Surge protectors... Do you use them?

[1handyhubby]

I don't do a lot of full hook up camping but when I have I never thought about using a surge protector. The subject came up around the campfire this past weekend and out of 8 couples nobody was using one. How about you guys?

[Old-Biscuit]

Bedlam wrote:
Many of the surge suppressors serve a selfless purpose. They will burn up first to protect downstream circuits. Once they have absorbed that energy, they typically will no longer pass power whether good or bad.

That is why you buy a Progressive Industries one.

Lifetime warranty (other one is only 1 year limited)

Field serviceable with parts from MFG. (other one can be once you get the back cover off which isn't designed to be removed and then find parts at an electronic store)

[Elizabeth24]

We did not until we parked at the Fairgrounds at Yuma for an event and lost our microwave dehumidifer and TV. Since then we use one!

[jimh406]

bob213, interesting that you got shut down. Do you know if anyone that didn't get shut down had damage or not?

[Bedlam]

Many of the surge suppressors serve a selfless purpose. They will burn up first to protect downstream circuits. Once they have absorbed that energy, they typically will no longer pass power whether good or bad.

[bob213]

Most of the people that say "I've been RVing for 25 years and never needed one" just don't realize they may have needed one. We camp in 100*+ temps and my EMS has shut me down on several ocassions for low voltage. I always ask the campers around me if they are seeing low power and not once have I had someone tell me yes (as they don't monitor nor have an EMS) At the other end of the scale , we frequent a state park that routinely experiences overpower at night and my EMS shuts me down. Only once have I talked to another camper there that had the same protection and experience. All the others I asked were unaware. You don't need a surge protector. If you are going to spend the money get a Progressive Industries EMS unit, portable or hardwired. JMO
We also use an autoformer.

[jimh406]

Just thinking, I would how much of a surge our chargers will take? It seems like they'd have to absorb some amount or blow a fuse. Once the current got past there, what would trip the breakers?

[samsontdog]

I disconnected my surge protector to get a early start the next morning and shortly after we had low voltage and it took out the refrig, A/C, etc, over a thousand dollars in repairs. Yes, I use one and one of the last things to disconnect

[pianotuna]

Low voltage causes far more damage than surges. I use a Sola Basic autoformer to which I have added surge protection.

BTW anyone who wants to prevent brown outs should consider the new Hughes autoformer which does test polarity, bad neutral, bad ground, has limited surge capability, and of course corrects low voltage.



http://hughesautoformers.com/

[MarkTwain]

kohldad wrote:
Never had and probably never will. After 30 years of camping at over 300 campsites, never had a problem (knock on wood).

You should be at the Casino on the dice tables" or the $5 dollar slot machines with that kind of luck!!!!! Or, you have everything to gain and nothing to loose using a surge protector when you consider the $$$$ it would cost for damage to your electrical system and/or replacing electronic appliances:) Just another view point:)

[whizbang]

No and Yes.

Never with a truck camper. Always with the Diesel Pusher. And, I'm glad we did. We fried our electrical system before getting a surge protector. Then we prevented two or three more meltdowns by using the surge protector.

Our campers have had relatively simple electrical systems with light electrical loads (30 amp or less). Conversely, the DP was a power sucking dual 50 amp hog (100 amps total). We camped quite a bit on the east coast in older parks with tired, old, 30 amp circuits. Heck yeah we used a surge protector.

[Dick_B]

That's 8 lucky (or frugal) RVers.

[narcodog]

I have one of the least expensive SP and when I plug in I use it. It has been tripped twice in the last ten years. I also use it here at home.

[kohldad]

Never had and probably never will. After 30 years of camping at over 300 campsites, never had a problem (knock on wood).

[gbopp]

I started using a surge protector AFTER lightning hit a tree a few feet from our Southwind. :S

[azdryheat]

i installed a surge protector in my toy hauler.