Surge Protector use with general

[Bob_Vaughn]

When using an external generator should a surge protector be used to protect the camper?

[SoundGuy]

Bob Vaughn wrote:
I thought it was a straight forward question. Just like driving with shoes on or shoes off...

Several of us have detailed why yours isn't a "straight forward question" but you still won't answer the questions asked - which generator, which surge protector, or are we really talking about an EMS? :h Without that information no one can answer your question. :R

[westom]

Bob Vaughn wrote:
Power surges

Power surge is a vague term that describes numerous and completely unrelated anomalies. For example, too much current from a USB device is a surge. Low DC voltage inside a computer is a surge. Even reverse polarity or open neutral gets called a surge.

Assistance is only possible by defining the anomaly that causes a concern. Too much current? Too little voltage? Floating ground? High voltage? Spike? Which 'surge' (defined numerically) is a concern?

[Bob_Vaughn]

ol Bombero-JC wrote:

Bob Vaughn wrote:
When using an external generator should a surge protector be used to protect the camper?

Bob - besides answering the other posters questions....
*everything* generator - including the grounding/bonding issues
can be found on the TECH ISSUES forum - often at great length!

Search current year and archives for LOTS and lots of reading -
with plenty of discussion & answers to your Qs!..:C

~

I thought it was a straight forward question. Just like driving with shoes on or shoes off...

[ol_Bombero-JC]

Oops - dble post (keyboard surge!)

[ol_Bombero-JC]

Bob Vaughn wrote:
When using an external generator should a surge protector be used to protect the camper?

Bob - besides answering the other posters questions....
*everything* generator - including the grounding/bonding issues
can be found on the TECH ISSUES forum - often at great length!

Search current year and archives for LOTS and lots of reading -
with plenty of discussion & answers to your Qs!..:C

~

[SoundGuy]

To repeat - sure would help if we knew just which "surge protector" and "external" generator the OP is talking about. :R

[wa8yxm]

There are two types of "Surge Protector" one is nothing more than a Spike suppressor Some "Contractor Grade" generators are big time with spikes. (They hammer your electronics just like they hammer your ears)
Inverter Generators are not so big on spikes (As in they generally do not produce any)

NOTE: Spike suppressors can only do so much, then they need replacement.

the other kind of surge guard is voltage/frequency monitor

Now again, with inverter generators not needed, They already have that feature built in as it were.

With contractor jobs.. Well, depends.

NOTE: before plugging in do test voltage.

[SoundGuy]

DrewE wrote:
One rather important exception is certain Yamaha inverter generators and PI EMSs that don't play well together (potentially damaging the EMS, and not covered by PI's otherwise comprehensive warranty). There's a disclaimer on the PI web site about this problem.

Progressive Industries Yamaha EF2000iS Disclaimer. That said, Yamaha's latest version of this genset - the EF2000iSv2 - may solve this issue ... Progressive just isn't saying. 😉

[DrewE]

In general, it shouldn't be necessary, but it doesn't hurt anything either. With an EMS, you do need to take care to bond the neutral and ground together or it will complain about an open ground (as SoundGuy mentioned).

One rather important exception is certain Yamaha inverter generators and PI EMSs that don't play well together (potentially damaging the EMS, and not covered by PI's otherwise comprehensive warranty). There's a disclaimer on the PI web site about this problem.

[SoundGuy]

Bob Vaughn wrote:
Power surges

Why would a properly operating generator "power surge"? :h

Again - are we talking about a simple "surge protector" or an EMS? :h

[Bob_Vaughn]

Power surges

[SoundGuy]

Bob Vaughn wrote:
When using an external generator should a surge protector be used to protect the camper?

Assuming the genset is running correctly, "protect the camper" from what? :h

Of bigger issue is whether the output of the genset in question has a floating neutral that may be interpreted by what you're calling a "surge protector" as having an open ground. Question is - exactly which "surge protector" are we talking about OR is it really an EMS? :h