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DD716TED's avatar
DD716TED
Explorer
Apr 23, 2015

Another Surge Protector Post

Whenever I pull into a RV space, the first thing I do before plugging my travel trailer into the power pedistal is I plug a yellow device into the 30 amp outlet (using adaptor) to check for polarity / open / gound issues... when all reads well, I plug my trailer into the 30 amp receptical... I am looking at a 2000+ Joules surge protector from CW... No over / under voltage protection but I seldom if ever use my Air Conditioner.. Only use a TV / Satellite receiver / refrigerator / power converter panel when plugged in. Is the over / under voltage protection / time delay feature offered by the more expensive Progressive Industries EMS system really needed when my uses are minimal and just looking for surge protection? Comments??
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Apr 23, 2015
    The more expensive EMS protectors are only worth the cost in the event that your appliances take a hit. You will have to make the decision if protecting your appliances is worth the extra for the under/over voltage protection.

    If you do get a surge protector, read carefully how it is made and what types of surge it can handle. They are not all the same.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Apr 23, 2015
    Is the insurance on your house, vehicles, rv, medical, life worth the cost....

    At least with Progressive it's just a one time cost vs monthly premium.

    We traveled weekly many different CGs, many different locations so had no pre-knowledge of areas/cgs etc.
    Progressive EMS was worth to us.

    Prior to full time travel never had one..just used a meter sometimes but most times didn't even worry
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Apr 23, 2015
    The polarity check is a good first step. I suggest checking voltage under load.

    DD716TED wrote:
    Whenever I pull into a RV space, the first thing I do before plugging my travel trailer into the power pedistal is I plug a yellow device into the 30 amp outlet (using adaptor) to check for polarity / open / gound issues... when all reads well, I plug my trailer into the 30 amp receptical... Comments??
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Apr 23, 2015
    Nice looking digital AC plug in voltmeters are very cheap on eBay. Simply turn off 120vac electronic devices if voltage rises to 130 volts or sags to 105.
  • mpierce's avatar
    mpierce
    Explorer
    Apr 23, 2015
    MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
    Nice looking digital AC plug in voltmeters are very cheap on eBay. Simply turn off 120vac electronic devices if voltage rises to 130 volts or sags to 105.


    What if you happen to be sitting outside when the voltage sags, or doing something else?

    I have had my PD trip a couple times. It happened late afternoon, as more and more AC's were kicking on in the campground as it filled up. We were outside. Could have been inside, and just not watching the meter all the time too.

    Potentially saved our AC's, and/or other electronic devices. Consider it insurance.
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Apr 23, 2015
    DD716TED wrote:
    Whenever I pull into a RV space, the first thing I do before plugging my travel trailer into the power pedistal is I plug a yellow device into the 30 amp outlet (using adaptor) to check for polarity / open / gound issues...


    ... then BEFORE plugging in check the unloaded source voltage ...



    ... and if it's anything less than ~ 110 vac you want to think about whether you really do want to plug in and draw from that source, knowing that under load that incoming voltage is going to drop even further, possibly below 105, 104 vac.

    when all reads well, I plug my trailer into the 30 amp receptical...


    Assuming you're satisfied the source voltage is adequate, NOW is the time to plug in. Also not a bad idea to continue monitoring that incoming source voltage with the circuit under load during your stay ... I use a Kill-a-Watt meter conveniently mounted near the galley where it's easy to see at a glance.

  • Bobbo's avatar
    Bobbo
    Explorer II
    Apr 23, 2015
    Depends on whether you like the electronic control boards of your refrigerator, water heater, converter, television, etc.
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Apr 23, 2015
    Hi,

    Those are 12 volt items. Put a cheap surge suppressor on the "feed" to the converter. Put another one on the television if it happens to be 120 volt.

    Bobbo wrote:
    Depends on whether you like the electronic control boards of your refrigerator, water heater, converter, television, etc.
  • HappyKayakers's avatar
    HappyKayakers
    Explorer
    Apr 23, 2015
    I really want to hear more about all the folks who just sit in the RV for the entire stay, staring at a volt meter to see when they need to unplug. Do you ever get any sleep? See any sights?

    Get the PI EMS and enjoy your stay. It will cut off power to your RV for several different dangerous situations, wait 2 minutes, then reestablish power if it's safe.

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