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Old 04-14-2013, 02:24 PM   #1
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Surge Protection-Those that have one-what did you buy etc

Hi getting our 325RL in a week and want to know what in the way of surge protection we should buy. We will not be using it right away cause the weather just plain sucks right now.

However want to know those that have invested in surge protection:

1. what make/model surge protection did you buy?
2. how much was it?
3. where did you buy it?
4. are you happy with your purchase?

Thanks!
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Old 04-14-2013, 02:26 PM   #2
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http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ers-26202.html

Love it and won't use anything but...
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Old 04-14-2013, 02:36 PM   #3
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Are they needed? Does everyone have one?
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Old 04-14-2013, 02:44 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WannaBcamping View Post
Hi getting our 325RL in a week and want to know what in the way of surge protection we should buy. We will not be using it right away cause the weather just plain sucks right now.

However want to know those that have invested in surge protection:

1. what make/model surge protection did you buy?
2. how much was it?
3. where did you buy it?
4. are you happy with your purchase?

Thanks!
Cathy
1. Surge Guard 34750 (50 amp) with LCD display.

2. Don't remember exactly, but it was over $300.00. Just checked on Camping World and they are offering same model for $336.99.

3. Camping World.

4. Yes. I only wish it was a little lighter and less bulky.
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Old 04-14-2013, 02:54 PM   #5
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Here is an excellent comparison of the most used Surge Protectors:

RV Surge Protector Comparison

Here is the site where I ordered mine. At the time, they had the best prices but that could have changed.

RV Electrical - Surge Protector | Power Protection - MakariosRV.com
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Old 04-14-2013, 02:58 PM   #6
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Progressive Industries "EMS" units. They are Made In USA and have a LIFETIME warranty. The company has a reputation for great customer service. They are in the $350 range and I bought mine from Amazon.com.

These units just shut the power off to your RV if the voltage gets too low. The Franks unit above will "boost" a low voltage instead of shutting down. So far I haven't needed a boost but it would depend on where you camp I think.
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Old 04-14-2013, 03:18 PM   #7
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Progressive Industries here too. You'll see in RodeoGeorges' 2nd link they make 30 and 50 AMP, hard wire and protable units. You have to buy the one that fits your needs. Got mine at Tweety's 3 years ago Progressive industries RV surge protectirs in stock everyday. but I see from RodeoGeorges' link to Makarios their prices are better. I'm not only happy with the product but happy when I hear/read about their customer service that I haven't had to use, yet .
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Old 04-14-2013, 03:22 PM   #8
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Are they needed? Does everyone have one?
Good question, answers will depend alot on who you ask. Persoanlly when I figured out what a power surge or incorrect pedestal wiring would do to all my onboard electronics it was cheaper than having to replace them all.
It's like insurance, you hope you never have to use it but are darn glad it's there if you need it.
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Old 04-14-2013, 03:24 PM   #9
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How does voltage get too low?
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Old 04-14-2013, 03:27 PM   #10
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How does voltage get too low?
One example, blistering hot day, 20 campers on a loop, all have their AC units running. There will be a voltage drop.
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Old 04-14-2013, 03:38 PM   #11
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Bought mine off of Ebay. Here is a link to a 50 amp unit that hard wires in and has a remote display.

EMS HW 30c Surge Protector Power Line Remote Monitor Progressive Industries | eBay
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Old 04-14-2013, 03:48 PM   #12
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Ah, okay, I understand what you mean now. Yes, a surge protector is needed.
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Old 04-14-2013, 05:01 PM   #13
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I have this one seems to work well and it's made in the US and carries a lifetime warrantee.

Weight: 3.5 lbs.

Warranty: Lifetime warranty

Manufacturer: Progressive Industries Inc

Mfg Part #: EMS-PT30C

Tech Notes:

3-mode surge protection 1,790 joules
Surge current 44,000
Mfr. part #EMS-PT30C
Made in the USA
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Old 04-14-2013, 05:09 PM   #14
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Ah, okay, I understand what you mean now. Yes, a surge protector is needed.
A surge protector will not protect against low voltage at the pole. Low voltage will burn up an induction motor like an air conditioner compressor.
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Old 04-14-2013, 05:20 PM   #15
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A surge protector will not protect against low voltage at the pole. Low voltage will burn up an induction motor like an air conditioner compressor.
Well yes, it will; by turning off the power (which I agree may not be be optimal solution). We can also discuss the point at which it turns off (which I think is 104, which seems low to me too). There is every intent that it will protect you from burning up a motor.
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Old 04-14-2013, 06:01 PM   #16
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Well yes, it will; by turning off the power (which I agree may not be be optimal solution). We can also discuss the point at which it turns off (which I think is 104, which seems low to me too). There is every intent that it will protect you from burning up a motor.
Having seen what the compressor sounds like at 105 volts, I am not so sure.

Looking at the DW in 100 degree 95% humidity weather and shrugging your shoulders that the power is off did not go over well the first time it happened.

The autotransformer is "in the loop" every time now.
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Old 04-14-2013, 11:52 PM   #17
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I also have the Progressive Industries 50 amp hardwired unit. It's the first thing I put into the unit when I got it home this Saturday. Cheap insurance is an understatement. I have been in many parks, some of them new that the power would drop out for no particular reason. Instances of low voltage are much more common than voltage spikes.

And without the protection you would never know, until one day when the refer dies, or the AC won't start because the circuit board fried. Yep, cheap protection.
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Old 04-15-2013, 01:54 AM   #18
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I use a portable surge guard by TRC that I got at Camping World. I found the video helpful in understanding. Many RVers do not use one but I was pretty happy the second time I used mine. In my case I was staying in a new RV campground which goes to show that you really don't know when you will need it.

Portable Surge Guards With LCD Display - 30 Amp - Technology Research Corp 34730-003 - Surge Protectors - Camping World
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Old 04-15-2013, 02:40 AM   #19
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Another vote for the Progressive Industries EMS-HW50C.
It may be more important for us since we're full timers, but with today's electronics (not to mention the A/C and refrig) it's practically a necessity.
The Progressive is really not just a surge protector, but a complete power protection system (reverse polarity protection, Accidental 240v protection, open ground protection, frequency protection, and more)
We went the hardwired route for a couple of reasons. First, it would reduce one more item to pull out when you get to your campsite. Second, a theft deterrent device wouldn't be needed. Easy enough to install yourself if you have some electrical knowledge, but the gauge of wire you need to work with for 50 amp service can be challenging.
Can't remember off the top of my head where we purchased it, but we're very happy with the purchase.
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Old 04-15-2013, 07:45 AM   #20
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And don't forget that one of the biggest benefits of the Progressive (and similar units) is protecting you from plugging into the wrong outlet. Lots of posts on here of people that have toasted all of there electronics, and one of it buring down the trailer when plugged into the wrong outlet.
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