Portable Surge protector

kjohn · 12-22-2018, 08:25 PM

Can someone give us the name of a brand or model suitable for checking shore power outlets?

What do people use? I read posts about them, but not sure what to look for.

Thanks in advance for any help.

**sourdough** · 12-22-2018, 08:57 PM

Don't get the cheaper "surge protector". Get the EMS - electrical management system that will analyze your incoming power and protect you if something is wrong. A "surge" protector will only protect you from a large spike in incoming power - not useful really. I have a SurgeGuard brand, others like the Progressive brand. Either performs their intended functions and have lifetime warranties.

Tbos · 12-22-2018, 09:15 PM

I have a portable Progressive brand model. It tells me if the post is wired correctly before I ever plug in the RV.

just1rick · 12-23-2018, 03:32 AM

Generally, you don't use a 1 time tester, but rather leave a device plugged in inline.

I've been happy with my Southwire Surge Guard (Mine's model 34830). Like many of their competitors, it checks the power coming in and won't feed dirty power to your rig. One time I plugged into a pedestal and realized that it wasn't passing power. When I went to check on it, it was reporting that the polarity of the receptacle was wrong (there's no polarity on AC, but I'm assuming hot and neutral were reversed). I'd rather run on battery while I figure out a problem than damage my camper.

They aren't cheap, but they are a good purchase.

Rick

Quote:

Originally Posted by kjohn

Can someone give us the name of a brand or model suitable for checking shore power outlets?

What do people use? I read posts about them, but not sure what to look for.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Tireman9 · 12-23-2018, 10:00 AM

Last Spring after watching a demo at an RV rally in Elkhart, I moved up from a basic "surge protector" to a SurgeGuard.

Later in the Summer, I was at a campground that had wired their power pedestal incorrectly.

A normal simple surge protector would not have identified the reverse polarity and would have allowed me to plug in and maybe do damage to some of my electronics.

The SurgeGuard EMS (34930 for 30A 34950 for 50A) actually prevented me from connecting. The display identified the problem and it would not complete the connection electrically.

The campground was run by the local township. I notified them and they thanked me for letting them know about the problem and re-wired the pedestal correctly.
The unit might have paid for itself in the first summer even though it's not cheap but I figure you get what you pay for many times.

kjohn · 12-23-2018, 09:40 PM

Right on! Thank you for all the good answers.

I will be delving into this matter before Spring!

NorskeBob · 12-24-2018, 07:12 AM

What we use - ROGRESSIVE INDUSTRIES EMS-PT50C Portable EMS RV Surge Protector - 50 Amp...I always check the power before I apply power to the trailer. Have only found an issue once - one "leg" of the 50 amp service did not have power.

FlyingAroundRV · 12-24-2018, 11:55 AM

We have the Progressive wired in EMS. I like the ease of just plugging in the trailer and not have to go find another item to set up each time we set up. Also, I don't have to worry about securing it against theft. It was a bit of extra work wiring it in (one time job) and now it's always ready and simplifies setting up. Bonus points, it has a status readout so I can see how much current we're drawing and what the incoming voltage is.
Extra bonus points, I don't have to do an extra step of "checking the surge protector" before I hook up. If the power is wrong, the system just won't connect me.
"Simplicate and add lightness" R. kelly Johnson, designer of the U2 and the SR71

notanlines · 12-24-2018, 12:14 PM

I might also add his 14 rules of management. Man was a genius.

Tireman9 · 12-24-2018, 02:45 PM

There are some comparisons on-line. Here is one video.

This is a bit like Chevy vs Ford but specs are specs

One thing about comparisons. Specs can change. So can Country of MFG.
If there is a feature that is important to you be sure to check with the dealer.

IMO any EMS is better than a basic surge protector.
IMO even a basic surge protector is better than none.

HERE is a nice Blog on RV Electricity issues and safety.

Just because I selected the portable Surge Guard 30A unit that may not be the best for your needs. Educate yourself as SAFETY is very important.

ctbruce · 12-25-2018, 05:07 AM

I am just sharing this not advocating this. On another forum I saw were a member there had placed plugs on the ends of their EMS. That way they could plug in anD/or remove if needed at a later time. Like I said just a thought of another way of doing all of this .

travelin texans · 12-25-2018, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctbruce

I am just sharing this not advocating this. On another forum I saw were a member there had placed plugs on the ends of their EMS. That way they could plug in anD/or remove if needed at a later time. Like I said just a thought of another way of doing all of this .

Am assuming you mean the hardwired unit, my portable has plugs on both ends.

ctbruce · 12-25-2018, 09:58 AM

Up, that was the object. Thanks for adding that.

wiredgeorge · 12-25-2018, 01:14 PM

Great video; lots of fun to watch on power protectors:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRC4Dsifb8U

Snoking · 12-25-2018, 03:41 PM

I love the smoke trails on the pedestal where it looks like someone plug overheated! Chris

Bamabox · 12-30-2018, 09:09 AM

I use a Progressive Industries I got on Amazon for like $90. So far, so good. Shows polarity etc. not just a surge protector.

mpellet723 · 12-30-2018, 09:43 AM

I have the 34950 for my 29rld. I consider it cheep insurance due to the control system in my unit.

Tireman9 · 12-30-2018, 10:15 AM

Last Spring after watching a demo at an RV rally in Elkhart, I moved up from a basic "surge protector" to a SurgeGuard.

Later in the Summer, I was at a campground that had wired their power pedestal incorrectly.

A normal simple surge protector would not have identified the reverse polarity and would have allowed me to plug in and maybe do damage to some of my electronics.

The SurgeGuard EMS (34930 for 30A 34950 for 50A) actually prevented me from connecting. The display identified the problem and it would not complete the connection electrically.

The campground was run by the local township. I notified them and they thanked me for letting them know about the problem and re-wired the pedestal correctly.
The unit might have paid for itself in the first summer even though it's not cheap but I figure you get what you pay for many times.

Laredo Tugger · 12-30-2018, 10:56 AM

On topic (I hope) I checked out a friends property this week in another state that had years ago had "full hook ups" installed. I am planning on staying there a few months next summer. There is water and a sewer connection and off of a power pole near a permanently placed double wide there are separate 30 and 50 amp plugs. The 50 amp is plugged in and goes to the double wide. When disconnected it cut power to the only appliance inside which was a residential refrigerator.
Question: Can I share this (50amp) plug with the refrigerator inside to run power for my 5er? I am looking to buy a 50 amp "Y" to do the job. I also have the Hughes Autoformer unit as my surge/power protection.
Thanks
RMc

wiredgeorge · 12-30-2018, 11:19 AM

To anyone looking for an EMS, Camping World has the SurgeGuard EMS 30A on sale for $187; a better price than most will find in a similar Progressive EMS; they are on sale right now. FWIW: I own a Progressive EMS 30A and bought it for $200 shipped as a new but open box item on eBay. Works fine.

Interesting comparison of the SurgeGuard vs Progressive 50A models:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qTMpc9aTa0

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