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Old 08-20-2012, 07:32 PM   #1
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Surge protector- 30 or 50 A?

I find myself wanting to buy a surge protector for the TT.

I've never had a problem hooking up, but I don't want to have one in the future either.

So, do I need a 30 or 50A for my 2011 831RLBSS?

Or is it more dependent on what kind of hook up you get?

For example, there's only 50A service sites left and I've got a 30A surge protector. Is that a problem?

I think my trailer only needs a 30A service, it's always run fine on 30 A.

Whichever I need, it will be a "wired in" not one that hangs outside.

I just don't want to get a 30A surge protector and burn it out becasue I hook it up to a 50A.

Or do I just not understand what's going on here at all?

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Old 08-20-2012, 07:54 PM   #2
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that is how mine is set up. have not had any problems.
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Old 08-20-2012, 08:42 PM   #3
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Unless there is something unusual, such as two A/C units, your trailer should be 30 amp and you would need a 30 amp surge protector. In order to connect to a 50 amp receptacle you would have to have an adapter. The 50 amp electrical pedestals I have seen also have a 30 amp receptacle.
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Old 08-20-2012, 11:18 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by great white View Post
I find myself wanting to buy a surge protector for the TT.

I've never had a problem hooking up, but I don't want to have one in the future either.

So, do I need a 30 or 50A for my 2011 831RLBSS?

Or is it more dependent on what kind of hook up you get?

For example, there's only 50A service sites left and I've got a 30A surge protector. Is that a problem?

I think my trailer only needs a 30A service, it's always run fine on 30 A.

Whichever I need, it will be a "wired in" not one that hangs outside.

I just don't want to get a 30A surge protector and burn it out becasue I hook it up to a 50A.

Or do I just not understand what's going on here at all?

Doesn't your TT have a placard near the external power plug receptable stating what your unit is rated for - 30 or 50 Amp?

IMO - regardless of what your unit is rated for, I would spend the extra money for the 50 Amp model - might save you from having to buy a 50 Amp model if/when you upgrade something electrical or buy a unit that requires a 50 Amp model.
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Old 08-21-2012, 03:40 AM   #5
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Well duh on me.

I just realized my plug is 3 prong, so 30a.

Thinking back to electrical theory (that's a looong time ago for me) I seem to remember that a component will only draw as much amps as required. The extra on the line remains potential.

So, I will have to read up on it but if my trailer is rated a max draw of 30a then a 30a protector should be ok even when adapted to a 50a plug in....
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Old 08-21-2012, 05:32 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by great white View Post
Well duh on me.

I just realized my plug is 3 prong, so 30a.

Thinking back to electrical theory (that's a looong time ago for me) I seem to remember that a component will only draw as much amps as required. The extra on the line remains potential.

So, I will have to read up on it but if my trailer is rated a max draw of 30a then a 30a protector should be ok even when adapted to a 50a plug in....

If your trailer is only 30 amps that is all you will need. We use the Progressive Industries surge protector for our coach.

Progressive Industries SSP30 Smart Surge : Amazon.com : Automotive
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Old 08-21-2012, 06:28 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by great white View Post
Well duh on me.

I just realized my plug is 3 prong, so 30a.

Thinking back to electrical theory (that's a looong time ago for me) I seem to remember that a component will only draw as much amps as required. The extra on the line remains potential.

So, I will have to read up on it but if my trailer is rated a max draw of 30a then a 30a protector should be ok even when adapted to a 50a plug in....
This exactly right. If you have a 30 amp camper, you will need a 30 amp surge suppressor if you hard wire it in.

A 50 amp suppressor unit would "work" but you would only be using half of the suppressor when you wire it up. You could then remove it and re-install it in your new 50 amp camper one day. However, you would be paying a LOT more for your 50 amp suppressor with no idea if you will ever buy a 50 amp camper. (You may just get another 30). Even if you did, that "New Camper" may come with one standard by then.
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Old 08-21-2012, 07:05 AM   #8
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If going internal the Progressive Industries EMS HW30C is a great unit. Put one in our unit prior to our trip to Indiana and it is sure nice to know when you plug in that all is ok. I have ours set for a 136 sec delay so if the power goes off it gives the ac a chance to equalize pressue a bit.
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