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Old 09-05-2013, 03:09 PM   #1
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Inline Surge Protectors

Hi there,

After reading through the 2013 user manual, I realized that having a polarity/surge protector is probably a good idea to protect the inverter/whatnot. (page6-6 for example). I'd never really thought about the variance in power and realize now there's likely more than one mis-wired shore box out there!

I was originally looking at something like the “TRC Surge Guard p/n 44740”. Certainly much cheaper than replacing the inverter.

The manual says “consult with your dealer”. When I looked up the part using their online tool, the catalog had “Not for sale in Canada” written under the part number. When I asked why, the dealer questioned why I would want it (for a tent trailer) and quoted me on a more expensive hardwire setup, never really answering my question.

This leads to my questions:
1. Has anyone used this device specifically, and have any thoughts?
2. Recommendations on something else?
3. Does anyone know why this device would be “Not for sale in Canada”?

Thanks in advance!
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Old 09-05-2013, 03:21 PM   #2
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I have (and use) one of the Progressive Industries 30A units. It's an in-line and all I can say is I've not lost any electronic devices in the TT. I think it's a good unit but the TRC may be as good/better.
"Not for sale..."? Dunno, unless someone is afraid you Canadians would use 'em to make nuclear weapons.
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Old 09-05-2013, 07:15 PM   #3
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We use the upgraded model.....

http://www.amazon.com/Surge-Guard-30...=pd_sbs_auto_6

Protects your rig from over and under voltage. Has a 2 minute delay when it tests/confirms that the power is stable. If voltage goes too low it will shutoff power to your rig to save you expensive electronics like the fridge and AC unit. When power is restored or voltage returns to normal, again it will wait two minutes before returning power to your rig, just incase the power is a bit unstable as everyone's gear is starting back up.

Worth it to me for the piece of mind when I am away from the RV and it's plugged in.
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Old 09-05-2013, 07:47 PM   #4
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I use the same one as headHunter.
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Old 09-05-2013, 07:50 PM   #5
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Re not for sale in Canada, for the maker of the unit to sell into Canada, they are required to have the device certified by CSA. Clearly they have not done that likely because they figure they won't sell enough to justify the cost to them. I just bought mine when we were in the USA.
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Old 09-05-2013, 11:21 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by David472 View Post
Re not for sale in Canada, for the maker of the unit to sell into Canada, they are required to have the device certified by CSA. Clearly they have not done that likely because they figure they won't sell enough to justify the cost to them. I just bought mine when we were in the USA.
+2. CSA certification folks tend to over study things to death. This takes both time and money - the product seller must endure. For some things, it simply isn't worth it.


Next time visiting USA, simply buy your wanted Surge Production device.

Even simple "low cost" SSP-30 (on service post) is better than nothing. re: http://www.progressiveindustries.net/ssp_30.htm

If one can extra cash, then buy their much better hard wire with remote display unit. re: http://www.progressiveindustries.net/ems_hw30c.htm

IMO… In Canada, "surge" problems at CG's isn't a high risk concern. Yes, it can happen. But not a high priority risk. Thus, why I use the lower cost SSP-30 "service post" device with chain and simple paddle lock. Been using SSP-30 product for years without problems. In Canada, I find "brown outs" (re: current < 102 volts) is a major concern. If one does get a high cost RV Surge item that has < 102 to > 128V shut down switch, do ensure their low / high volt switch feature can be disabled (or bi-passed). If wondering, the Progressive Dynamics EMS-HW30C has this "bi-pass" feature. The hardwired Surge Guard product (like http://www.trailersunlimited.com/ima...PROTECTION.png ) does't have a manual bi-pass feature. When low volts is encountered, one cannot bi-pass it - even if simple emergency lighting is needed. Something to keep in mind.
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Old 09-06-2013, 06:08 AM   #7
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RE CSA, that's what I was thinking - that it wasn't studied. Agreed CSA tends to go let's say, "above and beyond" sometimes...

Thanks, food for thought, I'll check out the products mentioned.
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Old 09-06-2013, 06:48 AM   #8
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With 30amp service you only have 1 hot wire so low voltage is about all that can go wrong. Low voltage is a problem for motors but that's about it. On 50amp service you have 2 hots with a netural and a ground. A netural that is poorly connected in the service wiring will become a problem in your camper in the form of high voltage on some circuits.
For 30 amp wired rigs if you buy a surge protector you are buying it for surges that would be general and hit the whole campground. For 50 amp service you have an important additional reason to own one.
To sum it up a poor connection in the service wiring of the camp ground yields low voltage to 30amp and potential damaging high voltage to 50amp users. Note. Electronics don't care about low voltage other than they will not work until you raise it back to normal.
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Old 09-10-2013, 01:11 PM   #9
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I don't have any experience with the TRC Surge Guard p/n 44740.

You haven't indicated the model of your TT other than it is a "tent trailer." What type of electronics/motor powered devices do you desire to protect? I'm assuming that you don't have an inverter, but instead, only a converter, which certainly is worth protecting. Do you have a microwave? an AC unit?

I have no first-hand knowledge of power grid issues in Canada, but if brown-outs or low voltage are common issues, you may want to invest in a surge protector or more generally called an EMS (electronic management system). An EMS can monitor high and low voltages, as well as polarity issues (to address your concern) and so forth. For example, if you don't check the pedestal at the campground before plugging-in, an EMS will detect any polarity issues, and if detected, prevent power to your TT.

Generally, low voltage will not damage electronic devices such as a DVR, LCD, monitor, and a laptop. In a low voltage situation, these types of electronic devices may stop functioning correctly, but it will depend upon the device itself. Many of these devices often have high/low voltage lockouts to turn themselves off. High voltage, however, may damage the circuit boards in these devices or any other circuit boards in your TT that use AC power.

On the other hand, for those devices having motors such as your converter, AC, and/or microwave, low voltage can damage the motors due to overheating, since motors tend to draw increasing current as voltage falls.

You won't go wrong investing in a good EMS and I highly recommend one (whether portable or a permanent install). I recommend a Progressive Industries unit for two reasons: (1) it's a well made unit with sufficient electronic protection, and, (2) outstanding post-sale tech service (eg, install questions, operational questions, etc). (disclaimer: I'm not affiliated or employed by Progressive Industries; recommendation based upon my actual experiences). Finally, I don't know about the limitations, if any, for selling an EMS in Canada.
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Old 09-11-2013, 02:41 PM   #10
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[QUOTE=WIBadger;152459]I don't have any experience with the TRC Surge Guard p/n 44740.

You haven't indicated the model of your TT other than it is a "tent trailer." What type of electronics/motor powered devices do you desire to protect? I'm assuming that you don't have an inverter, but instead, only a converter, which certainly is worth protecting. Do you have a microwave? an AC unit?[QUOTE]

Yes, my apologies. I said inverter, but meant converter. Canadian Tire is having massive deals on inverters right now, so I'm looking at two very similar yet opposite technologies at the same time and admittedly got my terminology backwards!

I have a Jay Sport 12 with the converter. Main electrics right now to protect is the fridge and water pump, but I imagine maybe some electronics (stereo)/whatnot down the road.

Not protecting much when compared to other campers, but I'm guessing I can't replace those items for the price of a protection device like the TRD I initially mentioned.
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Old 09-13-2013, 08:01 PM   #11
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We have a Progressive Industries EMS PT50C portable. Completely protects you from just about anything that can go wrong, short of a direct lightning hit. Peace of mind is priceless. We even hook it up when parked at home, just to be sure. Technical help from the manufacturer couldn't be better. And our insurance company (State Farm) has assured us that, as long as the unit is used solely on our 5er camper, it is covered against theft.
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Old 09-14-2013, 05:06 AM   #12
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I have the EMS PT50C also and also use it at my home base. Even with reliable utility power and without old campground wiring, my EMS has shut down my power a couple of times in the past two years.

It is definitely peace of mind. I always know when the power has been off since my microwave clock is off. Then I can go look at my PT50C to see why it was off. Of course if the power went off completely from the utility there will be no indication of the fault.
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