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Old 09-10-2018, 09:00 AM   #1
sarahm
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suggestions on surge protector

Hello, I am looking at Amazon for a good electrical system protector to add on my power cord. Would appreciate some suggestions for a good unit. thanks
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Old 09-10-2018, 09:24 AM   #2
JRTJH
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First, answers to two questions needed.

1. 30 amp or 50 amp trailer electrical system?
2. Internal or external (add on) EMS preferred?
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Old 09-10-2018, 11:24 AM   #3
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I installed a Progressive EMS in my 5th wheel

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Originally Posted by sarahm View Post
Hello, I am looking at Amazon for a good electrical system protector to add on my power cord. Would appreciate some suggestions for a good unit. thanks
I installed a 30 amp EMS in my Cougar 5th wheel. See link below for how I did it and why.
Mel

https://rvbloggers.wordpress.com/201...-my-5th-wheel/ or CLICK HERE
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Old 09-10-2018, 12:54 PM   #4
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Regardless whether 30 or 50 amp, hardwired or portable, Progressive Industries surge protector/ems would be/was/is my 1st choice, pricey but worth every penny!
I've had the 50 amp portable for 10+ years, fried one at a park which PI replaced free & has saved my rv on several occasions. If you plan to keep your rv forever the hardwired would be a good choice, if planning to upgrade at any time the portable would probably be a better option, only have to buy it once. I'm on my 3rd 5er using the same portable.
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Old 09-10-2018, 12:58 PM   #5
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I also recommend the portable Progressive Industries EMS, http://www.progressiveindustries.net/ems-pt-x
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Old 09-10-2018, 01:08 PM   #6
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Adding a surge protector

I added a 30 amp wired-in Progressive industries surge protector after smoking my power converter by plugging the TT into a friend's home made extension cord. In hindsight, I think the cord was mis-wired as the aircon kind of groaned and then shut down a couple of times while trying to power the TT up.

I had intended to install the surge protector before this event, but never got around to it. It would have saved my converter.

The big plus of the PI surge protector (as I see it) is that is has a readout which shows, the input voltage, how many amps are being drawn, and shows an error code if there is a problem. I prefer this quantiative information over status lights on most other surge protectors. Having the amp draw readout helped me diagnose problems with my fridge. It also acts as a reminder when the aircon is running, the hot water is heating up and the fridge is trying to cool on electric, not to try to use the microwave or we'll likely pop the breaker at the pedestal. When the above three items are running, we are drawing about 26 amps which is very close to the maximum (30A system).

Also, I'm not very keen on a cord solution that requires an extra step during setup/pack-up and something else that has to be secured against theft.
From go to whoa, my wife and I can setup our TT in about 10 minutes and we resist adding extra steps that complicate the process and extend the time. This is important when it's 100+ degrees and 90+ % humidity outside!
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Old 09-10-2018, 01:11 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sarahm View Post
Hello, I am looking at Amazon for a good electrical system protector to add on my power cord. Would appreciate some suggestions for a good unit. thanks
Since you mentioned to add to your power cord, I'm guessing you mean portable. So, I bought the below from Amazon for my recently bought TT. Power is 30 Amps. There is a 50 Amp model. Also, I bought a chain and lock to secure to campsite power station. Works great.. Just plug it in and let it run through its start-up cycle. Then plug in your camper.

Progressive Industries Portable RV Surge Protector Portable EMS-PT30X RV Surge Protector
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Old 09-10-2018, 01:17 PM   #8
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Sorry, I forgot to add. 50 amp portable.
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Old 09-10-2018, 01:32 PM   #9
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I'd suggest the Progressive portable. http://www.progressiveindustries.net/ems-pt-x Be cautious about buying a "surge protector" that doesn't monitor anything but lightening strikes.... You need an electrical systems monitor, not a surge protector. Plan about $250-300 depending on where you buy.
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Old 09-10-2018, 02:56 PM   #10
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I would suggest a portable unit only because if it goes sideways its much easier to swap out instead of a hardwired unit. I was in Apache Junction last winter and I was using a 30 amp progressive ind unit and I believe the adapter cord from 50-30amp is what was at fault not sure but it got toasted. I went to a RV supply and bought another adapter and a inexpensive surge protector and everything was fine. Progressive fedex me a new unit no questions in 2 days and I went on my way happy....Highly recommend period...
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Old 09-10-2018, 02:57 PM   #11
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What would be the reason I would need a 50amp instead of a 30amp?
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Old 09-10-2018, 03:08 PM   #12
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What would be the reason I would need a 50amp instead of a 30amp?
If your rv is 50 amp you need a 50 amp, 30 amp a 30!
With the proper dogbone adapters you can use the 50 on the 30 & the 30 on the 50 if necessary.
As for the portable adding another step in setting up, mine is plugged into the rv cord & stays there, so it's still just plug into pedestal & into the rv, no extra steps. As for theft, as stated I've had mine for 10+ years, never locked down & has never walked away.
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Old 09-10-2018, 04:09 PM   #13
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Hello, I am looking at Amazon for a good electrical system protector to add on my power cord. Would appreciate some suggestions for a good unit. thanks
You may want to look at the Surge Guard EMS portable protection model 34950? I believe. I have had mine almost 5 years and it provides all the info you need on the readout plus it is, and has been, completely trouble free. Mine did not have a lifetime warranty but I was just reading that as of Nov. 2017 all of their higher line units had a lifetime warranty. That was where Progressive units had the upper hand. I've not heard of anyone having trouble with the lifetime Progressive warranty....I've not heard of anyone using the Surge Guard lifetime warranty so...…? If the Progressive has the same kind of readout as the Surge Guard I will probably go with them the next time if this one ever fails.
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Old 09-10-2018, 07:58 PM   #14
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I've been using Surge Guard portables for the nine years we have been RVing. 30A model for the TT's and got a 50A when we got the 1st 5vr, no problems with either one and was able to convince a SP maintenance man that he had a problem last spring, he tried to say the problem was mine until I showed him the readout on the Surge Guard. Not familiar with the PI units but it seems like you can't go wrong with either one as long as you get the top model.
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Old 09-10-2018, 09:11 PM   #15
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I installed HareWired PI units with remotes in both of our trailers. On 50 amp service it is very important to have one that senses loss of neutral and shuts down instantly. Loss of neutral without protection will fry all your AC items, TVs, Microwave, converter, frig etc etc, as it puts 240 V across these items. Chris
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Old 09-11-2018, 05:03 AM   #16
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The question as to why some trailers use 50A and some 30A; trailers that have two A/C units or are wired for the same have 50A cords and power converters with the appropriate circuit breakeres. 30A units generally have only one A/C and that A/C unit will be on its own 20A circuit. The power converter for a 30A has a lower power rating and won't have two 20A A/C circuits but just the one.
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Old 09-11-2018, 05:20 AM   #17
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I'm not trying to Hijack this thread but, funny this topic comes up. I'm currently looking at the PI EMS-HW50C and the Surge Guard 40240. So far I've decided on the Surge Guard simply because the way the display readout is text rather than error codes and the way the display mounts. Does anyone have any advice one way or the other? Also if anyone has any pics of the mounted display and and interface connections that would be great.
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Old 09-11-2018, 05:33 AM   #18
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Here is how I mounted the PI remote display in the new Laredo, first picture and the 5th wheel second picture. Chris
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Old 09-11-2018, 06:31 AM   #19
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Here's my installation. It's the Progressive Industries 30A internal model with remote readout (EMS-HW30C). I put it where the junction box was connecting the external cable to the internal wiring. It saved my bacon at least once when a campground had a hot and neutral swapped.
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Old 09-11-2018, 07:21 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 5J's View Post
I'm not trying to Hijack this thread but, funny this topic comes up. I'm currently looking at the PI EMS-HW50C and the Surge Guard 40240. So far I've decided on the Surge Guard simply because the way the display readout is text rather than error codes and the way the display mounts. Does anyone have any advice one way or the other? Also if anyone has any pics of the mounted display and and interface connections that would be great.
The EMS will monitor every electrical situation that could happen, high/low voltage to surges, the Surge Guard is exactly that a surge protector.
The Surge Guard will be cheaper than the EMS, but having either one is definitely recommended.
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