What size surge protector

[CobraCamper]

First post, so bear with me. We're picking up our new Jay Flight SLX 267 Saturday so I've been online binge shopping/reading this forum which has been really helpful.
I'm on the fence as to what type of surge protector to get and what size. We camp with my in-laws who have a White Hawk, and often times they use a 30AF to 50AM connector to plug into the 50amp outlet to avoid popping the breaker for AC. I am planning on doing the same.
However, I would like some form of surge protection as a relatively cheap insurance policy since there are so many essential electronics. My electrical knowledge is above average but I'm new to RV stuff. Would I need a 50 amp or a 30 amp protector? Camper is 30, but plugging into 50 has me wondering.
Thank you.

 

[norty1]

Not needed. Just get a 30a and adapt to it with a adapter. You are only using 30a amps anyhow and will use it in the 30a amp PED most of the time likely.

 

[pward]

To add to norty1's good advice you should get an EMS unit, not just a surge protector. Read norty1's sig and take notice of the Hughes EMS he is using. As he said, you need the 30a, not 50.

 

[Wiscampsin]

X2 on getting an EMS unit. Much more than just a surge protector.

 

[CobraCamper]

Thank you all. I have actually been looking at the EMS units as well as the plug surge protectors. Walmart actually has a pretty good deal on the Progressive 30 amp unit right now. Going to keep shopping around but I'll focus on 30A. Appreciate it!

 

[RickandMare]

Hello everyone,

Love the feed back on this site. Like Huntfishcamp, we are new to the RV lifestyle and are in the process of stocking up with the much needed accessories with the question of surge protector or EMS.

So, many surge protectors say the check other things other than just stopping surges and in some cases only one surge then you buy a new protector. Can someone clear up the confusion with what the EMS does that the surge protector doesn't do?

Thank you all for your input, stay safe and healthy.

Rick and Mare

 

[RetiredOne]

Can someone clear up the confusion with what the EMS does that the surge protector doesn't do?

One of the biggest differences is that a "surge" protector does just that, protects from a SURGE in voltage, either from a malfunction, lightening strike, etc.

A EMS monitors BOTH sides. Protects from surges and also protects from low voltage, which actually happens more frequently, when everyone has their A/C running. A EMS will give you more information on what's going on (actual voltage reading, amps being used, hertz, error codes, and more, like bad wiring, open grounds, and other electrical issues).

 

[RedHorse1]

On our last outing my Progressive EMS reported a low voltage event while we away. It captures current and previous errors and reports them on the remote display (ours is a permanent installed model). I expect the EMS shut the power off for a couple of minutes, captured the event for me to see and turned everything back on.
My set-up procedure is: house breakers off, pole breakers off, plug in, pole breaker on, watch the remote display for a complete cycle (volts/amps on both legs, frequency, errors), if the EMS reports no errors house breakers on.
Gimme my Progressive!

 

[LuckyDuck]

On our last outing my Progressive EMS reported a low voltage event while we away. It captures current and previous errors and reports them on the remote display (ours is a permanent installed model). I expect the EMS shut the power off for a couple of minutes, captured the event for me to see and turned everything back on.
My set-up procedure is: house breakers off, pole breakers off, plug in, pole breaker on, watch the remote display for a complete cycle (volts/amps on both legs, frequency, errors), if the EMS reports no errors house breakers on.
Gimme my Progressive!

X2. As a newbie a couple of years ago, I bought a Progressive surge protector and it served us well. Recently bought the Progressive EMS for extra protection during a five-state trip. Lots of ACs running in small parks and the extra info and protection was comforting. I especially like that the Progressive has a shackle to lock it to the pedestal and a clear rain shield (which came into play more than once). Got a deal at CW plus Good Sam discount.

 

[cavie]

Thank you all. I have actually been looking at the EMS units as well as the plug surge protectors. Walmart actually has a pretty good deal on the Progressive 30 amp unit right now. Going to keep shopping around but I'll focus on 30A. Appreciate it!

EMS comes as plug in or hard wired.

 

[RedHorse1]

EMS comes as plug in or hard wired.

Yes. My current EMS is installed (50A) and the first one was a pole-mount 30A. Both have their arguments for use. I currently prefer the installed version (less for me think about).

 

[Kahoneys]

If your going to spend money on a surge suppressor, Get a 50amp. You never know if in a few years you may purchase a bigger unit that runs on 50a and then you would be set!

 

[RetiredOne]

If your going to spend money on a surge suppressor, Get a 50amp. You never know if in a few years you may purchase a bigger unit that runs on 50a and then you would be set!

A 30 amp system is 3 wires, a 50 amp is 4 wires.

 

[2edgesword]

Definitely spend the extra dollars to get a unit that offers surge, over/under voltage protection and a display of current draw and voltage. I have a Surge Guard unit that in spite of the name provides all these various features. There is also a clamp that allows you to lock the unit so it can't be easily removed.