Surge Protector already in RV???

DXSMac · 03-13-2013, 01:03 PM

Last night I had a problem with my electricity, I have a surge protector on, and it was kicking in and preventing me from having electricity.

I called a Certified RV Mobile Tech. The Tech recommends that I take the surge protector off (It's the EXPEN$IVE one from Camping World), and see if I have problems. The Tech said that I have "some" surge protection already built in (I have a 2013 Sunseeker) so removing the protector shouldn't be a problem. The maintenance guy at the RV park has already checked the pole and found no problem.

My surge proctor is kicking off at 124 volts. According to Camping World, it should go up to 132.

Do I have such a thing as "some" surge protection in my 2013 Sunseeker? I find this hard to believe.

Dave_Monica · 03-13-2013, 01:15 PM

I'm not familiar with your exact surge protector but doesn't it display a fault code when it trips?

Dave

BarryD0706 · 03-13-2013, 01:53 PM

Not great advice from that tech. Oh sure, take out the device that is potentially protecting your RV from damage and see if it gets damaged.

The Progressive Industries protectors display a "current" error code and a "previous" error code so you can tell what's going on. Camping World does sell those, but they don't seem to advertise them as much.

BarryD0706 · 03-13-2013, 01:58 PM

More advice. I think you should call the manufacturer. They have ways to diagnose over the phone. If it's the Progressive Industries unit, it has a lifetime warranty (at least new ones do).

DXSMac · 03-13-2013, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave_Monica

I'm not familiar with your exact surge protector but doesn't it display a fault code when it trips?

Dave

If it is supposed to, I saw nothing. All I saw on the readout was a green light (indicating power) and it said "124 volts ZERO amps."

It's not supposed to kick off at 124 volts. The RV tech said that it's been raining a lot here, and it's possible the rain got inside the surge protector and corroded part of it.

Camping World told me that I have to ship it to the manufacturer (TRC = Technology Research Corporation, sounds like a fly by night operation).

BarryD0706 · 03-13-2013, 04:34 PM

Dude, if you'd give us the model number we might be able to tell you more. If it's what I'm guessing it is, it's designed to kick off for lots of reasons other than just high voltage. Hopefully the tech checked those those things. That company gives a 1-year warranty, although I've heard a story or two of them taking care of people long after that. CALL THEM.

DXSMac · 03-13-2013, 05:39 PM

My surge protector is model 34730 for 30 amps. My Sunseeker is Model 3170. I find it hard to believe that there are "built in surge protectors" in my RV. I don't like not being hooked up with a surge protector, those things have saved my butt a few times.

I left a message at the contact number for TRC. Apparently, they are on the east coast.

(by the way, I'm a "dudess" or a "ma'am" whichever you want to use....

Witch Doctor · 03-13-2013, 05:45 PM

I have never heard of unit coming with a surge protector already installed by the factory, but I'm not sure about a sunseaker either. Did you check your ground faults inside the unit. That will stop any AC if it tripped. My question is if it was installed in the unit how would it get wet? So it must be an add on or one that you plug in at the pedestal. Your unit could be okay being it is reading 124 volts and no lights, I think I would be looking inside if I understand correctly. the common places are the head and sink area for the GFI. They will trip from moisture and stop the AC current. But Hell I have been wrong before.!!!

DXSMac · 03-13-2013, 05:49 PM

Found a technical manual:

https://www.dyersonline.com/lightspe...tfile_id/1347/

Apparently, if the voltage is within range, but power is prevented, CALL TECHNICAL SUPPORT! Which is what I did.

But original question: Do RV's have "built in" surge protectors, which is what a mobile tech told me? I am skeptical of this!

DXSMac · 03-13-2013, 05:51 PM

Yeppers, I checked the ground fault. I only have one, in the kitchen. I had to turn on the generator to check the ground fault.

I have removed the surge protector (it was a portable one), and so far, no problem, but I'm antsy about not having one!

Quote:

Originally Posted by gljurczyk

I have never heard of unit coming with a surge protector already installed by the factory, but I'm not sure about a sunseaker either. Did you check your ground faults inside the unit. That will stop any AC if it tripped. My question is if it was installed in the unit how would it get wet? So it must be an add on or one that you plug in at the pedestal. Your unit could be okay being it is reading 124 volts and no lights, I think I would be looking inside if I understand correctly. the common places are the head and sink area for the GFI. They will trip from moisture and stop the AC current. But Hell I have been wrong before.!!!

Mountainmanbob · 03-13-2013, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DXSMac

I have removed the surge protector (it was a portable one), and so far, no problem, but I'm antsy about not having one!

the park manager said "all is well"
and
things seem to be perfect now
thus
90% chance that your surge protector went bad

Mountainman

mduff · 03-13-2013, 07:15 PM

Quote:

surge protector went bad

Or possibly gave its live to protect your electronics.

DXSMac · 03-13-2013, 08:29 PM

Dammit! Those Camping World ones cost a FORTUNE! Of course, I'm in a rainy area, so that is what the problem was.

BarryD0706 · 03-13-2013, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DXSMac

Dammit! Those Camping World ones cost a FORTUNE! Of course, I'm in a rainy area, so that is what the problem was.

Look at Amazon for the Progressive Industries units. Yes, they're not cheap.

DXSMac · 03-13-2013, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarryD0706

Look at Amazon for the Progressive Industries units. Yes, they're not cheap.

Actually, I had that one before I had the Camping World one. I was happy with it, and it's $100 cheaper than the camping world one. In fact, I was plugged in at a friend's house (friend has a 30 amp RV plug in installed at his garage), and it was 100 degrees, I was running my ELECTRIC water heater AND the air conditioner, and OOPS! too many amps. Burned out my cord and the surge protector, but didn't hurt my RV and didn't hurt my friend's plug in.

BarryD0706 · 03-14-2013, 08:24 AM

So, Dudess, thanks for the model number. Turns out that this model doesn't shut off power to the RV except in over/under-voltage situations, so I now agree: bad SurgeGuard.

Sounds like your friend maybe had a 50-amp breaker on that 30-amp RV outlet.

Len & Cheri · 03-14-2013, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarryD0706

Look at Amazon for the Progressive Industries units. Yes, they're not cheap.

The Progressive also has a lifetime warranty. Mine failed on my last camping trip and they replaced it free of charge.

DXSMac · 03-14-2013, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarryD0706

So, Dudess, thanks for the model number. Turns out that this model doesn't shut off power to the RV except in over/under-voltage situations, so I now agree: bad SurgeGuard.

Yeah, it was shutting off power at 124 volts, when it was supposed to go up to 132 volts.

DXSMac · 03-14-2013, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Len & Cheri

The Progressive also has a lifetime warranty. Mine failed on my last camping trip and they replaced it free of charge.

well, I burned the one I had out when I ran too many amps. Didn't think lifetime warranty would apply to that. But didn't hurt my RV, only the cord.

DXSMac · 03-14-2013, 01:18 PM

I broke down and bought the Progressive Industries one. Guess what, it's only $91 now, and if you are willing to wait 2 weeks, you can get FREE shipping. I opted for one week and I'm paying $6 for shipping.

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