Surge Protectors. Do You Use One?

[mr__ed]

I've ordered a portable surge protector from Camping World and expect to have it by next Thurs. Amazingly, I've managed to be OK without using one during my entire full time RVing career. I now feel that for the cost of one of these units (about $100+) the peace of mind is worth it.

If you're using one let us know if it has ever "saved your bacon" on occasion.

[Dustytuu]

Always use one. Ours is wired into the 5th wheel. It has alerted us to different electrical problems with hook ups. Low voltage etc.

[John_S_]

Have used one since the beginning. Hard wired in so easy. Saved me one time while the guy next to me on both sides was fried. It was a loose neutral I was told and ihad to replace mine but he had to replace his charger inverter ac and fridge. All newer FT come with surge protection and now seem to have the progressive system.

[khahuna]

Saved our "bacon" 2 weeks ago in Georgia. Stopped for the evening in Valdosta and hooked up. Started the A/C. Everything working great. Went to supper about an hour later. We were gone for about 90 minutes and upon returning noticed A/C not working. Checked circuit breakers in coach and then pedestal breaker which was tripped. Reset and then noticed the large black burn stripe on surge protector ... toast! Stopped in Byron, GA and purchased another protector next day and had it installed in Chattanooga, TN the following morning. I would never be without one after this episode.

[Desert_Captain]

Pulled into Merry Meadows, a nice, large family style RV park on the MD/PA border and found an open ground. Moved to another site and the power is fine. This is the second time in 12 days/2800+ miles that my Surge Guard EMS has found a problem. Yes the SG is worth every penny!
:C

[mr__ed]

Well, I picked up my Surge Guard at Camping World today. Got the model with the bells & whistles. They were real nice in honoring the sale price, which ended yesterday. The cost was $222 (I believe the regular price was around $356). So, I'm a happy camper. I managed to dodge the bullet all these years without a surge protector, but no more dodging for me. 🙂

Surge Guard model 34730

[rvten]

Purchased my new Progressive EMS today.
So back in a protected zone again.
Saved a few $$ rally price.

[homefor2]

A friend has had to replace 2 refrigerator circuit boards due to dirty power. Very expensive lessons. I have a Progressive Industries EMS and feel its well worth it.

There are 2 kinds of buyers for these types of protection, A buyers and B buyers. A buyers are the ones that buy AFTER the incident, B buyers are those that buy BEFORE and incident can happen. It's a lot like home security systems. Ever notice how people instantly buy a security system right AFTER their home is broken into ?

[nomad297]

nelson wrote:
I have one, Used it for a short while, Not using it anymore.

That's smart. :h

[nelson]

I have one, Used it for a short while, Not using it anymore.

[mr__ed]

Well, I'm giving careful consideration to your comments here and will check out the higher rated units at Camping World. They have an Internet sale on Surge Guards that expires today. I'm going to try to get them to honor the sale tomorrow. The savings are quite generous on the higher rated units. 🙂

I have to go to Camping World anyway to return something and would rather pick up the Surge Guard in person than have it shipped.

[CA_Traveler]

I once had 160V on a properly wired 30A pedestal. The problem was a bad neutral in the CG 240/120V distribution system. My Progressive Industries HW50C shut down the power long before I could react. I've also found 3 cases of reverse polarity on a 30A CG plug. Plus numerous cases of low voltage especially in the summer with ACs running.

I've never had a problem with any 50A plug. Most 50A plugs are newer and the wiring is heavier. While many rigs can use the full power available in a 30A plug (3,600W) very very few rigs come close to using the full power of a 50A plug (12,000W).

[Sailordive]

We use the Progressive Portable EMS. Once at a Texas state Park I found a reverse polarity and at a relatives home had low voltage when they turned on a coffe maker in the AM. Both times the EMS cut the power. Lifetime warranty and all the various features made it make the most sense for me. I bpcan leave the voltmeter and polarity tester at home since it is all built in.

[northmeck0255]

rvten wrote:
Just had a SG burn up at a CG.
Going to replace it as soon as we get to Escapade in Goshen next week.
Every RV made should have a EMS as part of standard equipment.

I'm happy you escaped without injuries or serious damage. We very nearly lost our fiver to a power surge. We now have two surge protectors. One installed and one on the power cord. No further problems.

[rvten]

Just had a SG burn up at a CG.
Going to replace it as soon as we get to Escapade in Goshen next week.
Every RV made should have a EMS as part of standard equipment.