Surge Protectors - To buy or not to buy?

[Jim Flower]

Bob, it was less costly for me to read the forums when you were laying low. Now I have to get one of these since the stuff you use always makes so much sense to me. Hope you are shovelled out. Jim


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[Ampman]

We use the EMS-HW30C 30 Amp Hardwired unit which has a slight hum when operating so placement is a consideration. Also use the TRC Digital Monitor just to keep an eye on the power from time to time due to work addiction. Plus it gives another readout on a downstream circuit. The absolute best protection available is to not having your sensitive equipment plugged in at all. Other than that there are many devices out there to suit your needs based on what you want to protect. When at home and a storm is near we unplug all electronics we don't want to lose except a sacrificial cheap TV to watch the weather. Then I leave to go battle the storm. When we leave on trips we unplug the same stuff. Don't forget about any hardwired cable tv and phone lines either, unplug em too. A lot of calls post storm have to deal with blown out cable tv and phone boxes. On the road I check every pedestal before hooking up. Not paranoid about the power but treat it like any other routine task for RVing.

[daveswenson]

My thinking. A power monitoring/surge protection unit isn't cheap. Mine was $220. But it's cheaper than an AC unit, cheaper than a fridge. It's insurance. Expensive if you don't need it. Cheap if you do.

[guskmg]

By one before you plug into any power source ASAP.
Recently, I had a power surge and/or lightening strike the destroyed the following: Ground Fault Circuit Breaker, Microwave, Converter (on a different breaker that also would not reset until the converter was replaced), Water Pump, MircoPulse Monitor including two sensors, and Solar System repair. The total including labor was around $2,000. When I think of the two heat pumps, furnace, all lighting, 2 TVs and strero, antena booster, hot water heater, refrigerator, tounge and stabilizer jacks, propane sensors, and batteries x 4. I feel real fortunate more damage was not done. Lightening can do strange things like damage disconnected equipment and jump all over the place. When I was flying for a living, I can remember lightening hitting one fiberglas wing tip and going out the other with almost invisable holes left behind in both fiberglass wing tips. Many times we would get hit and no visible damage could be found. However, one time a hit caused a fuel vent fire during descent. The damage was not discovered until after landing. The fire had starved itself of oxygen later on during the descent. So much for Faraday cages Airstreamers. Is it better to place plastic under the tounge and stabilizer jacks or let them rest on the ground? Is the AC ground connected to frame as the DC? If so the trailer would be grounded through the power pedastal. Bad grounds can also cause power surges. Thoughs?
Charles J. "Gus" Gustafson
"Space A"
WBCCI # 4428

[SCOTTinNJ]

So is the concensus that a portable unit at the pedistal is best? That way the airstream 30 amp plug is protected? I do like that a hardwired unit is not out in the open for theft.

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by SCOTTinNJ

So is the concensus that a portable unit at the pedistal is best? That way the airstream 30 amp plug is protected? I do like that a hardwired unit is not out in the open for theft.

I use the pedestal unit for convenience. They make a device that will allow it to be locked to the cable.

I could see hardwired in some cases, if I had ready access to the power cable and there was plenty of room. Regardless, if it gives up it's life to save your trailer you will have to replace it. A portable unit is a lot easier to replace IMHO.

Aaron

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by Jim Flower

Bob, it was less costly for me to read the forums when you were laying low. Now I have to get one of these since the stuff you use always makes so much sense to me. Hope you are shovelled out. Jim


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Jim,

I'm sorry....the DW always said I was an expensive date.



Weather.....It's pretty normal for WNY.

Nov 20 2014....lot's and lot's

Nov 27 2014...not so much.

Bob

[Msmoto]

What ever electrical protection you purchase it should cover not only power surges but also recognize wiring faults in the source and be able to shut off power if voltage is too low. Sometimes it is advantageous to be able to show an RV Park person the fault right on a monitor and get a different space with a good electrical source.


Ms. Tommie Lauer
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[Tincampers]

I went ahead and got this one:

Progressive Industries PT30C 30 Amp Portable Electrical Management System

Peace of mind is priceless.

[Msmoto]

Originally Posted by mrprez

I went ahead and got this one:

Progressive Industries PT30C 30 Amp Portable Electrical Management System

Peace of mind is priceless.

I use their EMS-50PTC and like all the data. Yes, peace of mind.....


Ms. Tommie Lauer
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[Jim Flower]

Thanks for the info mrprez, Msmoto, and Bob. Piece of mind is good. Sold. Jim


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[mefly2]

I should also add that in addition to the power cord surge protector, we leave the (supplied with recent model AS) small power monitor (with three visual indicators) plugged into the bathroom electrical receptacle as a night light ... it just provides another eye to what is going on with the electrical system.

[Ampman]

Every rig has a different location for the main panel and hooking up a hard wired unit may be easy or a pain. The portable unit makes more sense and that's what I will go to when my hard wire unit fries. Plus you can drag it with you if you trade your rig.


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[moosetags]

Originally Posted by Silvery Moon

So we use the aforementioned surge guard, and when we're actually drawing on a 30 amp feed, we also use this voltage regulator: http://www.amazon.com/Technology-Res...dp/B00A0RANJ6/

They also make a 50-amp version. It's quite a brick, but we like the extra protection - it could save our heat pump from low-voltage damage. This item boosts voltage by as much as 10% (e.g. from 95 volts) before it gives up, turns off the power to your rig and waits for better conditions before resuming the power feed.

The Progressive solution may be more cost-effective since it protects both against surges and low voltage, but we didn't know about it then.

Thanks for your input. I am looking at getting the Technology Research unit for New Lucy. I have never had a surge protector before. I am reading that this unit is both a surge protector and a voltage regulator. Is this correct?

Brian

[Jim Flower]

PT 30C has a decent price today at Camping World on line. $218 plus shipping $9. Ordered. Two weeks shipping which is ok for me but a tad slow by today's standards. Jim


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[silverbp]

Buy one.



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[Tincampers]

$215 on Amazon with free Prime shipping or free Standard shipping (you'd have it next week..

[dkottum]

Originally Posted by moosetags

Thanks for your input. I am looking at getting the Technology Research unit for New Lucy. I have never had a surge protector before. I am reading that this unit is both a surge protector and a voltage regulator. Is this correct?

Brian

It doesn't regulate, only monitors the voltage, shutting it off if it is too low or high. Nifty unit, goes through a variety of power checks when first plugged in before it allows power to pass to your Airstream. I feel very good about the power source with this plugged in to protect our electrical system.

[Jim Flower]

Originally Posted by silverbp

Buy one.



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Yup. Got one. And mrprez, I never go shopping after I have been shopping. Another way to avoid being disappointed. But thank you for the heads up anyway. Jim


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[Tincampers]

Well, if not for you then for those who follow.