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Old 04-08-2014, 10:56 AM   #1
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Surge/Power Protector Advice

Wanting advice on whether it is best to purchase 30 or 50 amp surge protector to be used on 30 amp TT.

I'm considering obtaining a 50 amp digital power protector and using my 30/50 amp adaptor. This works if the camp has both 30 and 50 amp service. I would prefer 50 amp service to maximize power to TT so I wouldn't trip CFCI circuit so easily.

On the other hand, if the camp has 30 amp but not 50 amp service I would have no protection. It would require a separate 30 amp protector as I'm assuming the male components of 30 and 50 amp protectors are not interchangeable.

What do you 30 amp TT owners use?

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Old 04-08-2014, 11:14 AM   #2
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Never mind above post...manufacturer states to use protector with amperage matching TT.
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Old 04-08-2014, 11:14 AM   #3
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You will be surge protected with the 50 amp no matter what. The amp rating (50 in you rig) is the limiting factor. If you had a 30 trailer, then only the 30 amp surge supp. Your rig is built with the 50 amp capability and if you are using only 30, then you should have no problem using the 50. I am pretty sure (as I have done it for several years) this is how it all works. IF not, I am sure some of the Master Electricians will show the way. Just re-read your post and see you have a 30 amp TT. Then 30 amp is ALL you should use.
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Old 04-08-2014, 11:15 AM   #4
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No real benefit to use a 50 amp surge protector in a 30 amp service trailer.
You still only have 30 amp wiring to your distribution center.

You'd only really benefit buy making your tt 50 amp service.
Which means rewire.

I use a 30 amp with no issues.

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Old 04-08-2014, 11:24 AM   #5
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I agree with the above there is no use in paying for a 50 amp when your trailer is 30 amp. You won't get any benefit from it. Just buy a good dog bone and plug your 30 amp into a 50 amp outlet. Your 30 amp breaker is where your protection is. Sometimes the 50 amp outlet is in better shape being most TT are 30. Check them both out if the 30 looks used up an burnt use the dog bone and plug into the less used 50amp. Just my opinion, and I'm wrong half the time.
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Old 04-08-2014, 11:27 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by f1100turbo View Post
No real benefit to use a 50 amp surge protector in a 30 amp service trailer.
You still only have 30 amp wiring to your distribution center.

You'd only really benefit buy making your tt 50 amp service.
Which means rewire.

I use a 30 amp with no issues.

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Thanks TURBS.
Kinda what I thought...Will be trading this TT in for 5'er in a couple of years and didn't want to have to purchase 30 amp now and 50 amp in the future. Looks like there's no way around that. Guess I'll throw the 30 amp protector in as a bonus when I sell/trade.
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Old 04-08-2014, 11:54 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TxTravelingRN View Post
Thanks TURBS.
Kinda what I thought...Will be trading this TT in for 5'er in a couple of years and didn't want to have to purchase 30 amp now and 50 amp in the future. Looks like there's no way around that. Guess I'll throw the 30 amp protector in as a bonus when I sell/trade.
Buy the 30 amp and put 30 amp twist lock plug on it and when your ready to sell just unplug ems the plug the two "other" ends back together and sell 30 ems.
You'll have noooooo problem selling it.
Also if your ems should go bad while camping you can unplug it and keep camping.
Get pkugs on ebay for about 18 a pair.
Dont go to hardware store.



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Old 04-14-2014, 11:58 AM   #8
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Ordered from Camping World a 30 amp surge protector and installed today. Portable Surge Guards With LCD Display - 30 Amp - TRC 34730-001-LCD - Surge Protectors - Camping World. I opted for the portable type for now. So far it works as designed: built in 128 second delay before supplying electricity to trailer and gives a digital readout. I'm receiving 125 Volts without fluctuation after watching for 30 minutes. I got it just in time as a severe storm is in area with lightening strikes 0.3 miles away per WeatherBug. I have more peace of mind now.
At some point I will change to a hardwired variety that gives a digital readout in the trailer so I won't have to go to the power pole to see the info. I took a stroll through the camp yesterday....didn't see a single trailer with a protector @ the power pole. Either everyone else has one hardwired in their trailers...or no one else is protected. Fortunately the supply here seems to be to code.
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