RV Surge Protector

[JerJ]

My neighbor just bought a surge protector for his Class C RV and highly recommends that we get one as well. We are new at RVing and I don't recall seeing any surge protectors being used by RVers at the campgrounds we have been. I would appreciate any feedback from the Forum on whether this is a definite must-have. We have a 2016 Forester 3011 DS. Thank you

[SeaDog]

there numerous threads on surge protectors if you do a search. I never plug in even at home without the surge protector connected. Fry your electronics and you will realize how a surge protector is cheap insurance.

[fonzie]

Highly recommended to install one........

https://www.google.ca/search?q=progr...iverforums.com

[rjshiflet]

Originally Posted by SeaDog

I never plug in even at home without the surge protector connected. Fry your electronics and you will realize how a surge protector is cheap insurance.

X2

[wahoonc]

There are two types, some units come with internal/built in ones, you won't see those at a campground. I use an external for the time being. Cheap insurance. There was a power issue at one of the state parks I was at, my EMS shut off the power, the guy next to me had to call for a mobile repair service to come out and replace his fuse block and something else so he could get his jacks up to go home. Cost him over $1,000. I am guessing there was a power spike of some sort on our loop. I recommend the Progressive Industries models.

Aaron

[crunchman12001]

Originally Posted by JerJ

My neighbor just bought a surge protector for his Class C RV and highly recommends that we get one as well. We are new at RVing and I don't recall seeing any surge protectors being used by RVers at the campgrounds we have been. I would appreciate any feedback from the Forum on whether this is a definite must-have. We have a 2016 Forester 3011 DS. Thank you

This is a must have. Buy a Progressive Industries EMS. They have a lifetime warranty.
I just had an issue with my 2 year old unit (the plug was a little scorched and the case holding the plug had stress cracks ) I sent it in and they are sending me a new one postage paid, no questions asked. Highly recommend.

[Witch Doctor]

Originally Posted by rjshiflet

X2

X'3 Now a days I don't know why the factory just don't add one in as it's being built. I won't plug in without one. I never trust CG wiring. First thing you should get...

[davel1971]

Progressive Industries EMS series. Mine is hardwired in the basement so it will not be seen. Has saved me many times. Much cheaper than the damage you could incur from not having one. Sure, some people will say they have never had one and been fine. Nobody plans on having a fire either, but I bet we all have a fire extinguisher.

[GL1800Rider]

x4 on the Progressive Industries model. I got the hardwired. It is easy to install on the 3011. Just mount under the bed next to the transfer switch. The only thing you need to buy extra is a section of wire about 18 inches to go between the EMS and the transfer switch. I put the display panel that comes with it on the outside of the bed framework facing the front of the coach. This makes it easy to monitor the voltage and the amp draw. Just make sure you mount the display low enough to be able to see it in case the bedding hangs over the side of the bed.

I bought mine from Best Converter. Price currently is 217.50 with the display.

EMS-HW30C 30 Amp Hardwired EMS with Remote Display

[mnolasco]

I just bought a PI ELECTRICAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM HW50c. I have not installed it yet. The instructions allow installing after or before the ATS. I know that after also monitors the generator. are there any other advantages or disadvantages to these two options?? Also, any advice on installing myself or should i have the dealer install??

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by mnolasco

I just bought a PI ELECTRICAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM HW50c. I have not installed it yet. The instructions allow installing after or before the ATS. I know that after also monitors the generator. are there any other advantages or disadvantages to these two options?? Also, any advice on installing myself or should i have the dealer install??

Interesting... I would put it before the ATS. Typically an EMS won't work with a generator due to the floating neutral.

Aaron

[GL1800Rider]

Not sure what you mean by "won't work". Mine works fine. I would think of it wouldn't work progressive would not print it in their instructions

[fonzie]

On board generators has the neutral grounded, so there should no issues with using Progressive EMS before or after transfer switch....

[Witch Doctor]

Originally Posted by GL1800Rider

Not sure what you mean by "won't work". Mine works fine. I would think of it wouldn't work progressive would not print it in their instructions

KUDO'S to you, most men won't read the manufacturer's installation instructions, but we seem to all have opinions and that's all they are.....

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by GL1800Rider

Not sure what you mean by "won't work". Mine works fine. I would think of it wouldn't work progressive would not print it in their instructions

I have a comment on my blog post where down one says that Progressive Industries emphatically said their EMS don't work with generators.

http://learntorv.com/what-surge-prot...est-for-my-rv/

I didn't ask PI about it directly, but I think I will email them.

[Wheels Down]

My PI unit has "not worked" twice and I had to disable (bypass) it. Once the ground connections at the entire beach campground were weak and the other time a weak current did not allow the unit to function. The PI units have a automatic current and ground fault detection. If they read any abnormalities they will not send current to your RV, which is why you bought the unit in the first place. Just doing it's job.
I am not sure about generators, but based on past performance and design, I can see why it would not work with that type of a cyclic power source.

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by fonzie

On board generators has the neutral grounded, so there should no issues with using Progressive EMS before or after transfer switch....

Originally Posted by Witch Doctor

KUDO'S to you, most men won't read the manufacturer's installation instructions, but we seem to all have opinions and that's all they are.....

I am basing my "opinion" on quite a few years of experience. Many generators used to come with a floating neutral, and many still do. Unless PI has come up with some method of detecting and bypassing their sensors (possible) it won't work with many generators. Yes some of the newer ones are now bonding the neutral with the ground. Again I think the PI might have a problem with that. I haven't had a PI in a couple of years, however I KNOW that my current SurgeGuard will not work with any of the generators I have tried it with, RV, Inverter or larger house sized standby.

Also directions are only as good as the manufacturer and person following them make them. I seen many a set of manufacturers directions that went completely against the basic laws of physics, when pointed out the usual response seemed to be, oops or that was for a previous model.

Aaron

[sk734]

If you need it you will be glad you have one. What would the cost be to replace your electrical eqipment. I always use one as cheap insurance.

[Paul GA]

Another vote for the Progressive unit. I finally came across issue and it did it's job. Low voltage at River Falls at Tallulah Gorge.

[RamblerGuy]

The difference of opinion of the Progressive Industries EMS "Won't Work with Generators" may be because some are talking about a portable generator supplying a trailer and others are talking about an on-board generator that supplies a motorhome through a transfer switch.

The on-board Onan generator on our Sunseeker 3100 supplies power just fine through the factory automatic transfer switch, then through a hard-wired PI EMS-30C.