Surge Protector Security Question

[jolsem725]

I'm looking at surge protectors and was looking at the Surge Guard 34750 50 AMP unit. My fear is the simplicity of stealing the unit. As it is I have to use an extension to the stock 50 amp power cord that comes with the RV which once you uncouple the extension and unplug it from the pedestal, the surge protector and my extension line is gone. Is there any harm in placing a surge protector in the middle of the power line between connections, or does it have to be AT the pedestal? I'm under the impression that as long as it's somewhere between point A (pedestal) and point B (RV) its acceptable. If this is ok, I can secure in a locked box to secure both the surge protector AND the extension connection. Hope this makes sense...

[davel1971]

I see no reason why you couldn't put it in the middle of the line in a secured box

[wingriders]

You can put the Surge Guard in the middle of your extension cord and RV house cord. The Surge Guard website shows both hard wired and portable protectors so anywhere between pedestal and RV will be fine.

[texasdude]

Buy a lock with a wide and deep hasp. Put chain in lock and after you put surge protector into box but lock below the plug fitting over the wire. Since most site rv electrical outlets are a box mounted over a pedestal you can wrap chain around pedestal below box then back through hasp again. A thief would need to cut the lock or chain. How much security you want from that will depend on lock and chain you buy. There are lock systems that can only be breached with a plasma cutter.

[Wiscampsin]

I built a box for our Progressive Industries unit. I used PT wood, drilled some holes on the top of the side boards for a little ventilation. I secure the box to the power post with a bike lock that runs thru the ring on the surge protector and thru the box. You can see it in the 2nd pic.

[pt1655]

Wiscampsin,
Very good idea and great pics, write-up, thanks!
Might just do it.....
Pete

[speters53]

I lock all three together with locks and the power cord to the power pedestal.

[speters53]

should have added, it will slow down the honest, but the criminal element just needs a battery powered saw-zaw

[Terier]

Speters53,

How do you connect the cable to the devices? Do you have a picture of everything locked up together? I'm trying to picture what to expect.

Thanks,
Terie

[speters53]

Terier,
I bought cable in bulk from home depot with the aluminum fasteners needed to make them into what ever length I need to and used a hammer and anvil to make the loop. Will have to take picture tomorrow of the bulk items. as for locking them together, i feed one eye lit through the other eye lit of which ever one is next to it and bend it back on itself and then lock it. will also take picture of that tomorrow. as for the power pedestal, use the locking hole on the power box or wrap the cable around the pole under the power box and lock to itself. can't take a picture of that until i go camping unfortunately. hope this helps until the pictures.

[kc8lvy]

I like your cable idea I just got another project to do now..

[slide5r4fun]

We use a Python locking cable by Master Lock.



We strap it around the base of the power pedestal and it secures the surge protector but not the cord. Might have to make some of the cables that speter53 made to secure everything else. Nice idea speter53! Like you said, if a thief really wants it they will get it. This just protects you from the opportunists.

[Brother Les]

suggestions of hard wire or surge lock.

RV Direct Online Store

RV Direct Online Store

RV Direct Online Store

[phelpo]

Great idea for using a cable to lock the surge protector.
I just purchased a portable 30 amp and now
I know how to protect it.

I'll use one of my hockey puck locks.

Thanks for the advise.

How do you walk thru a mine field?

You follow someone.

Phelpo

[Brother Les]

Originally Posted by phelpo

How do you walk thru a mine field?

You follow someone.

Phelpo

Not too close.....
to avoid splatter.....

[Terier]

Originally Posted by speters53

Terier,
I bought cable in bulk from home depot with the aluminum fasteners needed to make them into what ever length I need to and used a hammer and anvil to make the loop. Will have to take picture tomorrow of the bulk items. as for locking them together, i feed one eye lit through the other eye lit of which ever one is next to it and bend it back on itself and then lock it. will also take picture of that tomorrow. as for the power pedestal, use the locking hole on the power box or wrap the cable around the pole under the power box and lock to itself. can't take a picture of that until i go camping unfortunately. hope this helps until the pictures.

Thanks! It does help me to understand.

Originally Posted by Brother Les

suggestions of hard wire or surge lock.

RV Direct Online Store

RV Direct Online Store

RV Direct Online Store

The hasp might work with the portable SP if the electrical panel is locked. On it own it won't help at all because my TT power cord is detachable on both ends (to trailer & electrical panel).

[speters53]

here are a few pictures to show in essence what I do. The lock is just a cheapy that I use on cabinets at work. use the hockey puck master locks when camping. As you can see the big loop can go around a pole that holds the power box, I loop it around and lock it to itself under the box which makes it unable to be slipped off. Hopes this helps.

[Cmmjmoore]

I watched a guy who had the plastic box coupling lock stomp it to pieces when he couldn't find the key. LOL. Just another camp ground humorous moment part of the fun of RVing.


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[DAISY BOYKIN]

I us a 3 1/2 ft chain with a "S" hook bent closed in the last link. The "S" hook is attached to the female end of my surge supressor.

I simply wrap the chain around the power pedestal and lock it.

Chain and "S" hook came from Lowe's. You can clos the "S" hook with a vise, hammer or large vise grips.

[cbvp]

After encountering a pedestal wired wrong on Mothers Day weekend I looked into surge protectors. After researching here and RV.NET I settled on a Progressive Industries model EMS-HW50C for the following reasons.


(1) Mounts in storage compartment. (eliminates theft problem)
(2) Less money than portable models.
(3) Lifetime Warranty.
(4) Remote LED display monitor.

C.B.