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07-07-2018, 09:03 AM
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#1
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Rivet Master
2019 27' Globetrotter
Litchfield Park
, Arizona
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 548
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Is a surge protector needed?
I did a search through the forum and didn't seem to find this addressed so..
Our dealer did not think a surge protector was really needed. He said in his umptididdle years of selling Airstreams, personal experience, etc. he'd never heard of anyone actually having an issue from a power surge.
So my question to the group, have you or someone you directly know ever had an actual problem from a surge?
Not trying to start a fight here but just trying to decide if I need to spend the money on one.
Thanks,
Steve
__________________
Steve Jones
2019 Globetrotter 27 FB
2018 Chevy Silverado 2500 4WD LT
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07-07-2018, 09:15 AM
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#2
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.-. -...
2017 25' International
Niagara-on-the-Lake
, ON Canada
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 1,836
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My surge protector also protects against low voltage (which can harm your air conditioner). It activated a couple of times recently and shut down power to the Airstream.
__________________
Ray B.
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07-07-2018, 09:17 AM
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#3
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Rivet Master
1974 27' Overlander
Baltimore
, Maryland
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,042
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I have a progressive EMS. Haven't used the surge functionality as far as I'm aware, but definitely caught some miswired outlets, and regularily use the low voltage cutoff when I'm plugged in to the in-laws and my MIL uses the hair dryer when out AC is on. EMS cuts off the power before the breaker trips.
IMO, it's super cheap insurance.
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07-07-2018, 09:27 AM
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#4
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Half a Rivet Short
2017 30' Classic
2022 Interstate 24X
Carlisle
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 15,674
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Hi
Simple answer is that yes you *do* need a surge protector and that an EMS setup (that disconnects on high / low / error voltages ) is well worth the money. There are far to many campsites out there with flaky power. It only takes one problem to cause a very expensive repair. In addition, it pretty much ruins the camping trip ....
Bob
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07-07-2018, 09:44 AM
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#5
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retired USA/USAF
2001 30' Excella
Somerset
, New Jersey
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,418
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Do you NEED one. NO. But should you have one. YES. We did not have one and got away with it for years. Early on I just never thought about it but in later years after hearing a few horror stories I did think about it but just never got one. This past winter I bought the bullet and got the EMS from Progressive Ind. A simple surge protector is pretty cheap and good insurance but only from a surge. The EMS is more $$$ but more complete protection from a variety of electrical issues. Simply put better insurance but cost more. In a recent trip it did flip due to a low voltage issue while we were out. I'm glad that I went for it.
__________________
Roger in NJ
" Democracy is the worst form of government. Except for all the rest"
Winston Churchill 1948
TAC - NJ 18
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07-07-2018, 09:46 AM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2018 28' International
Fayetteville
, Georgia
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 825
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Why would you not get a surge protector?
brick
__________________
brick
2018 International Serenity
Cute wife...
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07-07-2018, 09:56 AM
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#7
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Home of Vortex tuning
2013 27' FB Eddie Bauer
Spearfish
, South Dakota
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 614
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After a Lewster solar install, I picked one up in Quartzite on sale.
I did find an open ground in my current campsite, and I have popped the GCFI with close lightening strikes during monsoon in Flagstaff couple years ago.
I can "see" the need.
__________________
"Chip Tank" is in Westwood Ca.
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07-07-2018, 10:04 AM
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#8
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Rivet Master
, Minnesota
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,721
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I only bought one AFTER I lost an air conditioner to poor voltage. Haven't lost one since.
It's a little annoying each spring when I wonder why the air conditioner won't work. Until I remember that the surge protector takes a minute or two to verify the voltage is OK.
I have 50a service, but I only use the EMS on the circuit to the air conditioner. Anything else I could lose on the other circuits is cheaper than a 50a surge protector.
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07-07-2018, 10:16 AM
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#9
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Rivet Master
2014 20' Flying Cloud
Sag Harbor
, New York
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 17,523
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Quote:
Originally Posted by brick1
Why would you not get a surge protector?
. . .
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Exactly!
With an overall investment way north of $100,000, why run the risk of ruining lots of things to save less than a 1% up-charge?
Risks>Rewards.
Simple IMO
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07-07-2018, 10:19 AM
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#10
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Rivet Master
2019 27' Globetrotter
Litchfield Park
, Arizona
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 548
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Hi brick1,
As stated in my question our dealer did not think we needed one. Perhaps he did not sell them... Also, the expense of it and having yet another thing to have to store, carry, and set up.
Wondering if anyone had any real stories of damage, etc., not just what they have heard or common accepted practice. Seems like a no brainer to have such a unit I'm sure, but I've never had a whole house protection circuit and in over 30 years of home ownership never had a single problem due to line surges, low voltage, etc.
The voltage regulation to protect the AC and flaky wiring issues at campgrounds seems like a good argument in favor of having one. Hearing actual stories of encountering low voltage situations lends weight to the argument to have a unit. On another forum I found a guy who had to replace his AC due to low voltage.
Steve
__________________
Steve Jones
2019 Globetrotter 27 FB
2018 Chevy Silverado 2500 4WD LT
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07-07-2018, 10:26 AM
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#11
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Rivet Master
2007 22' International CCD
Corona
, California
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,180
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Is a surge protector needed?
Our original A/C got fried because of undetected low voltage. Son lived in it for a year while he went to school in Texas. His Insurance paid for it, but it was a pain that was unnecessary.
IMHO an EMS that checks for low voltage is a darn good idea.
__________________
Rich, KE4GNK/AE, Overkill Engineering Dept.
'The Silver HamShack' ('07 International 22FB CCD 75th Anniversary)
Multiple Yaesu Ham Radios inside and many antennae sprouting from roof, ProPride hitch, Prodigy P2 controller.
2012 shortbed CrewMax 4x4 Toyota Tacoma TV with more antennae on it.
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07-07-2018, 10:26 AM
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#12
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Rivet Master
2018 27' International
Southeastern MI
, Michigan
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 2,344
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Mine shut the power off recently for an open ground on my garage circuit. You can put it in bypass but make sure the voltage is not low.
__________________
2018 International Serenity 27' FB
Michelin 16” tires
Hensley Arrow hitch
Tow Vehicle: 2020 F-350 6.7L Diesel
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07-07-2018, 10:28 AM
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#13
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Rivet Master
2019 27' Globetrotter
Litchfield Park
, Arizona
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 548
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Thanks!
So saw Mark's post that happened while I was posting. He lost an AC unit. This is the kind of info I was looking for.
I'm convinced now to go ahead and get a unit.
I'll search the forum for recommended/favored units and probably will have some additional questions.
My problem is we're on the road now and are living in our Airstream, so buying something mail order is a bit of a problem.
Thanks for everyone's input.
Steve
__________________
Steve Jones
2019 Globetrotter 27 FB
2018 Chevy Silverado 2500 4WD LT
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07-07-2018, 10:28 AM
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#14
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Rivet Master
2007 22' International CCD
Corona
, California
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,180
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Is a surge protector needed?
Yup. A voltmeter always connected on the 120 volt AC circuit is a good idea as well.
__________________
Rich, KE4GNK/AE, Overkill Engineering Dept.
'The Silver HamShack' ('07 International 22FB CCD 75th Anniversary)
Multiple Yaesu Ham Radios inside and many antennae sprouting from roof, ProPride hitch, Prodigy P2 controller.
2012 shortbed CrewMax 4x4 Toyota Tacoma TV with more antennae on it.
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07-07-2018, 11:00 AM
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#15
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Rivet Master
2016 27' International
Sherwood Park
, Alberta
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,026
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I went without one for years with no issues. My dealer also said it wasnt necessary, your unit is equipped with "breakers" that will protect you. On a whim I bought a fairly inexpensive, entry level surge protector as added insurance. Murphy's Law, big surge while at a popular KOA, fried the cheapo protector and 2 TVs. I thought that at least if I had some protection it would be better than none at all but I was mistaken. I now have a Progressive EMS-PT30X. Made in the USA and very highly rated as one of the best. There is a big difference between an electrical management system (EMS) and a simple surge protector. Not cheap, but much cheaper that many of the AS components that can be damaged by a miriade of electrical calamities. Do your research, then make an informed decision.
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07-07-2018, 11:07 AM
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#16
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Rivet Master
2016 27' International
Sherwood Park
, Alberta
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,026
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Quote:
Originally Posted by markdoane
I only bought one AFTER I lost an air conditioner to poor voltage. Haven't lost one since.
It's a little annoying each spring when I wonder why the air conditioner won't work. Until I remember that the surge protector takes a minute or two to verify the voltage is OK.
I have 50a service, but I only use the EMS on the circuit to the air conditioner. Anything else I could lose on the other circuits is cheaper than a 50a surge protector.
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Like TVs, microwaves, stereos and such? That must be one expensive surge protector.
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07-07-2018, 11:19 AM
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#17
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2 Rivet Member
2018 28' Tommy Bahama
Silver City
, New Mexico
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 76
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You don't need one until you need one.
__________________
Class A Safari Trek 2830 - SOLD; TC Lance 1010 - SOLD;
TT Arctic Fox 30U - SOLD; TT Forest River Mini - SOLD;
Class B+ Pleasure Way Pursuit - FS; $$$$ - GONE
If it ain't broke I can break it
A dime still makes a pretty good screwdriver
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07-07-2018, 11:30 AM
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#18
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Rivet Master
2018 28' International
Fayetteville
, Georgia
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 825
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Quote:
Originally Posted by stevejones
Hi brick1,
As stated in my question our dealer did not think we needed one. Perhaps he did not sell them... Also, the expense of it and having yet another thing to have to store, carry, and set up.
Wondering if anyone had any real stories of damage, etc., not just what they have heard or common accepted practice. Seems like a no brainer to have such a unit I'm sure, but I've never had a whole house protection circuit and in over 30 years of home ownership never had a single problem due to line surges, low voltage, etc.
The voltage regulation to protect the AC and flaky wiring issues at campgrounds seems like a good argument in favor of having one. Hearing actual stories of encountering low voltage situations lends weight to the argument to have a unit. On another forum I found a guy who had to replace his AC due to low voltage.
Steve
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I have a friend who is a full time RV’er. His 5th wheel was hit by lightning, burned everything up. He now has a Progressive Industries surge protector. He has been hit twice since, surge protector took the hit. No camper damage.
brick
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07-07-2018, 11:41 AM
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#19
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Rivet Master
2017 26' Flying Cloud
Tampa
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 7,620
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You don't need it................until you do.
I also have a fire extinguisher that I've never used, and a first aid kit full of bandages!
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07-07-2018, 11:48 AM
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#20
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Rivet Master
, Minnesota
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,721
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thewarden
[/COLOR]
Like TVs, microwaves, stereos and such? That must be one expensive surge protector.
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TV - about $150
Microwave - about $100
Whats a stereo?
We're not full timers. Leave the good stuff at home.
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