Surge protectors- yes or no?

[lal22]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

I've got a surge protector hard-wired into my rig...


... But I wouldn't leave home without my Progressive Industries EMS as well!

Double safety[emoji102]

[Bob Denman]

I can't help it: I sell insurance for a living...

[lal22]

That explains it![emoji106]

[lal22]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

I can't help it: I sell insurance for a living...

That explains it![emoji16]

[Fish and Dear]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

I've got a surge protector hard-wired into my rig...


... But I wouldn't leave home without my Progressive Industries EMS as well!

I agree. I would rather sacrifice the portable before the problem has a chance to fry my hard-wired.

[rynosback]

Originally Posted by HaRVey

Why do you use both? Won't the Autoformer do both jobs?

No, the autoformer can not do both.
The EMS monitors the voltage and makes sure that it is clean so to speak. It will not boost the power. I think the EMS cuts the power around 107-109 volts. By then the auto former can boost the voltage as much as 10%. Hope this helps.

[rynosback]

What the Autoformer does:
The legendary, original, and patented RV voltage booster, now with the world’s most advanced surge protection.

The all new Hughes Autoformer 50 amp RV power boosting autoformer (RV220-50SP) has the same performance and reliability of the original RV220-50 but now has advanced surge protection. The unit constantly monitors incoming power to protect against spikes or surges. As an extra feature the surge / spike protection module is also replaceable. In the event of a massive spike, the surge unit will take the hit ensuring your booster and more importantly, your RV is not damaged.

The Hughes Autoformer is the only U.S patented Voltage boosting solution available today. All others are imitations.

The unit automatically starts boosting 10% if the voltage drops to 113 or below. It will boost 10% until the voltage gets to 94 volts which is the minimum amount of volts for the unit.

50 Amp – 12,000 Watts capacity
Fully automatic 10% boost when needed
Complete LED Park Power Diagnostics
Boost indicator light
4800 Joules of Advanced Surge Protection Built-in
Replaceable Surge Protection Module
Voltage Booster & Surge Protection all in one!
Comes with free cable lock to help prevent theft
Size: 12”H x 8 ½“ W x 5½” D
Weight: 35 Lbs.
Two-year limited warranty
Made in U.S.A.
Note – may not be compatible with GFCI outlets

This is what the Progressive Industries EMS does:

Electrical Management System (EMS) helps to protect your RV against voltage fluctuations, power surges and incorrectly wired shore power which can cause severe and costly damage to RV appliances and electronics. Feel secure with multi-mode surge, voltage, polarity and lost/open neutral protection. Each unit includes a digital display scrolling continuously through the power source information. A state-of-the-art microprocessor provides peace of mind, day or night, even when you're away from your RV.

Product Features:
Over/Under Voltage Protection
Open Ground, Open Neutral & Reverse Polarity Detection
Accidental 240V Protection
Miswired Pedestal Indication
Surge Failure Indicator
Amperage Meter Display
Previous Error Code
A/C Frequency Protection
Time Delay (136 seconds)
Adjustable Time Delay
Thermally Protected
Remote Display w/Scrolling Digital Display
Field Serviceable
UL Certified and Canadian Approved
Lifetime Warranty

The only thing that both of them do is protect from a spike or surge of power.

[carlgorski]

Originally Posted by lal22

I have read that getting a surge protector for my MH is a good idea. Do you have one? Did you go with the approx $100 or the more expensive $400 ones that have all the extra options? Thanks for any input!

No. You have circuit breakers. Do you use a surge protector at home. USA power is clean and dependable. Dont waste your money.

[Pete'sMH]

I use the portable Progressive 30A EMS every time I plug in. I’ve observed that campground electric can be of questionable quality. Often an old system with worn breakers and overloaded with too many campers running more air conditioning or heating than the parks were designed for. I elected to use a portable model so I could easily use it when I trade RVs. It’s on its fourth one now! I did add a homemade chain lock that lets me lock it to the pedestal. I agree that it would barely slow down a motivated thief but it would take tools to do it so a person just walking by is unlikely to grab it. It’s getting old now too so maybe it’d be good to have a reason to replace it. In any case I highly recommend using one. And FWIW I DO have a whole house suppresser!

[Ron1Z]

We also have the plug in type for electrical protection, we also have one on our home to protect everything, but that was installed by the electric company.

[powerboatr]

i have a surgeguard hard wired in my coach. had it since new as it was transferred from my fiver to the bus when we traded. it has saved our bacon
it will not let power come on if neutral is lost or ground it lost. over volt or under volt it will kill power
it its a safety guy.

[powerboatr]

Originally Posted by carlgorski

No. You have circuit breakers. Do you use a surge protector at home. USA power is clean and dependable. Dont waste your money.

surely you jest


we get surges and spikes very often. low voltage and high voltage

[Glensouth]

I got the more expensive one that checks the circuit I plug into at a campground. I have found faults at campgrounds more than once over the years. It also protects against high or low voltage. Either one will damage electronic in your motorhome. Had mine trip twice at a campground in Colorado and the owner had the power company come out and install a new transformer. Mine cost a little over $300.00. Well worth the money.

[Bob Denman]

It was kind of interesting: checking on what my Progressive EMS could tell me about the power up at Lake George RV Park...
It stayed consistently at 121 to 1230 volts.
60 hz the entire time.

... And I was drawing between 2, and 10 amps.

[Joyful Traveler]

Yes, we have a surge protector for our RV and use it all the time. It was about $350 on Amazon. Better safe than sorry.

[Bob Denman]

Originally Posted by Joyful Traveler

Yes, we have a surge protector for our RV and use it all the time. It was about $350 on Amazon. Better safe than sorry.

Or... "Better to have it; and not need it, than need it; and not have it."

[carlgorski]

Originally Posted by Pete'sMH

I use the portable Progressive 30A EMS every time I plug in. I’ve observed that campground electric can be of questionable quality. Often an old system with worn breakers and overloaded with too many campers running more air conditioning or heating than the parks were designed for. I elected to use a portable model so I could easily use it when I trade RVs. It’s on its fourth one now! I did add a homemade chain lock that lets me lock it to the pedestal. I agree that it would barely slow down a motivated thief but it would take tools to do it so a person just walking by is unlikely to grab it. It’s getting old now too so maybe it’d be good to have a reason to replace it. In any case I highly recommend using one. And FWIW I DO have a whole house suppresser!

Why would you recommend? Has it actually had to be used. Did it pop or whatever it does on occasion? Or does it just give you peace of mind.

[Bob Denman]

Don't knock "Peace of Mind": it can be a very rare thing of beauty...

[Pete'sMH]

Originally Posted by carlgorski

Why would you recommend? Has it actually had to be used. Did it pop or whatever it does on occasion? Or does it just give you peace of mind.

Yes, it’s interrupted us several times - usually for low voltage - and it’s identified miswired or open ground systems several times upon hookup. I’m unaware of any spikes that it’s caught. As Bob noted it’s also always interesting to see how many amps I’m drawing. I think mine cost close to $300 6 or 8 years ago. It’s one of those expensive pieces of RV kit that I pretty much wont leave home without. GPS, TPMS, dually valves and a steering stabilizer are among the others.

[naturescott49]

I wouldn't plug in without it! BUT, having had two built-in units fail, leaving my without 120v power, I've gone to the dongle kind. They work just as well. Yes, they're pretty easily stolen, but they are not that expensive.