Can I lay my surge protector on the ground?

[DallasSteve]

I bought a surge protector for my electric connection. People kept telling me I need to get one so I did. My trailer has a screw on electric connection on the side of the trailer so I want to use that connection as designed which means my only other option is to connect the surge protector at the circuit breaker box. It's long so one end will be on the ground connected to the long cable. Is that a bad idea, as in getting wet when we have a big rain? I posted photos of my electric connection on the wall and the surge protector connected on the ground.

[CA_Traveler]

DallasSteve wrote:
MFL

This park is in pretty bad shape all the way around, but it's about $200 a month cheaper than anything else in the area, so I'm content. I'll take economy over luxury on my budget.

That's a very good reason to replace your unit with a PI unit as posted above to protect your RV, most likely problem is low voltage.

[pianotuna]

DallasSteve,

Think about making a 1 foot extension cord where the male plug can be sacrificed--protecting the power cord on the RV from needing replacement plugs.

[DallasSteve]

MFL

This park is in pretty bad shape all the way around, but it's about $200 a month cheaper than anything else in the area, so I'm content. I'll take economy over luxury on my budget.

[MFL]

I camped at a really busy, large SP, that had a little sign on each pedestal to use a bungee cord to secure your rv plug into receptacle. You said you plan to be parked there for long term, reason I mentioned that they might do some up dating for you.

[MFL]

Your solution looks like it will do the job. The stand is even color matched to your protector. 🙂

A loose fit connection is never a good thing. That box looks like it is reaching retirement. If you ask management, they might at least replace the worn socket, and breaker, giving consistent power to your trailer.

Jerry

[DallasSteve]

I finished my Dollar Tree $3 special to support the surge protector off the ground. I like the solution, but it would be even better if I can find a way to secure it to the ground. The 30 Amp plug on my box is pretty loose and it can be easily pulled out of the socket and I can lose power in the trailer. I may check Walmart or eBay to see if there is something like tent spikes I can buy to secure it to the ground. It may end up being a $5 or $7 solution.

[LadyRVer]

I have had to lay it on the ground if the receptacle was a "low" one. I would put a small board under the surge protector. Don't know how much good it did, but it made me feel better.

[wa8yxm]

Looking at that "Surge Protector" I'd say you need to upgrade
Your choice of two
For many years the Progressive Industries HW-30/50c was considered the cadillac of Surge protectors The HW means Hard wired.. INSIDE the RV, out of sight of sticky fingers.. 30/50 refers to 30 or 50 amp RV c.. I assume there was an a and a b and c was the latest versison but that is an assumption

They came with a Lifetime or limited lifetime guarantee (limited to orgianal owner) but I understand they may have a period of time guarantee now.

The other company was TRC who made the "SURGE GUARD" brand and they too offer a Hard Wired as well as portables and ones like the above (Oh PI makes those too)

They were.. some year back, purchased by Southwire and where as TRC had I believe a 1 year guarantee.. Southwire upped it to Limited Lifetime or so they tell me.

The HARD wired WITH a remote is what I recommend. Out of sight out of mind.

Now why should you upgrade.

The unit you have is not much protection.. Oh it is a decent spike protector and the Lights will tell you if a park is miswiered but that's about all.

The top end units like the TRC I had however do a bit more

They monitor voltage.. if it goes to high (Like 130 (not sure of the cut off) They shut you off because high voltage can be a problem.. Same if it goes too low (Like 105) and though many tell me "No such animal" there are outlets that you can easily plug a TT-30 plug into but they are 240 And I've met an electrician who was installing a TT-30 outlet for a customer and I noticed he had a dual-ganged 30 amp breaker (normal for a 240 volt install) Pointed out that TT-30s are 120 volt.. Saved him a rather expensive insurance claim and possible law suit.

Back then there were dozen of "OPPS I pluged a 30 amp into 240 volt" thread s

Well the top end unit protect you when you do that.

Another feature is time delay.. i plug in and go inside and just shy of 3 minutes after POWER ON outside I hear a CLUNK and power on INSIDE as well. What is the signifance of 3 minutes.

I've seen man power "Blinks" Where poer goes out for just a second or a few seconds.. Now imagine that an Air conditioner is runnng and power BLINKS The unit pictured says "oh well" and clips a few spikes but when power returns that poor compressor is not trying to start with a full head of pressure (NOT Going to happen. what's going to happen is a stalled rotor and overheat as it stays in START too long)

With the nearly 3 minute pause the Surge Guards cause it has time to bleed down and do a normal restart.. No damage.

[midnightsadie]

MFL great idea think I,ll do that too.cut a small slot on each side but the cables threw close.

[Grit_dog]

It will remove any possibility of a short from moisture if weather proofed.
But short of the plug connections being submerged, you shouldn’t expect any issue with a t getting rained on.
Again conditions vary. Wet and exposed for months at a time is different than rain showers sometimes in otherwise nice weather. Long term degradation and oxidation of components vs getting wet and then drying out in a reasonable amount of time.

[MFL]

I'm not a dollar tree customer, but I'd think they'd have a workable plastic tote to keep your electrics out of the weather. Should be easy to custom design with a sharp knife, or box cutter.

Jerry

[DallasSteve]

Thanks for the replies. I edited my original post with a photo of the surge protector on the ground. Here is is again. The electrical connection is about 1 or 2 inches off the ground, but we could get a puddle deeper than that. It sounds like a unanimous vote. I should put it on a box and then a second box to cover it. I bet I can find something at Dollar Tree that I can make work with a little cutting and maybe some duct tape. The circuit breaker box on my site is pretty low to the ground. 😞

[wa8yxm]

Can you lay it on the ground.. Yes but I'd not do it

Get a box.. Something like a milk crate and lay that down. Then get another box (Solid sides and bottom( and lay that over it to shield from rain
Rain is bad for all things electrical
Sun for LCD displays.

[fj12ryder]

Mine sits out rain or shine. It has a cover for the connection to the trailer. Never had any issues. It can depend a lot on what kind of surge protector you have and if it is weather/water proof. What does the manufacturer recommend?