Surge Protectors

[10forty2]

First, I've searched and all I could find were arguments. Second, I know I want one, but am not sure as to which style...portable or wired-in. After a couple of low voltage campsite pedestals, I figure I need SOMETHING to keep me from ruining my electronics on-board.

So....who has what advice? And yes, I will GLADLY accept links to good ones. For the record, I am leaning towards a permanently wired in EMS, but what are the pros and cons and what are good ones and bad ones?

Thanks in advance!!

[time2roll]

AllegroD wrote:
I would eliminate #1 as the PI EMS should be between the shore and ATS. And if you have a manual plug in then a portable PI does that.

Hardwired EMS and portable inverter generator would be reason to bypass.
Or you need a bonding plug.

[time2roll]

Open ground I will not plug in period.

[AllegroD]

I would eliminate #1 as the PI EMS should be between the shore and ATS. And if you have a manual plug in then a portable PI does that.

[Bumpyroad]

Houston Remodeler wrote:
Two reasons to bypass:

1- You're using a generator
2- You have no ground BUT trust the source. Recently had this experience at one of our favorite CG's. The outlet was bad, but since we knew the weather would be clear with no chance of lightening, and the area isn't known for brown outs or spikes, we bypassed the EMS. The outlet was replaced by camp staff during the week.

I would add #3 which i have done on occasion, if the voltage is low, I will use some electrical items, 120 volt light bulb lamps, etc. or cheap toasters etc. and even the smaller/cheaper AC that I installed in my bed room for just these occasions. IIRC when in bypass mode it retains the protection against spikes.

bumpy

[Houston_Remodel]

Two reasons to bypass:

1- You're using a generator
2- You have no ground BUT trust the source. Recently had this experience at one of our favorite CG's. The outlet was bad, but since we knew the weather would be clear with no chance of lightening, and the area isn't known for brown outs or spikes, we bypassed the EMS. The outlet was replaced by camp staff during the week.

[AllegroD]

Why would you get a PI EMS and then bypass it? Makes no sense. It is designed to protect your coach by cutting off if too low and suppress spikes/surge.

[AAFD]

We went with the Progressive hard wired for our new RV. Well worth it the cost!!

KC

[Houston_Remodel]

I meant they were not surprised about the weather, the power surges, or outages in sections of the camp.

The power company had crews on site a few days but I'm not sure if that was scheduled work, upgrades, or repairs.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

That implies that they had no observable damage. Yes? No?

The best protection is to unplug. But in the case of serious EMF that won't help either.

Houston Remodeler wrote:
The long term residents didn't flinch.

[Houston_Remodel]

Might want to start buying some lottery tickets.

April 2015 we were between Orlando and Tampa. Every day around 1pm the skies would open with severe lightening and rain lasting half an hour or so. Over the 8 day stay our surge protector did its job a number of times, saving our TT. The long term residents didn't flinch.

[BUTCHPHI]

I must be the luckiest guy in the world (haven't won the lottery yet though), 17 years traveling all over US (including Alaska) and Canada (135000 plus miles), total of at least 550 different hookups / campgrounds and haven't fried or ruined anything yet. I do have a "Good Governor" monitor plugged into a visible outlet that I check after plugging in and before I fire anything up and then keep an eye on during our stay and that has been my guide for all those years. Not saying that a Progressive Unit is a bad thing just having a little trouble believing it is as critical an item as some seem to profess.

[JFC]

You made a good decision with the PI unit. We had one installed six years ago when the coach was new. Over the years it saved us twice at CGs. But there is another great reason for PI. Twice I've had problems with the unit, neither time a PI issue. Once the inside display went blank but we still had power, and another time after parking in storage, no power to the unit. We store indoors with 15A service to keep batteries and frig going. Both times were on a Saturday morning. I e-mailed PI and received a reply from the president of PI within the hour, on a Saturday. Display problem was the connector for the display had come loose and in storage, at his suggestion, I changed the 30 to 15 adapter, problem solved. Great customer service.

[CharlesinGA]

I opted for the Progressive EMS HWC-30C. More than just surge protection, it does everything. I like the remote, I can see the voltage, cycles, amps being drawn, and error codes. Didn't want to fool with a loose portable unit, having to cable lock it to the pedestal, plug getting damaged from a worn out pedestal receptacle, etc, permanent, its there, cannot forget to use it.

Charles

[catkins]

If you get a low voltage cutoff, I'd think twice before bypassing. Long term damage can occur when running with low power. If you consistently encounter low voltage situations, you might want to look at an Autoformer that "sweetens" the power so voltage comes up. We carry and use the autoformer only a time or two a year but nice to have when needed.

Congrats on the Progressive. You may never know how many times it saves you but can be certain it will if needed.

[10forty2]

Just an update. Ordered the Progressive Industries HW-50C hardwired unit. Received it yesterday and installed it today. Very easy install and so far all is good with the coach plugged into the 50AMP receptacle here at the house. Heading for a week-long stay at the local lake/State Park. That's where I had problems once before, so it'll be interesting to see how the EMS rates the power at the pedestal.