Surge protector on 50 amp

[Jnich17]

Do 50 amp surge protectors work and what brands? Thinking of installing one on hook up. I have a 2019 Avalanche 375 RD.

[sourdough]

Just bypass a "surge protector" and go with a regular EMS (electrical management system). Surge protectors don't do much in an RV environment and the EMS will save your bacon. The 2 most popular seem to be Surge Guard and Progressive. Similar in cost (more expensive than a surge guard) and both come available as a portable or permanent install in the RV.

As far as "thinking about one".....don't!! Just get one before you even start using power peds anywhere. The EMS has saved me multiple times as well as many others.

[dutchmensport]

Agree with the EMS. Here's what we have: Click Here (https://www.progressiveindustries.net/ems-pt50x) The price range varies over $100 different, depending where you purchase it.

[travelin texans]

Just bypass a "surge protector" and go with a regular EMS (electrical management system). Surge protectors don't do much in an RV environment and the EMS will save your bacon. The 2 most popular seem to be Surge Guard and Progressive. Similar in cost (more expensive than a surge guard) and both come available as a portable or permanent install in the RV.

As far as "thinking about one".....don't!! Just get one before you even start using power peds anywhere. The EMS has saved me multiple times as well as many others.

Absolutely agree!
There's 2 items that should be mandatory with every rv sold;
#1 the EMS for your RVs amp rating.
#2 an adjustable water pressure regulator, not that worthless little brass doodad your RV dealer may have given you, it's not adjustable & it's not a regulator.

[flybouy]

Get an EMS, surge guard only is a waste of money. Most common issues in cg are low voltage, missing neutral, missing ground, incorrect wiring, and power going on and off rapidly (lights flickering during a storm). The EMS will protect against that, a surge protector will not.

[sourdough]

Just to piggyback on those issues;

Came back to FL earlier than usual due to outside issues. Owner had "self" installed a new row of sites using local "cheap" help. She assigned me to the only 50A site in this row. Started hooking up and hmmmm, looking inside the very small, inadequate box I see the side has been melted out by???? Go to plug in the EMS and ?? The plug is upside down! Hmmm, now I'm getting a little leery. But, I'm here, have to be here and have nowhere else to go - I'm not going to be in the heat here without 2 ACs. Plug the EMS in upside down and watch it...hey! everything was OK! So hook up with the EMS cord poking into the sky and get things going.

That evening a fellow behind me that I've met off and on over the years and is in fact an RV repairman appeared to be leaving - he is/was building a new home out on the point and it was dried in and he could put his motorhome under it so he was out. Mentioned the plug issue and he just shook his head. The owner had used what I term "fly by nights" to put the service in. He said the first 3 folks coming in burned up the converters and didn't know what else. He said he was called over on the 3rd....the guy had an EMS, it showed a fault and wouldn't let it work (or harm his trailer) so he disconnected it then fried his trailer!!! This guy then rewired the plug.

So, long story to just illustrate that the EMS is the ONLY way to go if you are hooking up to power because there is absolutely NO way for a person just "dropping in" to have any idea what they are plugging into.

[LewisB]

Get an EMS, surge guard only is a waste of money. Most common issues in cg are low voltage, missing neutral, missing ground, incorrect wiring, and power going on and off rapidly (lights flickering during a storm). The EMS will protect against that, a surge protector will not.

Marshall,
Just to be clear, "Surge Guard" (note caps) is also a manufacturer's name of trusted and reliable EMS systems, as opposed to "a surge protector" (no caps). I think what you were saying is that "surge protectors" are a waste of money; and I agree with that statement.

I absolutely concur with all the statements that an EMS is a MUST HAVE with an RV. We have a Surge Guard 34951 50A EMS and use the portable 40301 bluetooth portable monitor, available at: https://www.technorv.com/50a-surge-guard-portable-total-electrical-protection-34951/

We love this EMS and blue tooth monitor. It tells me exactly how much load is on each half of my 50A system. The supplier - a great place to do business and get support. No, I'm not an employee - I love their how to videos and after purchase support.
2733827339
The photos show the load with all 3 AC units running on our Raptor.

[Steve's 70-5]

I have a trailer that is wired for 2 AC’s but only one installed. The trailer plugs are 55 amp but I can live with 30 amp. I have all the plugs to change different amps. Which Amp EMS would I get?

[JRTJH]

I have a trailer that is wired for 2 AC’s but only one installed. The trailer plugs are 55 amp but I can live with 30 amp. I have all the plugs to change different amps. Which Amp EMS would I get?

Buy the EMS for the highest rated capacity. That's the 50 amp EMS, your choice whether to buy a built in or a portable unit. If you buy a 30 amp EMS, you will be limited to not being able to use the full features of your RV. Nothing is more frustrating (at least for me) than spending $250 and then, a week later needing the $300 and having to spend a total of $550 to get what you should have/could have bought much cheaper. Do it right the first time and no "regrets later"..... YMMV

[LHaven]

Agree with the EMS. Here's what we have: Click Here (https://www.progressiveindustries.net/ems-pt50x) The price range varies over $100 different, depending where you purchase it.

Here's a warning: there's a jackass in China who pops up plausible-looking e-commerce websites offering merchandise at amazing prices, and the Progressive EMS-HW30C seems to be one of his favorite pieces of bait. The websites have vanilla American owner names attached and US addresses, but they all actually tie back to this Chinese thief.

Here's his current website (https://www.goinfine.com/protector-progressive-electrical-surge-hw30c-amp-ems-hw30c-rv-30-industries-hardwired), where he's offering a $230+ unit for $95. You can order the unit, but you won't get it. I have no idea how he makes any money at this, since all the buyer has to do is to tell his credit card company to flip this guy the bird and pull the funds back. But it wastes your time going through all the motions.

(In two weeks, this link probably won't go anywhere, but you can always find this guy's current website by looking for the sub-$100 price on this EMS model.)

[Logan X]

Here's a warning: there's a jackass in China who pops up plausible-looking e-commerce websites offering merchandise at amazing prices, and the Progressive EMS-HW30C seems to be one of his favorite pieces of bait. The websites have vanilla American owner names attached and US addresses, but they all actually tie back to this Chinese thief.

Here's his current website (https://www.goinfine.com/protector-progressive-electrical-surge-hw30c-amp-ems-hw30c-rv-30-industries-hardwired), where he's offering a $230+ unit for $95. You can order the unit, but you won't get it. I have no idea how he makes any money at this, since all the buyer has to do is to tell his credit card company to flip this guy the bird and pull the funds back. But it wastes your time going through all the motions.

(In two weeks, this link probably won't go anywhere, but you can always find this guy's current website by looking for the sub-$100 price on this EMS model.)

He’s probably making money by phishing data off of the people who use the site and selling that info. I would not even open that site.

Thanks for the warning and heads up LHaven.

[LHaven]

Interesting thought. But the guy doesn't accept anything but PayPal, so it seems like a lot of effort to go through to scrape a handful of names and mailing addresses. Ah well, that's what inscrutable means, I suppose.

[travelin texans]

I have a trailer that is wired for 2 AC’s but only one installed. The trailer plugs are 55 amp but I can live with 30 amp. I have all the plugs to change different amps. Which Amp EMS would I get?

If your RV has a 30 amp shore cord get a 30 amp EMS, if 50 amp get the 50.

[Frank G]

Another option in the EMS market is provided by Hughes Autoformers.

https://hughesautoformers.com/product/pwd50-epo/

[SummitPond]

I have a trailer that is wired for 2 AC’s but only one installed. The trailer plugs are 55 amp but I can live with 30 amp. I have all the plugs to change different amps. Which Amp EMS would I get?

Joe

When you say you have "all the plugs" I assume you are talking about dogbones and not actually changing out the plug at the end of the cord - right?

Our TT is 30A but if a 50A plug is available on the CG pedestal, based on the condition of the 30A outlet I'll use our dogbone to run off the 50A side, and you may wish to use 50A in lieu of 30A - again based on condition of the outlet.

We have the PI hardwired unit and it saved our bacon once when the CG pedestal was wired backwards (neutral and hot flipped). At other times it has saved our AC compressor by cutting out when voltage sags too much. Yes, it was temporarily uncomfortable - but better than then replacing the AC unit.

Ken

[Laredo Tugger]

Another option in the EMS market is provided by Hughes Autoformers.

https://hughesautoformers.com/product/pwd50-epo/

That's the option I went with. A little more money on the front end but the unit offers surge protection, power post analysis and voltage stabilization. Was the best investment for me. And there is no truth to any comment that some parks will not let you hook up with one of these units because they require "extra power". When is the last time you actually had someone from a CG monitor your (mounted) electrical equipment when you first hook up? The unit requires no more power than any other EMS. The analyzer did save me from hooking to a site that had "No Ground" connection. Paid for itself right there.
RMc

[Steve's 70-5]

Joe

When you say you have "all the plugs" I assume you are talking about dogbones and not actually changing out the plug at the end of the cord - right?

Our TT is 30A but if a 50A plug is available on the CG pedestal, based on the condition of the 30A outlet I'll use our dogbone to run off the 50A side, and you may wish to use 50A in lieu of 30A - again based on condition of the outlet.

We have the PI hardwired unit and it saved our bacon once when the CG pedestal was wired backwards (neutral and hot flipped). At other times it has saved our AC compressor by cutting out when voltage sags too much. Yes, it was temporarily uncomfortable - but better than then replacing the AC unit.

Ken
The cord for our TT is 50 Amp. Some CG we go to only have 30 Amp. If I have a 50 Amp protector and I am hooking up at a 30 Amp outlet/pedestal. If I adapt 30 Amp to 50 Amp dogbone at the pedestal, then 50 amp protector, then cord to TT which may be a 30 or 50 Amp cord. I will get protection with this set up.

[travelin texans]

If your RV is 50 amp with only 30 amp available use the dogbone 30 to 50 connected to your surge protector then connect your 50 amp cord to the rv. If your RV is 50 amp why carry a 30 amp cord that you have to use another doggone adapter to use the surge protector?

[SummitPond]

Joe

The cord for our TT is 50 Amp. Some CG we go to only have 30 Amp.

I assume you have a dogbone that plugs into a 30A outlet and converts to a 50A outlet for your cord to plug into - correct? This basically ties the two hot legs of the 50A circuit together so they share the single 30A feed. This means you can only draw 30A total between the two legs of your 50A circuit, and the load in your TT is distributed between these two 50A legs.

If I have a 50 Amp protector and I am hooking up at a 30 Amp outlet/pedestal. If I adapt 30 Amp to 50 Amp dogbone at the pedestal, then 50 amp protector, then cord to TT which may be a 30 or 50 Amp cord. I will get protection with this set up.

If you use the non-hardwired version of the EMS and you are plugging into a 30A outlet, you plug the EMS into the dogbone which hooks up to the shore power pedestal and your 50A cord connects to the 50A plug on the EMS.

If you use a hardwired EMS then it's just the dogbone and you plug your shore power cord into it.

The short answer is - yes - you will get EMS protection for over/under voltage, reversed polarity and off-frequency.

I'm confused about the 30A cord issue - do you have a spare 30A cord you use sometimes as an extension?

Ken

[LHaven]

The cord for our TT is 50 Amp. Some CG we go to only have 30 Amp. If I have a 50 Amp protector and I am hooking up at a 30 Amp outlet/pedestal. If I adapt 30 Amp to 50 Amp dogbone at the pedestal, then 50 amp protector, then cord to TT which may be a 30 or 50 Amp cord. I will get protection with this set up.

Assuming you meant to say "will I" instead of "I will," yes, you will. If you're going to use a cord-mounted EMS, then always buy the one that fits your trailer's native cord.

[Steve's 70-5]

I'm confused about the 30A cord issue - do you have a spare 30A cord you use sometimes as an extension?

Ken

Ken, yes. I have a 30amp cord left over from the first camper we bought. Did not want to leave it in camper when we traded it in.

I carry it with us now, I may need it or may find someone in a CG that needs one.

Just asking a lot of questions, do not want to buy a protector and then find out I need something else. For the cost of this item, want to get it right the first time.

Electric/wiring is not a strong point for me. Sort Of run into this stuff at work, but that is why you have a electric contractor on the job. I just tell him what I need done.

[wiredgeorge]

PPLMotorhomes.com is now selling a power management gizmo made by Southwire called a Surge Guard which appears to have similar capabilities to the Progressive EMS I own but a few bucks less. They are selling the 50A version of the Progressive EMS for almost $500 now.

I did have my Progressive unit die a year or so back and the company promptly replaced it with a new one. I have one of the ones that hang off the outlet on the power pedestal.

[JRTJH]

The Progressive ems-hw50c is usually sold for around $269-279 at most internet RV parts outlets. I've seen them marked as high as $499 in some RV parts departments in local "RV Stealerships". Do your shopping "due diligence" and you should find it available for well under $300.

[wiredgeorge]

Here is an interested piece that the OP might benefit from. Just to be clear, I don't have any favorites in this tech but Progressive has been around for a long time and has a good rep.

https://weretherussos.com/rv-surge-protectors-ems/

[SummitPond]

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Just asking a lot of questions, ...<clip>
Joe

That's what so great about this forum. I also pose questions - lots of advise and help is available here.

I just want to be sure I understand the question/problem so as not to go off on a tangent or provide erroneous information. (I'm told I often over-think a problem or question!)

Ken

[mj5150]

Marshall,
Just to be clear, "Surge Guard" (note caps) is also a manufacturer's name of trusted and reliable EMS systems, as opposed to "a surge protector" (no caps). I think what you were saying is that "surge protectors" are a waste of money; and I agree with that statement.

I absolutely concur with all the statements that an EMS is a MUST HAVE with an RV. We have a Surge Guard 34951 50A EMS and use the portable 40301 bluetooth portable monitor, available at: https://www.technorv.com/50a-surge-guard-portable-total-electrical-protection-34951/

We love this EMS and blue tooth monitor. It tells me exactly how much load is on each half of my 50A system. The supplier - a great place to do business and get support. No, I'm not an employee - I love their how to videos and after purchase support.
2733827339
The photos show the load with all 3 AC units running on our Raptor.

How did you get all three AC's to run at once in your Raptor?
We have a 2017 Raptor 412TS, and only two at a time will come on.

-Mike

[Tireman9]

I went with Surge Guard from TechnoRV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ex3uVoHRgE
Good instructional videos.
Note the short 10 sec "test" time. I understand some EMS take a minute or more before they complete the initial test.

I do not sell EMS just a satisfied user. Discovered one RV campground pedestal that had reverse polarity so the S>G> paid for itself in first season.

[Rayray04]

Get an EMS, surge guard only is a waste of money. Most common issues in cg are low voltage, missing neutral, missing ground, incorrect wiring, and power going on and off rapidly (lights flickering during a storm). The EMS will protect against that, a surge protector will not.



Surge Guard 44270 Entry Level... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IACGFOA?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I bought this one ,, haven’t tried it yet but what do u think

[JRTJH]

Surge Guard 44270 Entry Level... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IACGFOA?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I bought this one ,, haven’t tried it yet but what do u think

That device will not protect your RV from high/low voltage, out of phase voltage, ground issues or overloads. All it will do is "hang there, lights blinking while your trailer equipment "burns up from low voltage".... It will "identify the problem" but not protect you from the problem by turning off power to your trailer.

All it "protects" against is a "surge voltage"... It won't even "protect" against 90 volts 140 VAC, it'll just hang there, green light lit indicating "everything is OK while your air conditioner "smokes away, just before catastrophic failure"...

[sourdough]

Surge Guard 44270 Entry Level... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IACGFOA?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I bought this one ,, haven’t tried it yet but what do u think



I hate to be the bearer of bad news, again, but that unit does little to nothing for you. John was right about what little it does. And you have to be looking at it to assess the little lights real time then take protective action, yourself, to keep bad things from happening....that won't happen.

Attached is the instructions for that unit. Note that nothing in it says it protects you real time. Also read the very last paragraph just before the little box where you record the info for the unit. It tells you there that Southwire does offer products that protect you - this one does not. I would buy the EMS before I went anywhere. With new parks popping up and very little attention being paid to accurate, safe work it's a crap shoot at what you might encounter when you plug in. The EMS will never let that miswired plug get to your trailer; the one you have will.

https://rvpower.southwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/505-00057-1D2D.pdf

[LewisB]

How did you get all three AC's to run at once in your Raptor?
We have a 2017 Raptor 412TS, and only two at a time will come on.

-Mike

Yes, Keystone uses a "PowerShare Switch" to feed 2 AC units from one 120VAC circuit breaker. The PowerShare is an "either/or" switch, typically only allowing either the bedroom or garage AC to operate at a time. You can move one of those AC units out of the PowerShare and into the WFCO power center, connected to a new circuit breaker or to an unused breaker or to a shared breaker. We pulled the garage AC wires out of the PowerShare and connected them to the "washer/dryer" circuit breaker which we don't use. If we ever install a washer, we will just have to shut off the AC before using the washer. The thermostat and other equipment (3 zone monitoring) worked correctly without any other modifications!

PowerShare Switch: 27648 and https://www.keystoneforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=348105&postcount=17

For the whole story including performance tests with 3 AC units:
https://www.keystoneforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39365
Check out the links within these posts for additional information.

This is the best modification I could ever make to our Raptor!

[flybouy]

You will not buy a true EMS (electrical management system) for $100, period. For a 50 amp EMS you are looking at north of $300. Google "50 amp RV EMS" and you will see what's available.

[LewisB]

Surge Guard 44270 Entry Level... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IACGFOA?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I bought this one ,, haven’t tried it yet but what do u think

Quick! Sent it back to Amazon! You need a true EMS like a Surge Guard 34951 or one of the Progressive Industry EMS units- yes they are more than 3 times as expensive. The one you selected is a complete waste of money IMHO.

[Tireman9]

If you buy from a big box or Amazon you will not get real support from someone that knows RVs. I strongly recommend TechnoRV for Sales and Support
https://www.technorv.com/brands/Surge-Guard.html
They have 30A on sale for $209 and 50 A on sale for $299.
These units will shut off the connection or never turn on the connection if there are problems from the power source.

[Kzneft]

Do 50 amp surge protectors work and what brands? Thinking of installing one on hook up. I have a 2019 Avalanche 375 RD.

I mounted mine behind the wall in the wall in the cargo area. I like it, and it works well, but when I go to run the generator or solar you have to wait about 2 minutes for it to make sure the power is stable, then it will kick on.

[johnlewis]

Just bypass a "surge protector" and go with a regular EMS (electrical management system). Surge protectors don't do much in an RV environment and the EMS will save your bacon. The 2 most popular seem to be Surge Guard and Progressive. Similar in cost (more expensive than a surge guard) and both come available as a portable or permanent install in the RV.

As far as "thinking about one".....don't!! Just get one before you even start using power peds anywhere. The EMS has saved me multiple times as well as many others.

I second "don't think about it". The EMS is much cheaper than your electronics, a refrigerator or an AC unit.

[mikz86ta]

We have a Hughes Power Watchdog. Has an app to use via Bluetooth. You can monitor the current on both lines. Has done it's auto power off function once when line 2 had a park surge. Soft turn on or reboot. Feels nice to know the surge guard is a separate replacable board...so that the whole unit doesn't need to be replaced in a catastrophic event

[LHaven]

Note the short 10 sec "test" time. I understand some EMS take a minute or more before they complete the initial test.

The Progressive I have has a jumper shunt that lets you choose between a delay of 0:15 or 2:15. The latter is necessary if your AC isn't smart enough to protect itself from a brief outage that would slam its compressor. Mine isn't smart.