Surge Protector

[gmc]

Originally Posted by jabrabu

I have used a surge protector for 2 years, and the circuit analyzer on it has never indicated a problem at any campground, and it has never shut off power the RV. I was starting to wonder if it's something I even need to bother with, but it sounds like surge protectors have saved several of you guys, so I'll keep using it.

While shutting off power is one indication the unit has done something - suppressing surges is transparent activity... Mine has both shut off power (campground wiring issue resulting in low voltage under load) and I believe suppressed surges (during lightning storm when multiple camping neighbors had damaged electronics and I didn't...)
Its something you don't need - right up until the moment that you do!

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

Here's a question. If you hard-wire one into your rig: does that leave your electrical cord in peril?

Wouldn't it be "better" to isolate your complete system; by putting the protector at the end of the cord, and into the Campgrounds plug?

Typically the cord will be ok... Not saying it can't happen - I'm sure someone will have an example where it did. (Seen examples of other issues frying a cord - but not those that a surge protector would stop...)
Personally I have the outside plug in model - I prefer the portability and keeping any surge outside. (I've seen first hand a whole house surge suppressor give its life in an extreme power surge - not something I'd want under my bed! - where my electrical gear is.)

[Bob Denman]

I hadn't thought of that... Thanks!

[Lt Keefer]

Agree with gmc. I didn't want the surge protector under me while sleeping. I wanted it outside at the power source. We did go with the Progressive Industries EMS-PT50X. I believe it saved us at a COE campground last week. T-storm came through with a ton of lightning and the surge protector shut off the coach. After the time delay it came back on.

[RichRob]

I have aSurge Guard 3470. It has been workin fine on this trip. Yesterday I found power off when I returned due to the plug being pulled slightly out. Replugged it inane now won’t turn to green. Clicks to green for a flash, buzzes to red. I’ve tried it sites other sites here, same problem. So I am using power without protection. No one here uses one, so I feel safe. Do they just breakdown? It’s about 7 years old.

[Bob Denman]

I've decided that is the best course of action to take as well...
Our Tiffin has a hard-wired surge protector that we are protecting with a Progressive surge protector at the "box" also...
Overkill??
Better that: than underkill!

[taylorbob1]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

I've decided that is the best course of action to take as well...
Our Tiffin has a hard-wired surge protector that we are protecting with a Progressive surge protector at the "box" also...
Overkill??
Better that: than underkill!

Everything that I’ve read says most all external plug-ins are one time use. That is...the surge kills it and you’re now SOL. Gotta buy a new one

So I went with the hardwired Progressive 30amp on Amazon.
It has a lifetime warranty
If anything breaks or blows, Progressive sends you the parts to DIY.

Progressive 30amp on Amazon - $229 (or less)

[RichRob]

Thanks for getting back to me. Do surge protectors usually break down?

[taylorbob1]

Surge protectors are built to “break”
They are the sacrificial lamb to your electrical system
When there’s a surge, an internal fuse or circuit blows.
The external plug-in units under $100 are a one-and-done.
But they save your coach electrical system.

The Progressive hard-wired unit can be easily repaired when an internal component blows.
You call them, they send you the replacement part/board, and you send them the “core” (the blown part).

That said, your initial cost for a hardwired unit is twice as much.

[Lt Keefer]

The Progressive plug in has a lifetime warranty. If it fails for whatever reason they send you a brand new one. I know, because they have replaced mine twice. No shipping cost, no return of old unit. Progressive Industries is probably the most customer centered business in America. They could teach Thor and WalMart a thing or two.

[Bob Denman]

Originally Posted by taylorbob1

Surge protectors are built to “break”
They are the sacrificial lamb to your electrical system

Yup! Think of them like you would a "Shear pin", in a hay baler, or a snowblower...

[taylorbob1]

Originally Posted by Lt Keefer

The Progressive plug in has a lifetime warranty. If it fails for whatever reason they send you a brand new one. I know, because they have replaced mine twice. No shipping cost, no return of old unit. Progressive Industries is probably the most customer centered business in America. They could teach Thor and WalMart a thing or two.

Well said!

I’ve heard of problems getting warranty service (aka full replacement) for a spent Camco or Surge Guard plug-in unit.
So it was suggested to me to go hard wired with the Progressive Industries product as others have done on this site.

That most times it’s an ez fix and board/component replacement under warranty.
Call Progressive, they walk you thru what to remove, and they send you the new part.