Thor Forums

[Thehobe1]

There seems to be a misunderstanding as to what surge suppressors do.

Surge suppressors that I have taken apart only include what are called tranzorbs, a device that looks like a large ceramic capacitor but is actually a solid state device that breaks down when the input peak voltage, positive and negative, goes above around +-170V. These devices are placed directly across the AC input line and attenuate voltages above the 170V level. Their reliability is reduced as any surges are experienced and can eventually fail due to too many surges. They DO NOT protect against longer duration high voltage event but can help trip a circuit breaker if a prolonged higher voltage is present.

Luckily, surges are more rare than I think most people believe they are so they may not be necessary normally. If there are large motors being turned on and off, such as air conditioners, these events could introduce inductive spikes on the AC line if the power connections are in need of repair (RV Parks???).

Surge suppressor are not anything miraculous and will probably never save our motorhomes if there is a serious problem with the power source at an RV park.

Please let me know if you have any other factual information that is in support of buying these sometimes, very expensive units.