Need to get a surge protector....right?!? I understand the benefit and protection provided....(lightning storm outside as I type this). As with everything else there are lots of options so once again I am looking to those who have been there done that for opinions and knowledge.
Been looking at this one: Amazon.com: Progressive Industries EMS-PT50C Portable EMS RV Surge Protector... (https://www.amazon.com/Progressive-Industries-EMS-PT50C-Portable-Protector/dp/B002UC4SWM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1491918853&sr=8-1&keywords=50amp+surge+protector+for+rv)
Thanks in advance for any comments!
Be Safe
Happy Easter!!
dave
Dave, do you have a built in one as OEM?
If it gets severe, unplug and pull in your power cord.
Progressive gets most of the votes here. Many have installed the hardwired version, but the portable works almost the same (the hardwired has the advantages of not being able to forget it and there is a model with a remote display that is nice to have inside the coach (rather than going outside to see what the display reads).
FT installed an over/under voltage relay-equipped Maverick transfer switch in some year coaches and it often had an Intermatic surge protector on it (I know 2003 does). The specs on the Progressive unit, plus its ability to block power flow if there is a miswire or other issue, makes it superior to the OEM equipment.
As I understand from reading previous posts, FOT began installing protectors in 2003...so I missed that benefit.
I have theProgressive 50 amp portable and it has saved us a number of times. Once it took a hit for us, not sure what happened but the circuit board in it was fried and Progressive was great with diagnosis and replacing the bad unit- I just had to sent the bad one back to them. I also carry a more basic Progressive surge protector which is what I used while our EMS was out of commission and before the new one arrived.
Better to protect your coach electrical components with Progressive....... ^.^d
After almost catching our coach on fire from a bad park pedestal, We bought the EMS 50 portable from Progressive (thanks, Forum!).
It will handle 50/30/15 amp connections. If there is lag to the portable, it's hard to read in bright sunlight, but, big deal, there are only two codes you need to look for. ^.^d
Add-on: The EMS needs to go through a test feature before allowing power to the coach. You will hear the "click" when power is allowed. ^.^d
Dave, you are looking at the best protectors.
In my opinion, most surge protectors are overstated and have little value and offer little protection, BUT an over/under voltage protector should be required as they will protect RVs from almost all campground voltage problems. Campgrounds sometimes have undersized wires, worn & incorrectly wired connections that can do major damage to RV appliances. Thousands of dollars of damage can be prevented with over/under voltage protection.
Our favorite is Progressive Industries EMS, hardwired EMS-HW50C with remote meter.
Looks like they have a new portable EMS product, EMS-PT50X, that will offer the same protection as the hardwired.
Progressive Industries RV Surge and Electrical Protection industry lea (http://www.progressiveindustries.net/ems-pt-x)
Be sure to buy the newest model as the previous model is still in the marketplace.
Portable units are theft-able with or without being locked and offer no protection from generator problems.
^.^d Barry and Cindy for finding that
Here's the forum-supporting Amazon link to the EMS-PT50X
Amazon.com: Progressive Industries EMS-PT50X 50A Digital Surge Protector... (http://amzn.to/2ooJz3A)
Thank you Michelle! Just ordered...feels great to give back to the forum...have a blessed day!
dave
Yup, have a 2002 as well , Had OTM hard wire the Progressive 50a in for me last fall.
The VERY FIRST campground we stopped at on the way home BINGO! campground suffered a low voltage event, immediately followed by a high voltage surge from the power company.. We were not effected but many others in the campground lost electronics in the next day or two...
Could have been an expensive lesson .
Weighing in a little late, it seems. Sorry about that.
I bought a Hughes Autoformer with a built in surge supressor at the Tampa RV show - new to the market last Fall. Saved us twice already; once when there was a bad breaker on the pedistal, and once during a lightening storm.
Amazon.com: Hughes RV-220-50-SP Autoformer w Surge Protection: Automotive (https://www.amazon.com/Hughes-RV-220-50-SP-Autoformer-Surge-Protection/dp/B06WRS353M/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1492011796&sr=8-7&keywords=hughes+autoformer)
It handles low voltage as well as surges. Before buying it I used to see voltage on the two hot legs differ by 5 or more volts. Now I rarely see it differ by more than one volt. A bit pricey, but I feel much more comfortable with the even, closer to standard power we are now getting.