main page, the picture of the Progressive unit does not even mention the name of the company who made it; I need to work down to “Technical Specs” to find out who made the device. The Progressive unit is only available on-line or by catalog; from Camping World.
Without a Consumer Report type of unit comparison, it is harder to judge how things will really turn out, but my Progressive unit works as advertised in the driveway and time will tell.
Chuck Sorensen
Buellton, California
2012 Ford Excel TS
