Surge Protector

Vikinghb · 08-20-2015, 01:47 PM

How many of you folks use a surge protector between the park plug in, and your power cord. I have a 30 amp system.
if you do what brand would you recommend. I don't want to pay too much, but I still want a dependable product.

TWP723 · 08-20-2015, 01:57 PM

I use a portable EMS from Progressive Industries. They are a tad pricey but worth it. There are other companies that make them cheaper but haven't heard much on them.

Good luck!

**norty1** · 08-20-2015, 02:11 PM

a past thread on this, many more are on here http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f7...ion-28538.html

There are loads of campers that have them. Progressive industries is one and TRC is another. I have had both and prefer the Progressive product.
They are pricy but they do a job that is priceless.

hboy · 08-20-2015, 03:48 PM

Either product you use I would expect to work great. I think very few folks use them. Just talked with a dealer friend of mine, who is doing a repair for a guy that plugged his 30amp into a 220 shore power and fried the converter and I guess some electrical components in the trailer.

I see a lot of rigs that use nothing and don't have a problem. I guess it's just another form of insurance....

clubhouse · 08-20-2015, 05:29 PM

Hopefully you are using the term "Surge Protector" in a generic sense.

What many of us have, myself included, are EMS (environmental/electrical management systems). You can have portable that go between the elec box and cord, or hardwired internally in your RV.

Surge protectors can be had <$100, where a EMS is $200-$300.

You want an EMS, most issues are not surge problems but rather over/under voltage and improperly wired circuits.

edatlanta · 08-20-2015, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clubhouse

Hopefully you are using the term "Surge Protector" in a generic sense.

What many of us have, myself included, are EMS (environmental/electrical management systems). You can have portable that go between the elec box and cord, or hardwired internally in your RV.

Surge protectors can be had <$100, where a EMS is $200-$300.

You want an EMS, most issues are not surge problems but rather over/under voltage and improperly wired circuits.

I have the Progressive EMS and will not plug in anywhere without it. I actually have two, one is still in it's original box. It will be put in service when/if my primary one goes back for warranty (it has a lifetime warranty).

When I say I won't plug in without one I'm not kidding. I have seen too many rigs damaged with electrical supply issues and I don't want to be one of them.

Wrascal · 08-20-2015, 07:21 PM

Another vote for this one: Progressive Industries RV Surge and Electrical Protection industry lea

Look around, I found it cheaper than the posted retail.

SouthCo · 08-20-2015, 08:00 PM

EMS progressive industries is the way to go

havnfun · 08-20-2015, 08:09 PM

What they said about Progressive EMS. It really works!
Happy RVing,
Jeff

Vikinghb · 08-21-2015, 07:08 AM

The majority rules the EMS sounds like the right choice. 99% of campers are honest people, however these units are not cheap so how do you prevent theft if you have this hooked into the sites electrical outlet.
Or is it kept closer to the trailer with an extension cord.

bedrck46 · 08-21-2015, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vikinghb

The majority rules the EMS sounds like the right choice. 99% of campers are honest people, however these units are not cheap so how do you prevent theft if you have this hooked into the sites electrical outlet.
Or is it kept closer to the trailer with an extension cord.

Vikinghb

Check the link that was provided in post #7 You will see information about a locking device

**norty1** · 08-21-2015, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vikinghb

The majority rules the EMS sounds like the right choice. 99% of campers are honest people, however these units are not cheap so how do you prevent theft if you have this hooked into the sites electrical outlet.
Or is it kept closer to the trailer with an extension cord.

Most cg electrical boxes have a means of locking the box cover. I use the same lock that I use to lock my hitch release when on the road and move it to the pedestal when in one spot. On the Progressive portable, there is also a metal locking ring installed that can be used for a padlock if the box can not be locked.

Jopopsy · 08-21-2015, 09:02 AM

I use a Surgeguard and a Hughes Autoformer. If I had to choose one or the other, I'd go with the Autoformer.

spoon059 · 08-21-2015, 09:27 AM

I have never had a problem, nobody I have ever camped with has had a problem. I bought a hardwired Progressive 30 amp EMS system for $250 +/- and consider it cheap insurance on a $21K trailer.

I was worried about it walking away, which is why I got the hardwired version. I have had neighbors steal from me before at the campground... I don't want to be out $250 if one of these walks away.

TWP723 · 08-21-2015, 09:38 AM

The EMS I have has a bracket on the cable coming out of the box to secure it to the CG post. I wrap mine with a bright yellow rubber coated chain and lock it to the post. Why bright yellow? I'm hoping potential thieves will see it and be detered. Hardwired versions are still probably the best way to go. Then you have no worries.

Scoutr2 · 08-21-2015, 10:06 AM

I use the portable Surge Guard.

It Identifies faulty park power plus offers surge protection. It also analyzes circuits to verify pedestal power when you plug it in to the pedestal and indicators illuminate to show power status. It tests for and indicates: open ground, open neutral and correct polarity. I always plug mine in and test the electric supply for problems before unhitching. That way, if there is a problem I can easily move to another site before leveling, chocking, etc. (Experience is the best teacher.)

That said - an EMS goes a step further and will shut off power to your trailer if any damaging conditions occur during the time you're plugged in (open neutral/open ground/polarity/low voltage). The portable surge guard only indicates and protects against surges.

The 30 amp version is selling at Camping World for about $90 + shipping. I recommend this, at the least. An EMS if you can afford it. Either one is cheap insurance.

Jopopsy · 08-21-2015, 10:53 AM

This one does what yours does but has some EMS built into it. This is what I use, plus the Autoformer.

Surge Guard 30A Portable with LCD Display | Technology Research, LLC

Wrascal · 08-21-2015, 11:22 AM

There is a metal ring surrounding the short power cord that allows you to lock it to something, but I don't bother. YMMV.

edatlanta · 08-22-2015, 04:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vikinghb

The majority rules the EMS sounds like the right choice. 99% of campers are honest people, however these units are not cheap so how do you prevent theft if you have this hooked into the sites electrical outlet.
Or is it kept closer to the trailer with an extension cord.

My EMS has a metal tab around the pigtail and I have a length of chain and a padlock. I wrap the chain around the power pole below the hinged door. Lock it and lower the door. Can it be stolen? Sure, anything can, but have never even had anyone look at it. I have never heard of one being stolen and I full time and host in a large park every summer. Lots of potential - no thefts.

Wanderer · 12-04-2016, 10:38 AM

I have the portable EMS 30amp but would like to do the hardwired version so I don't have to worry about it hanging off the pedestal. With little outside storage (far away from shore cord) what would be the suggested install location in my specific trailer? Wondering if Jayco considers this a warranty void as well.

Thoughts?

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