Surge Protection?

[Kegan36604]

Working thru the necessity of a surge protector. Looking at Surge Guard.

Parsing out the differences between the ~$90 and ~$250, it seems the primary difference is Low (<102V) and High (>132V) Voltage & Thermal Line/Load Over-temperature. From what I read, low/high voltage is not an uncommon problem, and it can fry some/all of electronics. Given that, the extra $160 or so dollars might make it worth while. I'm on 30 amp service.

Thoughts? Opinions? Is this a wise buy or worrying about a rare occurrence?

 

[JackandJanet]

I suspect a lot of it depends on how often you camp at "hookup" campgrounds. We rarely do, and the very few times we have, we had no issues at all with the shore power.

I suspect though, if you intend to camp at campgrounds that have the AC service, then having a good surge protector would be worthwhile insurance. And, if I were buying one, I'd spend the money needed to make sure I got a "good" one. It would be pointless to spend close to $100 on one that would not do the job. I'd carefully check the specs before buying one.

- Jack

 

[retiredcamper47]

Yes, get yourself a surge protector or better yet, an electrical management system (EMS). In my opinion, Progressive Industries has the best units on the market. I personally have and use their EMS-PT30C model. It does it all. My unit cost in the ball park of $300. They have other units that are basically just surge protectors for about $100. You can google them and see their products and decide which is best for you. Best thing is they are made in America and have lifetime warranty. Consider the cost of replacing the electronic control boards on your refrige, microwave, stereo, or converter if you did not have a surge protector. I have had to use their warranty service when my unit "did it's job". My only cost was for the postage to send it to them. Had a one week turn-around and received my replacement unit. Hope this helps.

Bob

 

[riki4570]

surge protectors

so is the progressive industries unit have a way to reset after a fault. The reason I am asking is a buddys protector went out with no apparent way to reset. We have been lucky as not to have needed on but thinking of getting one. What would one look for in a unit? thanks!

 

[JackandJanet]

riki - I just looked up the EMS-PT30C, and it automatically resets after a fault. I notice it also protects against both high and LOW voltages. I would think low voltage conditions (think brownout) might be a more common problem than high surges.

This is the link I followed to learn about it: https://www.rvupgradestore.com/Progressive-EMS-PT30C-p/pt30c.htm

- Jack

 

[retiredcamper47]

In my case, I got the “10” code when mine did it’s job. There was no resetting it, had to be returned to Progressive.

Bob

 

[JackandJanet]

Good catch, Bob. riki - a surge protector CAN be damaged by a surge. The E-10 code indicates that's what happened, and, in that case, it has to be returned.

- Jack

 

[DeLana]

I bought the Progressive Industries EMS-PT30C when we got the new 2509C Hi-Lo in 2009. Had a problem about 3 years ago when I noticed heat discoloration on the plug's contacts; probable caused by bad contact at the campground pedestals. I had the original receipt from Tweety's and sent the unit to Progressive's company in Apex, NC. Lifetime guarantee to original purchaser. Like Bob, got it repaired and returned in about a week. Beach