surge protector

[BuckeyeChuck]

Thinking about buying a 50 amp surge protector. Is 1600 joules good protection for most campgrounds?

[TURBS]

Would recommend this.


http://www.progressiveindustries.net/ems_hw50c.htm

[RenoRock]

I would agree on the EMS HW50 as well.
Having said that, with prices a consideration and installation work, ANY surge protector should be better than no surge protector.

[BarryD0706]

I agree with what Turbs said.

You can buy a unit that only protects against Spikes (and they still call those surge protectors), and that's the part of any protector that is rated in Joules...
but it's not really anywhere near what you need for "Surge Protection" on an RV. Good surge protectors, like the one you were referred to above, also protect you against mis-wiring in the pedestal and against over-voltage and under-voltage situations. They do that by not turning the power in to your RV. In addition, you can also buy something called a voltage booster that will increase the voltage in low-voltage situations (rather than just leaving you without power). The latter are heavy and even more expensive.

There are many threads on this forum on this subject so you might search if you want more information.

Edit: Here's a comparison chart showing you some different options: http://www.rvupgradestore.com/Articles.asp?ID=279


And here's another thread with lots of information.
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...etc-37900.html

[fonzie]

BuckeyeChuck, if you are looking just for a surge protector I would consider this one:

SSP-50

but for better and full protection, I would recommend what f1100turbo has posted.

[whj77372]

A good electric management system for 50 AMP will cost about $325 on sale and they are, IMHO required. Low voltage will do lots of harm to the RV appliances and you will not know that it is happening. There are ones that are hardwired in an RV and they will cost about $225. Good Luck

[Herk7769]

As everyone who is a regular here knows, I am a big autotransformer fan.
LOVE my Franks Electronics unit.

All the advantages of surge protection; low and high voltage cut out, PLUS low voltage boost to keep your appliances working long after everyone else's stuff has shut down.

When your Air Conditioner is shut down due to low voltage, you are very welcome to drop by for a cold one in the coolness...

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ers-26202.html

[BuckeyeChuck]

Originally Posted by f1100turbo

Would recommend this.


EMS-HW50C

Can this be user installed or does it have to be installed by a dealer/electrician?

[BarryD0706]

Originally Posted by BuckeyeChuck

Can this be user installed or does it have to be installed by a dealer/electrician?

That would depend on your skill level. It's just a matter of connecting up 6 wires into clamp-type electric connections and 2 ground wires under screws. However, working with #6 wire is not easy (it's very stiff).

[BuckeyeChuck]

Thanks, I think I'll stick with the portable one, Surge Guard 34750.

[BarryD0706]

If you want portable, go with this:
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping...otection/56422

It's made-in-USA and has a lifetime warranty. What you mentioned has a one-year warranty and is not.

[richardwstevens]

I just posted my experience with installing the 50amp PI hard-wired surge protector in the Surge Protection - What did you use and what you would recommend post. I hope it's helpful