Electrical surge protector

Jaytalk · 03-26-2018, 06:41 PM

Does anyone ever use a surge protector when they plug their motorhome up at a campsite? If so, what brand and type do you use?

dalebra · 03-26-2018, 08:30 PM

I use a EMS-HW50C from Progressive Industries. They are popular on this forum.
Progressive Industries, Inc. | Rv Surge Protection

wags999 · 03-26-2018, 08:59 PM

From all the threads on this subject it appears most do use an EMS and yes Progressive is the brand of choice. This is an Electrical Management System, much more than just a surge protector.

Jaytalk · 03-26-2018, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dalebra

I use a EMS-HW50C from Progressive Industries. They are popular on this forum.
Progressive Industries, Inc. | Rv Surge Protection

Thanks for the response.

Wow! This unit is really pricey. Is there anything more reasonable out on the market?

dustyrose · 03-27-2018, 03:32 AM

this one is on sale from amazon primeCamco Power Defender Circuit Analyzer With Integrated Surge Protection, 30 Amp Male to 30 Amp Female (55310)
I think ill order one myself as I'm new to rving and dont have one!

edatlanta · 03-27-2018, 05:46 AM

I have been using a PT50C and now the PT50X (new model) full time since 2011. I actually have two of them in case one takes a bullet for me and has to go back for service. This has happened 3 times over the past 7 years. Why do I have two units? Because I will not plug in anywhere anytime without one. I got hit by bad transformer at my home base a few years back so you aren't even safe at "home".

$$$, Yes, but worth every dime. IMHO

Jopopsy · 03-27-2018, 06:18 AM

In a Class 'C' you likely need the 30 Amp flavor of what was posted higher. So that'll make it cheaper. The price spread between a Progressive unit and a lesser unit isn't that great - Progressive makes good stuff and stands behind it.

John from Central Florida · 03-27-2018, 07:20 AM

We use a Progressive EMS-PT30X, and yes, it's worth every dime

havnfun · 03-27-2018, 08:37 AM

I use the Progressive EMS hard wired 30 amp unit. Easy to install inside and has saved my bacon 3 times in 3 years. It's a good insurance item and helps me to sleep better at nite knowing that the electrical system and all the electronics are protected. It's definitely worth the $$, IMHO.

Happy RVing,
Jeff

wags999 · 03-27-2018, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaytalk

Thanks for the response.

Wow! This unit is really pricey. Is there anything more reasonable out on the market?

Nothing is more expensive than a purchase that doesn't do what you need it to do. Progressive has a long history of not only working but the company standing behind them. It protects all your appliances, electronics etc...cheap insurance when you understand one incident could be $1,000's to repair without the protection.

Jaytalk · 03-27-2018, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John from Central Florida

We use a Progressive EMS-PT30X, and yes, it's worth every dime

Thanks for the response everybody, but you guys are killing me. Almost $400 a pop! Do you really think I need to get this?

wags999 · 03-27-2018, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaytalk

Thanks for the response everybody, but you guys are killing me. Almost $400 a pop! Do you really think I need to get this?

Should be in the $200 to $300 range depending on 30 or 50 amp.

Jaytalk · 03-27-2018, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dustyrose

this one is on sale from amazon primeCamco Power Defender Circuit Analyzer With Integrated Surge Protection, 30 Amp Male to 30 Amp Female (55310)
I think ill order one myself as I'm new to rving and dont have one!

What about the more expensive 55301-30 unit. It appears that the reviews on Amazon are pretty good. Does anybody have this particular unit?

Jaytalk · 03-27-2018, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wags999

Should be in the $200 to $300 range depending on 30 or 50 amp.

Thanks Wags999! So regardless of the price do you think it's something you really have to have? Do you have one? What brand do you have?

wags999 · 03-27-2018, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaytalk

Thanks Wags999! So regardless of the price do you think it's something you really have to have? Do you have one? What brand do you have?

I would preface my remarks by this. Where are you planning on traveling and how often? I have worked at campgrounds for the last 5 years, and I have seen the issues with electric. I have a progressive hard wired EMS. I would not hook up without one, but we live in our RV for 6 moths at a time. If I was going to a local campground I knew, and only for a weekend or so I may chance it. $225 for an EMS vs 1000's potentially, if you have a power issue is a no brainer to me. When campgrounds are busy in warm weather you can almost be assured your power is going to have low voltage, how low is the issue and you will never know. My advice is pay the couple hundred and don't worry about it again. I would also get a water pressure regulator again $10 to $40 is cheap compared to potential repairs and damage.

Happy Camping !

Jopopsy · 03-27-2018, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wags999

When campgrounds are busy in warm weather you can almost be assured your power is going to have low voltage, how low is the issue and you will never know.
Happy Camping !

Now let’s blow the OP’s mind and talk about Autoformers !

1955farm · 03-27-2018, 03:37 PM

The real question is.....Can you afford not to have one and pay to replace all electronics in you rig? If you can, go for it. It's cheap to buy and use one compared to replacing all of your electronics.. I'd never hook up without using one and even do so when hooking up at my house where I have 2 50A receptacles. I use RV TRC 34850 Surge Guard 50A Portable Protector with LCD Display which can be had for around $330

wags999 · 03-27-2018, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jopopsy

Now let’s blow the OP’s mind and talk about Autoformers !

Those I would not waste my $ on. Typically the low voltage lasts only a few hours. It happens on a warm day when everyone returns to their RV and turns on the AC's. Voltage drops till the temperature falls and AC is not running as much. I have not experienced long (days) of poor quality electric. JMHO

Jopopsy · 03-27-2018, 03:39 PM

I’ve got both - for us it’s a mater of making our time count. If I’m on vacation and it’s hot - I want my AC running no matter what. I’m on VACATION after all !

ttavasc · 03-27-2018, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaytalk

Thanks for the response everybody, but you guys are killing me. Almost $400 a pop! Do you really think I need to get this?

I agree with Wags999 - this is a worthwhile investment. I have the older style EMS-PT30C and it's definitely earned its keep. I use it regardless of where I'm plugging in including the 30amp outlet at home or the generator.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wags999

Should be in the $200 to $300 range depending on 30 or 50 amp.

Agreed - not sure where they are charging $400 but Tweetys.com where I got the older model for around $300 has the newer EMS-PT30X for $248 w/free shipping.

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