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Topic: Surge Protector (Read 753 times) previous topic - next topic

Surge Protector

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...

Thanks in advance for any comments!
Be Safe
Happy Easter!!
dave

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Dave
2002 295 36'
Build 6006
Motorcade Member 17931
Toad 2003 Jeep Wrangler
2008 BMW R1200 GSA

Re: Surge Protector

Reply #1 –
Dave, do you have a built in one as OEM?
No RV! Have hung up the keys.
In the past: 2016 Winnebago Era, 1994 Foretravel U240, 1995 Foretravel U240 (wide body), 1999 Foretravel 320, 36 Foot, 2003 Foretravel U320 38 foot,

Re: Surge Protector

Reply #2 –
Quote from: dke1955 –
Need to get a surge protector....right?!?  I understand the benefit and protection provided....(lightning storm outside as I type this).

If it gets severe, unplug and pull in your power cord. 

Quote from: dke1955 –
Been looking at this one: Amazon.com: Progressive Industries EMS-PT50C Portable EMS RV Surge Protector...


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).

Quote from: Horace B. Cupp –
Dave, do you have a built in one as OEM?

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 an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Surge Protector

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Horace B. Cupp –
Dave, do you have a built in one as OEM?
As I understand from reading previous posts, FOT began installing protectors in 2003...so I missed that benefit.
Dave
2002 295 36'
Build 6006
Motorcade Member 17931
Toad 2003 Jeep Wrangler
2008 BMW R1200 GSA

Re: Surge Protector

Reply #4 –
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
Ted & Karen
2001 U270 36' - sold after 12 years full timing

Re: Surge Protector

Reply #5 –
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
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Surge Protector

Reply #6 –
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
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Surge Protector

Reply #7 –
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
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.

Re: Surge Protector

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Barry & Cindy –
Dave, you are looking at the best protectors.

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
Be sure to buy the newest model as the previous model is still in the marketplace.

 ^.^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...
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Surge Protector

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Michelle –
^.^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...
Thank you Michelle! Just ordered...feels great to give back to the forum...have a blessed day!
dave
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Dave
2002 295 36'
Build 6006
Motorcade Member 17931
Toad 2003 Jeep Wrangler
2008 BMW R1200 GSA

Re: Surge Protector

Reply #10 –
Quote from: dke1955 –
As I understand from reading previous posts, FOT began installing protectors in 2003...so I missed that benefit.
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 .
'02 40' U320t  4010WTFS Build 6036 1 slide
Motorcade # 17841
SKP 151920
Retired truck driver
 5 million miler
Still have itchy feet for travel
 

Re: Surge Protector

Reply #11 –

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

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.

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Tom & Sandy
2000 U320 40' Build # 5682
2023 Jeep Cherokee Trail Hawk
Start full time 8/5/16
SOLD in 2015: Fleetwood/Coleman Sun Valley pop-up