surge

Having MOV device protection is like having a 400 pound gorilla neighbor state, "If you ever gotta problem out there getting strong-armed, you got my cell phone number".

Metal Oxide Varistors do work, but react v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y.
High frequency high amplitude transients are ignored and those are the ones that will eat your electronic's integrated circuits for lunch. Line surge protectors with MOVS P-L-U-S Avalanche Rectifiers are the way to go.

Ummm, Surge Guard is made by Technology Research Corporation

The Electrical Management System (their term) links I posted above are made by Progressive Industries

The company Progressive Dynamics makes converters, breaker boxes and transfer switches.

I have a Progressive Dynamics converter PD4655V and a Progressive Industries electrical management system EMS-HW30C. I don't have a Technology Research Corporation Surge Guard, but I am seriously considering a Hughes Autoformer.

But, aside from getting the companies confused, and using the truly descriptive Energy Monitoring System instead of their advertising term Electrical Management System, you are spot on.

There are surge protectors and there are surge protectors.

Many RV's and homes have "Surge Protectors" (Note quotes) that are really Spike Suppressors.. I have some in my motor home including one "Whole House" and some outlet strips.

A spike is a very brief peak in voltage, can easily hit 1,000 or more but lasts, generally less than 0.01 to 0.02 second. The suppressor is a device called an MOV (Metal Oxide Varisistor) which works very well.


Then there is a true SURGE, where the voltage climbs and stays high for a period of time GREATER than one second.. In some parks it is always high.

A true Surge Procetor, such as the Progressive Dynamics unit, will cut off power to your motor home to protect it from this kind of thing.. This uses some computer stuff, and some heavy duty relays (Contactors) to do the job.

I've been in a house with many MOV types when such a surge hit. Sounded like Independence day celebrations with all the MOV's going off like firecrackers. Burned up nearly 100 worth of them in less than a minute. Also a blower motor and a computer power supply.

And do not reach for your wallet yet.

THERE IS MORE

The Spike Supressors" will do nothing if the park voltage goes low, say 90 volts.

but the Progressive Dynamnics Surge Guard (Power line or Energy Monitoring Systemn,, not to be confused with an Energy Management System) will again cut you off if this happens.

Why? 90 volts can easily destroy the motors in your Air Conditioner. Those motors cost around 200-300 EACH (There are at least 2) and a new AC about 1,000 installed.

So the RV type Surge Guard... Is very likely superior to what is built in to your RV.. But .. That said, Find out.

Who knows, they may have put a good one in.

OH, yes, a Hughes Autoformer will help with the low voltage

Sequence: Park--Autformer--Surge guard--ATS-Breaker box--Loads.

The only ones I recommend. Lifetime warranty. Made in USA. Protects against a LOT more than merely surges. Expensive, yes, but worth it.

50 amp built in

50 amp portable

30 amp built in

30 amp portable

Really going to need the device make and model number to give comments on what to expect or additional needs.

For previous posts on this subject search this Forum for `surge protector' and read on.
We have one that I hard-wired into the system.
Do you have RV insurance? Do you need it? Same answer for the surge protector.