Forum Discussion

Carvin_Marvin's avatar
Apr 27, 2016

Surge Guard

I have a 14 yr old 30 amp hard wired Surge Guard. Is there a way to determine if it is still working other than experiencing an over voltage situation? I emailed the company, they have opted not to respond.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    If you were parked next to me we coudl test it, I can generate both a low and high voltage situtation in a manner that WILL NOT damage your RV I can also tell you how to protect the RV during testing in this message:

    TURN OFF THE MAIN CIRCUIT BREAKER... Yup, that is how you protect the RV.

    Now: What I have is a 3-amp Variable auto-transformer (Variac) it can output from zero to just about the cut off voltage of my Surge Guard. I have the means to add a few volts to that.. But it's only a 3 amp (So you have to turn off the main breaker of you will pop it's fuse)

    Then you plug in the RV (Via an adapter) and a volt meter and dial in the voltages.. or slowly increase, or decrease the voltage till the Surge Guard "objects" and shuts you off... That's how you test.

    Finally remove the variac to storage plug in and turn the main breaker back on.


    NOTE: I got the Variac for testing Other stuff (You use them when you restore vintage electronics to service) but it works for this too. I have 2 of them.
  • My two year old Surge Guard started showing an open neutral at the past 5 campgrounds. I have verified that the unit has an issue by comparing its reading to a Sperry circuit tester. Talked to a tech and he said it is possible the LED burned out. Since I don't have an extended warranty he was not willing to help any further.
  • My SurgeGuard has been working for 13 years. It's saved me on several occasions and is still on the job. The dispute over brand is the ole Chevy v Ford krap.
  • I just called them. The tech was very informative. He told me the indications of a failed unit. Mine appears to be quite happy.
  • Sam Spade wrote:
    Some otherwise good companies still consider Email communications as an annoyance instead of a marketing tool.

    If you can find a phone number, give them a call.

    They will probably have a technician call you back. I called them 6 years, 3 months 14 days ago... still waiting for the call back. I bought a Progressive unit 6 years, 3 months and 12 days ago. Better unit anyway.
  • Some otherwise good companies still consider Email communications as an annoyance instead of a marketing tool.

    If you can find a phone number, give them a call.
  • Maybe the company gave you the answer by not responding?
  • No surprise there. Get a Progressive Industries, best unit on the market and a life time warranty and excellent customer service.

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