Question on surge protectors

[pira114]

Howdy again.

So I'm thinking about a surge protector. Like the Progressive Industries PT30C 30 Amp Portable Electrical Management System.

Obviously, my TT is 30 amp.

So the question is that when 50 amp is available, I would use the reducer and plug into the 50.

So I'm guessing this PT30C wouldn't work in that scenario?

Do they make one that works with both?

Or is a wired in protector the better option?

Sorry is this has been covered. I did a search and didn't see this specific set of questions answered, and I'm horrible with electricity.

Thanks

[Bumpyroad]

pira114 wrote:

Bumpyroad wrote:
I wouldn't want a permanent one without a bypass feature.
bumpy

Why? I don't know anything about this, so I would have thought you always want the protection?

there is some stuff, lights, etc., that can be safely run on low voltage in a pinch.
bumpy

[pira114]

Thank you everyone. I've got a lot to think about. Much appreciated

[spike99]

For 30 Amp Service (that works on 50A post as well), consider:

Good = http://www.progressiveindustries.net/ssp_30.htm

Better = http://www.progressiveindustries.net/ems_pt30c.htm

BEST = http://www.progressiveindustries.net/ems_hw30c.htm

If it were my RV and I plan to keep it for 5+ years, I'd seriously consider the BEST. If purchase cost is distributed over 5+ years, it costs very little each year. And yes, this "hardwire" product does have a bypass feature. Bypass if needed.

In addition to above "main line" Surge Protection to stop RV entry, also buy Outlet area surge protection units as well. Outlet units help level surges caused within the RV. Especially on Coffee Pot, Microwave, Fridge and Television outlets. The low cost units I use is Monster LCD TV units - - click here -

Hope this helps.

[pianotuna]

Hi pirall4,

If there is a surge that is big enough to "take out" the protection, without a bypass method, your trip is NOT going to be much fun.

I would far rather have an autoformer.

[pira114]

Bumpyroad wrote:
I wouldn't want a permanent one without a bypass feature.
bumpy

Why? I don't know anything about this, so I would have thought you always want the protection?

[Bumpyroad]

I wouldn't want a permanent one without a bypass feature.
bumpy

[JBarca]

I have a remote unit. While not the Progressive, I have the Surge Guard unit.

I do have a voltage and frequency meter in the camper so I can monitor voltage in the camper. Yes, it is an extra unit, however it works with the genny and without it.

There has been one topic not mentioned yet, in the event of a very high power surge, (lightening hit) these units do their job of protecting the camper. I have read/heard (not seen with my own eyes) the unit dies in the process of dissipating the heavy power while protecting the camper. This rapid heat build up in some cases can result in a fire of the unit burning at the power post.

While this event may not happen often pending where you live, that would be one advantage to remote units over the hard wired units.

Good luck with your decision. Pro's and cons to both. Both are better then not having one.

John

[GrandpaKip]

I have the SSP30 and have been happy with it. It is nice to be able to see that all is well with the pedestal before hooking up. I may go with the hard wired version in the future.

[pira114]

Emailed PD.

First, that was fast! Less than an hour.

Anyway, PD says using the particular model I posted in the OP (30 amp) in a 50 amp power supply with an appropriate adapter will work and it will function fine.

That's good news. And great customer service.

[azrving]

pianotuna wrote:
Since most damage comes from low voltage I'd consider an autoformer.

We could probably turn this into numerous pages if we open that one up. Should we start throwing stuff out there like "stealing" other campers power? Or NO autoformers allowed at this campground. Maybe I need an autoformer AND my PD EMS. 🙂

[pira114]

Thank you all.

I will be contacting PD and will report back on what they say. Hopefully soon.

[WyoTraveler]

LarryJM wrote:

scbwr wrote:
Wired in unit allows you to monitor electrical conditions from inside your trailer. I went with the portable 30 amp unit and it has worked well for us. I use a cable and lock to provide some security. It's nice to know that the electrical service is OK before you plug in your trailer and risk having any problems.

Your apparent belief that some how the portable unit reduces the risk of having any problems more than the hardwired unit is INCORRECT. There is not adavantage of one over the other except that the hardwired unit is more secure since it's inside the trailer and can't be easily removed like the portable unit is and with the remote readout on the hardwired unit you can better manage loads since you have a read time readout all the time.



Larry

I don't think he was being critical of portable units. Maybe just pointing out wired in unit sets specific priorities. They select which items are not needed if you go over allotted current. They will for example, not let both A/Cs start at same time on 30 amps. Everything is on the lighted up board.If you don't like EMS selection you can manually make other selections. They will turn on and off items to keep you from blowing fuses and put it all on the display and current drawn. Pricey because it includes the complete power panel plus monitor.

[scbwr]

LarryJM wrote:

scbwr wrote:
Wired in unit allows you to monitor electrical conditions from inside your trailer. I went with the portable 30 amp unit and it has worked well for us. I use a cable and lock to provide some security. It's nice to know that the electrical service is OK before you plug in your trailer and risk having any problems.

Your apparent belief that some how the portable unit reduces the risk of having any problems more than the hardwired unit is INCORRECT. There is not adavantage of one over the other except that the hardwired unit is more secure since it's inside the trailer and can't be easily removed like the portable unit is and with the remote readout on the hardwired unit you can better manage loads since you have a read time readout all the time.

Larry

Nowhere in my post do I say anything about the portable unit working better!! I indicated that the hardwired unit has an advantage...then I simply stated what I have and that I'm happy with it. You interpretation baffles me.

[azrving]

Plugging in.

30/50