Surge/voltage protectors

[two_travelers]

Looking o add a surge protector to our coach. Previously, I had a Progressive Industries unit for over 11 yrs and feel it's time for a new one. I notice that Camco and Southwire also make similar units. How do these comparet to the Progressive units? Prefer a hard wired unit.

[TechWriter]

TechWriter wrote:

pianotuna wrote:
The surge suppression on the Hughes is identical to that of the PI unit.

Which PI unit? And how do you know?

pianotuna wrote:
Hi TechWriter,
The top of the line EMS from PI. As to the "how" the ratings are in the owners manual for each of the devices. So if we trust what they have written......

That's the thing . . . as far as I can see there is little explanation in the Hughes autoformer manual in what Hughes means by "advanced surge protection". On the other hand, PI is much more detailed about their high-end EMS unit.

So, again, how do you know Hughes and PI surge protection is identical?

[pianotuna]

Hi TechWriter,

The top of the line EMS from PI. As to the "how" the ratings are in the owners manual for each of the devices. So if we trust what they have written......

But then, I still believe that most damage comes from low voltage. My own comfort zone is no lower than 107 volts which is 3 volts higher than the PI EMS cut out. So I'll always prefer an autoformer. The Sola Basic does boost voltage before the fan and compressor are up to full speed and keeps it there for few seconds. I use it in the winter to get full wattage from the electric heaters that keep the RV toasty warm.

I've ordered one of the Micro-Air easy start units which may lower the start up surge down to 17 amps on the roof air.

The PI will monitor for a bad neutral during use, but that may be an exceeding rare event. Please do enlighten me if I am wrong.

TechWriter wrote:

pianotuna wrote:
The surge suppression on the Hughes is identical to that of the PI unit.

Which PI unit? And how do you know?

[wa8yxm]

Tec Writer.. To answer your questions I have both a True Surge protector (though not the PI unit) have read the manual for the PI units and spoken with owners.

And I have a Hughes autoformer, and again I have read the manual

And I am both a techincal writer, translator, and Electronics Technician.

So, I have studied the products in question and products like them as well.

So that is how I know.

Also, I've seen what happens when a true SURGE hits a Spike Supressor.. In fact I was there when it happened so I witnessed it.

By a true Surge I mean SUSTAINED over voltage, at least 2x normal.

IT was impressive.

[TechWriter]

wa8yxm wrote:
Hughes does have SPIKE supression, (not the same thing but most devices called Surge Protectors are really spike limiters)

How do you know?

[TechWriter]

pianotuna wrote:
The surge suppression on the Hughes is identical to that of the PI unit.

Which PI unit? And how do you know?

[wa8yxm]

pianotuna wrote:
TechWriter,

The surge suppression on the Hughes is identical to that of the PI unit. Both are inadequate for a serious surge such as a direct lightning strike.

NOT EVEN CLOSE... Hughes does have SPIKE supression, (not the same thing but most devices called Surge Protectors are really spike limiters) but the PI device, well most of them (They do make a spike supressor marketed as a surge protector) The ones with displays that show voltage, currennt and problems.. Those are TRUE surge protectors

What you ask, is the difference

Well you plug into say 90 volts.. so low that A/C compressors burn out quickly and your Hughes raises the voltage a bit. Hopefully enough Ok, so far we are good. But eventually it says "I give up" and thogh it raises the voltage a little,, not enough.

The real surge guard says "Too low. Shut off" and does.

Or you plug into your buddy's 30 amp outlet in his garage.. "Oh yeah, I have friends with RV's plug in there all the time" and with teh HUGHES BANG/ZOTTE, Smoke and first the Autoformer is toast.. and your converter,, and your microwave,, and your television and.. Well you get the idea, turns out that is a welder outlet 240 volts, not a TT-30 120 volts.

The PI units with info dislpay will tell you what you did and protect you.

So.. I'd go with the PI.

[John_Wayne]

Can't you send in your old one and get it up dated (reconditioned) for less then a new one. I think I read some where you could send in your old portable to be updated to the newer portables( bigger cable etc.) They just sold the company so do it before the new people take over who knows how they will handle things.

[pianotuna]

TechWriter,

The surge suppression on the Hughes is identical to that of the PI unit. Both are inadequate for a serious surge such as a direct lightning strike.

If you plug in the Hughes and the lights tell you there is an issue why would you plug in your RV?

I do a manual check before I plug in. I add a Sola Basic autoformer if it is needed. That protects me from brown outs down to 87 volts and bucks -10 volts at 135 volts.

[TechWriter]

pianotuna wrote:
I'd get the top of the line Hughes autoformer instead.

On first blush the Hughes Autoformer with Advanced Surge Protection sure looks like a good deal.

However, I can't find any specifics about the "advanced surge protection" on Hughes' site.

To me Hughes look like they copied TRC's Voltage Regulator as TRC's unit has a bunch of lights that just indicate an electrical fault, but do nothing to protect against faults.

[pianotuna]

I'd get the top of the line Hughes autoformer instead.

[two_travelers]

It was a big job taking out of one we were trading in and I did not have time or tools to do the job. Tech at Progressive indicated that there are just so many surges the unit can take before the MOV device does not work well. He seemed to think that, if we could swing it, a new one would be a good idea. No way to tell how many sugres it had sustained and I figured that after 10+ years of regular use, it was time for a new one. With all the $$ we were spending a few more would not matter.

[ccxnola]

Mine (Progressive - Hard Wired)is over 10 years since installation. It has saved me from untold grief several times. I'm not planning to replace it.

[chiefneon]

Howdy!

The Progressive units come with a lifetime warranty. Why would you need a new one?

"Happy Trails"
Chiefneon