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Old 03-18-2016, 11:34 AM   #1
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Surge Protector, Which One?

So while waiting for the new unit I decided that I would shop around for a 50 amp surge protector because the one I have is 30 amp and the new fifth is 50. however trying to decide just what to get has been rather confusing, I thought I wanted a surge protector now I see this

" Progressive Industries PT50C 50 Amp Portable Electrical Management System:"

can anyone tell me what the difference is?
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Old 03-18-2016, 11:54 AM   #2
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Go with an EMS unit, more protection than just a surge protector. Link to comparison chart:

Progressive Industries RV Surge and Electrical Protection industry lea
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Old 03-18-2016, 12:20 PM   #3
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I was going to recommend Franks Autotransformer and Surge Suppressor, but it appears Frank Izbinski, the owner and engineer, has passed away and no one is currently making his product.

This is a real loss.
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Old 03-18-2016, 08:01 PM   #4
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The progressive unit seems to be what most people go with, I personally went with a Hugh's 50 amp unit, just my preference.
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Old 03-19-2016, 07:54 AM   #5
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The progressive unit seems to be what most people go with, I personally went with a Hugh's 50 amp unit, just my preference.

Hughes makes a surge protector?
I thought they were just into auto formers?


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Old 03-19-2016, 09:09 AM   #6
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No not just a surge protector, but that protection is built in to the unit, same as the progressive EMS. Since the thread seemed to be heading in that direction.

From their site:

Experience performance and reliability with The Hughes Autoformer RV220-50. 50 amp Low Voltage boosting transformer.

Hughes Autoformers are the only U.S patented Voltage boosting solution available today. All others are imitations.

50 Amp – double phase, 12,000 Watts capacity
Fully automatic 10% boost when needed (95v-115v)
Park power diagnostic light
Boost indicator lights for each line (2)
Spike and surge protection
U.L. listed Autotransformer
Size: 12”H x 8 ½“ W x 5½” D
Weight: 35 Lbs.
Two-year limited warranty
Made in U.S.A.
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Old 03-19-2016, 11:33 AM   #7
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There are two main surge protection manufacturers. The first question is whether you want a permanent mount or a plug in. Permanent is much more convenient, once installed, and you don't have to lock it to the pedestal to prevent theft. A lot of people like to install them with plugs, so that the unit can be bypassed if it fails. All units can fail if the main contactor fails.

The reason I went with the Progressive is that it can be repaired and has a lifetime warranty. My old unit, which was a portable Surge Guard failed and was non repairable. I can also tell you that tech support is much better with Progressive. The Surge Guard folks basically just told me to buy a new one.
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Old 03-19-2016, 11:35 AM   #8
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While the Hughes may be the choice (cause they are the only ones easily available) autoformer and do offer a few joules of spike and surge protection, they are no replacement for a Prog. Ind. EMS system. A combination of the two is a great setup but the Hughes alone does not afford the protection you need.

I have a PowerMaster autoformer and the 30amp Prog. EMC and feel quite safe and always have decent power.
Frank's is gone and PowerMaster(except marine version) can't seem to be found anymore.
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Old 03-19-2016, 11:38 AM   #9
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X2 on Progressive Industries EMS. Don't leave home without it. Lifetime warranty. Exceptional service 24/7.
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Old 03-19-2016, 12:15 PM   #10
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I bought the progressive unit for our new home away from home 5vr and on our first trip to an Ohio park when I did the test of there outlet it blew my progressive unit and thank god I didn't plug the 5vr in or it would of cook everything . After 2 attempts of fixing there pedestal and thanks to hanging on to my old protector we were able to enjoy the rest of the week . I sent back the new unit to progressive and it was repaired or replaced free of charge and only took 4 days , great company just wish there were more companies in the RV industry like them .
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Old 03-19-2016, 04:36 PM   #11
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x8 Progressive. I have the built in one. Don't have to worry about security. Both types of Progressive units have a delay so if the power is bad it WON"T turn the power on to the camper. Saved me a few times already in 3 seasons of camping.
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Old 03-19-2016, 04:42 PM   #12
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I am a terrible consumer...

I bought this one, it has done just fine.

They do make a 50 amp.

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Old 03-19-2016, 04:51 PM   #13
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DDC get the hard wired Progressive Industries EMS and bring it to the Tadpole Rally and I'll install it for you!


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Old 03-19-2016, 05:00 PM   #14
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I am a terrible consumer...

I bought this one, it has done just fine.

They do make a 50 amp.
Ford, Is that padlock and chain part of your setup? Are the portable(s) a theft target then?
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Old 03-19-2016, 05:03 PM   #15
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Ford, Is that padlock and chain part of your setup? Are the portable(s) a theft target then?
The padlock's and chain keep honest people honest.

One padlock locks the chain to the SP the other wraps around the pole to keep it from walking off.

Target?

No idea if anyone has tried to remove it.
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Old 03-19-2016, 06:31 PM   #16
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I also use a 50 amp power pal to check the pedestal power even before anything else is connected. Has only told me once that it was not ok to connect, bad ground.
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Old 03-19-2016, 06:35 PM   #17
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There is a difference in a surge protector, and an Electrical Management System. Do a little homework. The differences are great enough to warrant spending more to truly protect your RV.

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Old 03-20-2016, 08:14 AM   #18
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DDC get the hard wired Progressive Industries EMS and bring it to the Tadpole Rally and I'll install it for you!


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If I go with a hard-wired one will I still be able to use my generator? I have a 30 amp one on my present trailer but if I plug it into the gen it will not let the power through, I think it has something to do with the floating neutral.
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Old 03-20-2016, 08:22 AM   #19
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DDC What type 30 Amp protector do you currently have now and are you interested in selling the 30Amp. when I downsized units I let the 50Amp protector go with the unit. Message me if interested. Ted
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Old 03-20-2016, 08:41 AM   #20
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If I go with a hard-wired one will I still be able to use my generator? I have a 30 amp one on my present trailer but if I plug it into the gen it will not let the power through, I think it has something to do with the floating neutral.
I believe you are correct. The one time I used a generator with my camper I had to tie ground to neutral on the cord I made for the generator. Somewhere on the internet i found this solution.
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