Portable Surge Protector

[ykcamom]

Can anyone please offer some suggestions and/or experiences with one of these? We are considering buying one and wondering which brand would be best. It's for 30 amp only.

Thanks Folk!

[bansai]

This topic comes up pretty frequently.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003AL23TC...5a6593a4334de1

Is what most people recommend. They also have a hard wired model so you don't have an expensive EMS sitting out there on the pedistal.

https://www.amazon.com/Progressive-I...004e22ba167a0a

People are going to recommend that you spend the extra money and get a true EMS solution and not just a surge protector. They aren't cheap, but they are backed for life, and there are many extremely positive testimonials around here.

[rbrumfield]

Progressive Industries Electrical Management System (EMS) is what I have except mine is 50amp. As previously stated they are not cheap but they protect more than just an electrical surge. I have had mine shut down due to low voltage. Mine is a portable unit and I used to be concerned about theft. I have a cable attached to lock it down and I used it the first year and haven't used it since.

Sent from my QTAQZ3 using Tapatalk

[norty1]

I had a TRC unit that was hit by lightning. It protected the unit, except for the microwave, but it was fried and the company said it is not repairable.

I now have the Progressive industries PT50c portable. It is made in a 30a version also.

A $$ investment to protect your unit. IMO it's worth it.

[ykcamom]

Thanks for the responses. They are more expensive than I realized! What price peace of mind, I suppose!

[norty1]

Originally Posted by ykcamom

Thanks for the responses. They are more expensive than I realized! What price peace of mind, I suppose!

It's worth about as much as an insurance policy.

Against the cost of your rigs electronics, its a no brainer.

[ykcamom]

I was doing some reading on these EMS units and as I understand it, they will shut off power to the RV if it gets tripped for some reason.

The thing that immediately came to my mind is "What if the animals are in the trailer with the AC on while we are gone shopping or something?"

Will it turn back on again on its own and restart the power and AC?

[rbrumfield]

Originally Posted by ykcamom

I was doing some reading on these EMS units and as I understand it, they will shut off power to the RV if it gets tripped for some reason.

The thing that immediately came to my mind is "What if the animals are in the trailer with the AC on while we are gone shopping or something?"

Will it turn back on again on its own and restart the power and AC?

The PI unit will come back on after a couple of minutes after the power issue is resolved. It will stay off as long as the power issue remains.

Sent from my QTAQZ3 using Tapatalk

[edatlanta]

I have a PI EMS-PT50C and will never ever plug in anywhere without it. I actually have two of them, one as a spare which was needed this past September.

[RAurand]

We have been using the Surge Guard Portable 30 Amp protector for several years (model:18277). 2 summers ago we were camping in the Poconos and my power shut off. I looked at my Surge Guard and it showed 139 volts trying to pass thru the system. The Surge Guard will automatically disconnect your trailer system from the pedestal on either a high voltage or low voltage problem at the pedestal. As I watched it for several minutes, as the voltage went down to 128 volts, my trailer power came back on. Later, as I was doing some stuff outside the trailer, my kids came up saying there was no power in the trailer again. I looked at the Surge Guard and saw 94 volts. When it came up to 108 volts, the power came back on in the trailer. We notified the camp ground manager that there were issues. He didn't know anything about it. Maintenance came and looked at it and claimed they couldn't find any issues. Later that day, power went out to the trailer again and I saw 147 volts on the display.
5 trailers around me that had no protection had melted power prongs. The cost of the Surge Guard more than paid for itself that day.
HERE IS THE LINK:
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping...y-30-amp/81277

[SouthCo]

I use Progressive Industries. Had a portable model with the previous camper and chose to go with a hard wired model with the current camper. Portable or hard wired is just user preference but it would definitely be. Progressive Industries (PI) EMS unit.

And like mentioned previously it will allow power to flow again after cutting, once power is within spec...

[thomasmnile]

Originally Posted by norty1

It's worth about as much as an insurance policy.

Against the cost of your rigs electronics, its a no brainer.

Like insurance and personal protection. Some electrical conditions the Progressive unit protects against could be hazardous to your health. And, it's nice to think campground wiring is a safe, stable, and well maintained power delivery system. In our experience, that hasn't always been the case.

[wags999]

Originally Posted by ykcamom

I was doing some reading on these EMS units and as I understand it, they will shut off power to the RV if it gets tripped for some reason.

The thing that immediately came to my mind is "What if the animals are in the trailer with the AC on while we are gone shopping or something?"

Will it turn back on again on its own and restart the power and AC?

If you don't have one, and needed it, then you risk your AC being damaged and major repairs needed. Same with all the rest of the electronics on board. It's not a situation where the EMS will make it worse, it's a situation where the EMS will save your $$$.

Animals would be much worse off without the EMS than with it. Not even speaking about a potential spike which could cause a fire...

You spent big $ on your RV, spend a few and protect it. JMHO

[robkelly]

We have the Progressive Industries portable unit (both 30A from our first TT and now 50A) and will NEVER plug in without it. They are expensive, but in my opinion, worth every penny for the peace of mind they provide. As someone else noted, they are cheap compared to replacing all of your electronics.

[ykcamom]

Thanks everyone! I ordered the progressive industries model today.

[StupendousMan]

Just installed my progressive 30a one. (32tsbh) Very easy. Removed the old metal junction box (where the outside cord connects to the internal wiring) and replaced it with the progressive one. Ran my display up to the a/C thermostat (same wall which already had a hole in it) very clean and fast!

[robert9999]

Progressive industries has a portable one. I use a chain & lock it to the power pedestal when I camp. Used it for 10 weeks at different campgrounds & I'm sure it saved my butt from electrical fluctuations & damage. I wrapped a small plastic bag around it to protect it from the elements. I think I paid about $180 for it. Don't leave home without one!

[jasum]

I also can recommend Surge Guard.

I have the hard wired unit and although they are kind of expensive, it is reassuring to know that it will cut the power to the RV for high or low voltage. It could be very expensive having to replace electronic items in an RV because of improper or faulty electric at an RV park.

[StupendousMan]

Originally Posted by ykcamom

Thanks for the responses. They are more expensive than I realized! What price peace of mind, I suppose!

I thought so too, but when I see all of the electronics connected to the trailer (my TV, microwave, fridge, etc...) and if the surge knocked out any of those... I would be kicking myself for not getting it. Just once blown electronic will pay for itself.

[thomasmnile]

Originally Posted by ykcamom

Thanks everyone! I ordered the progressive industries model today.

Best modification you can add to your RV. You won't regret it.