Surge Protector

[WestieHouse]

Originally Posted by Jammer

Well, that's certainly what they want you to believe, and you can believe that if you want.


I don't believe it, because I've been in a lab where they test this stuff, and I've seen what it can and cannot do.

It sounds like you’ve been exposed to some scientific or technical data that might help one come to a reasoned decision. Can you provide a link to this reference or lab so we can better understand the factors that would allow an informed decision?

Thanks!

[SMKovalchik]

Rhetorical question. You bought an Airstream, protect it. As an FYI, we had an old Progressive surge protector used in several motor homes before switching to an Airstream. It was at least 12 years old, we couldn’t find any proof of purchase/receipt but did remember we bought it directly from Progressive. It quit working. Contacted Progressive warranty department and filled out the papers following their directions. They replaced it for free, immediately. They really do have a lifetime warranty.

[rowiebowie]

Originally Posted by rmkrum

It’s one of those things that you carry, but only need it when you need it.

Dittos on first aid gear, emergency good and water, tools, and fire extinguishers. Always aboard, and would be very uneasy without them.

Sometimes I think the universe notes what precautions you are taking, then waits for you to drop your guard momentarily so it can smack you upside the head.Attachment 342873

And yes, I always carry duct tape and my Swiss Army Knife.

So true, except it does test even the prepared. I carry Gorilla tape. Who knew my windshield weather stripping would go flapping at 70 mph or my tank heater pad would detach. Both happened far from home and both fixed by two strips of the 1.5" tape I was carrying. After that, I started carrying 2.5" wide Gorilla tape. No problems since.

And yes, I also carry Progressive Industries power protection.
.

[Lil Bear]

Yes to EMS surge protectors. We have used the 30 amp model on our last two AirStreams and just purchased a new 50 amp for our pending Classic purchase. Interesting when I asked Colonial about their opinion for fixed versus portable they do not like to mount surge protectors inside AirStreams as they do t want a surge protector in the trailer if there is over-surge event that may cause fire.

Back to the pole for us with our new Progressive Industries 50 A...locked of course��.

[Pahaska]

After losing my Magnum inverter last year at Alumapalooza, I am firm on using my surge suppressor. Cost me about $700 to replace. The inverter is kind of an extra on trailers, but it is a prime part of the electrical system in Interstates.

If you spend hundreds on a good surge suppressor, pony up another $20 or so for a good lock. Surge suppressors tend to disappear in the small hours of night. The lock I chose is infinitely adjustable. I tightly loop the pedestal at the base and the loop will not pass over the larger upper part of the pedestal. I run the cable through the grab loops on both the suppressor and my power cable.

[pmclemore]

I have the SurgeGuard. Can't imagine a good reason not to have it and use it always.

It tests the pedestal before it permits power to the unit. After all the money I invested in the Airstream and a class-A Lewster solar system, I certainly wouldn't skimp here.

Pat

[Tireman9]

I use an EMS Surge Guard 34931 from Techno RV.

Last year it identified two faulty pedestals. Can't put a dollar value on the damage prevented or how much it saved me because it detected the errors and prevented the electrical connection, thus preventing any damage to my RV.

[Jim from Ind]

For what it cost to buy a surge protector versus the cost to have your Airstream re-wired pretty easy decision!

[rmkrum]

Don’t forget the cost of all new 120 volt appliances in case of a serious miswire or other pedestal or outlet issue. An unprotected 220 volt ac hit on a 30 amp 120 volt trailer can lead to a lot of damage.

[Night owls]

I'm definitely for one! I've never had an issue with our prior SOB's when hooking up to shore power but with our Airstream purchase it was a no brainer. I purchased the 50 amp progressive ems and use it each time just in case. Like others have said, it is not cheap to buy one but the ramifications will be much worse. Peace of mind for me!

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, I have a surge protector, but only use it when I know that a big storm is coming. If a storm hits before I can install my surge protector, I'm not going outside and touching anything electrical. I will take my chances at that point. I always test the power post with a polarity tester first. I also have a Kill-A- Watt in my trailer so I can watch the incoming voltage. If the 30 amp outlet is loose or broken, I use my 50 amp dog bone. Never found a warn out 50 amp outlet so far.

[Rocinante]

Given we have a hybrid inverter / charger in our trailer and our power comes through that, we can't necessarily check power quality / voltage from inside the trailer, because our power has sometimes been conditioned by the inverter. So, we keep right on using our EMS-PT30X any time we're connected to shore power, which allows us to automatically detect and disconnect us from dangerous or unacceptable shore power conditions whenever they arise. When that happens, we simply begin using our battery power and invert to produce AC power as needed.

As my brother has recently experienced, any given power outlet can go bad at any time, regardless of whether there's a lightning storm in the area.

Still, your call, though best of luck!

[Tireman9]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

The bottom line is you often don't know if the surge protector saved you or not.
If I put one in line for ten years and nothing blows up, did the surge work? Who knows? Maybe I never had a spike.

I still carry a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit. So far I haven't used it.

Agree if all you are talking about is "Surge protector" but modern EMS will evaluate lots of things in the 10 seconds before it turns on.
Bad ground, no ground, reverse polarity, Over/under voltage and the like.


Don't know if I have had a "surge" from lightening strike or similar, but as I previously posted I did have a reverse polarity at one campground. Forgot the problem at the other CG but the "SurgeGuard EMS" would not connect.

[GypsyCan]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

I'm in the "Yes" column.
For my former RV I had a cheaper version and it worked fine. (or wasn't needed). I let it go with the RV.
When I bought the Airstream I purchased the top of the line Progressive Industries with the highest surge rating.
I consider a surge protector like I think of a fire extinguisher or first aid kit. You might not need it, but when you do, it's really important to have it.

Yes, it was expensive, but I've forgotten about that over time, meanwhile it protects me every day.

Re Progressive: If you get a shut off and the code is PE 7 it may not be a hertz problem/the card. You can get the same code if there is a faulty ballast in the light on the pedestal you are plugged in to. Remove the light and see if the problem continues. Mine was fine sans light. Dave at Progressive was great help.

[GypsyCan]

Remove the light in the park pedestal and see if the problem does not go away. Mine did. Bad Ballast can emit RF and cause shut down.

[napabill]

It can happen anywhere at any time. A co-worker in San Diego was slumbering peacefully in his split-level S&B when the televisions in the upstairs bedrooms came on, along with the stereos and alarm clocks and the blow drier in. the bathroom. Virtually everything on the second floor went on at full blast, then went out in a puff of smoke. Like many houses, it had a single 240V electrical circuit running to the second floor that was split into two 120 lines with outlets on one leg and lights on the other. A hot wire in one of the outlet boxes came loose and contacted the other terminal, sending 240 volts to all the wall outlets. Everything plugged in upstairs was cooked before the breaker snapped.

[lsbrodsky]

Originally Posted by napabill

It can happen anywhere at any time. A co-worker in San Diego was slumbering peacefully in his split-level S&B when the televisions in the upstairs bedrooms came on, along with the stereos and alarm clocks and the blow drier in. the bathroom. Virtually everything on the second floor went on at full blast, then went out in a puff of smoke. Like many houses, it had a single 240V electrical circuit running to the second floor that was split into two 120 lines with outlets on one leg and lights on the other. A hot wire in one of the outlet boxes came loose and contacted the other terminal, sending 240 volts to all the wall outlets. Everything plugged in upstairs was cooked before the breaker snapped.

Indeed it can. At home I had a neutral failure at the pole, put 240 on my 120 and fried all electronics that were not on a UPS or surge suppressor. I was sitting in the kitchen, recognized the symptoms and got the main breakers tripped before refrigerator was damaged. Utility found a broken neutral at the base of the pole and reimbursed me for most of my costs. Had some other damage that I did not identify until years later. Some utilites sell whole house surge suppressors, mine does not.
Larry

[Jacob D]

Originally Posted by Docbutch

My wife and I are conflicted about the need for a surge protector when hooking up to shore power. Many say yes. Many say no. Thoughts and comments please on the need and if needed which one.

I can't think of a single reason not to use one every time I plug into a pedestal.

[Gene]

The most likely problem is probably lightning, but a storm may come while you are asleep and really not wanting to go out and attach the surge protector. Or, the storm may be miles away and send a jolt along the lines to your trailer and you'll never know it was lightning because you never heard thunder. Of course, all sorts of other things can happen—someone hits the pole and shorts the wires sending more volts towards your trailer. Someone mentioned a careless lineman can short the wires. A systemic problem with a bad generator or a failing transformer may reach you. Breakers in the power line system may fail to trip or trip fast enough when a jolt comes down the line.

In our Airstream I mounted a surge protector inside because I was worried about theft. It was really difficult because there is no easy place to mount it and since all the Romex was under the bed at one corner, I mounted the surge protector on the outside of the bed frame. I used a lot of electrical tape at the places where the Romex had to be attached to the surge protector. There is not a lot of space for a senior citizen with old legs to work on that, so it was a chore. I mounted an electrical box inside the bed frame for the various connections between the wiring, breaker panel, converter and the surge protector. If you have no experience with electrical work, don't do it yourself. When we bought another trailer, I went for the outside surge protector at the pedestal. There was no place to mount one inside with major modifications anyway and the point about the possibility of a fire at the surge protector is well taken. I never thought of it when I put one inside the Airstream.

I never bought a lock for the for exterior surge protector. So far, no one has appropriated it. An easy way to discourage theft (though not stop it entirely) is to use a cable tie around the surge protector and pedestal post. If a thief has a wire cutter or sharp knife, they could cut through it fast, but most thieves are not all that bright and may not carry those tools with them.

[Rocinante]

Also, most thieves aren't likely to know or care much about an EMS/surge protector device. Think about it. How would they hock one for cash at a pawn shop or through a fence? Nobody wants a used one, right? Once you hook an EMS / surge guard to a pole it's useless to anybody else, because a used EMS in an unknown electrical state has zero value, at least in my book.