Surge protector

[Krg2383]

I have a 2020 outback 340bh 50 amp tt and I'm looking for an ems surge protector. My question is I found a 50 amp Power Watchdog Smart Surge Protector + EPO (emergency power off). Is that the same as an ems?

[wiredgeorge]

Dunno about the unit you mentioned as never heard of it. For a 50A service electrical management system, many folks go with Progressive Industries:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Progressive-Industries-EMS-PT50X-Portable-RV-Surge-Protector-50-Amp/217988870?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=8616&&adid=22222222227111750818&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=233593389802&wl4=pla-384055640339&wl5=9059462&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=115786438&wl11=online&wl12=217988870&veh=sem&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImorrwvD16gIVDCCtBh0D-gJvEAQYAiABEgK_9fD_BwE


Shop around for the best price. They also make the same basic gizmo that can be installed inside your camper near the power converter and both have the benefits but an EMS is a must.

[sourdough]

From reading their description it sounds like it operates like the familiar Surge Guard (Southwire) and Progressive Industries units. I have not seen one or heard of anyone using one. The price makes me a little leery though. I believe what would be its competitors (those above) run $100+ more. I would be worried they cut a corner, or left some functionalities off, compared to the other stand by units.

[Krg2383]

Sourdough that's exactly what I was wondering with it being so much cheaper. It came up on Amazon so I was curious

[bobbecky]

I have the Progressive 50 amp hardwired unit in our rig, and am very happy with it. The unit being discussed is made by Hughes Autoformers which is a reputable company, so this being a fairly new product for them, maybe they are selling them with little profit so they can break into the market.

[LHaven]

Sourdough that's exactly what I was wondering with it being so much cheaper. It came up on Amazon so I was curious

Without a link, it's hard to tell what model you're looking at and what the price is.

"Power Watchdog" is just a model name of Hughes, who is well known and well respected in the EMS industry. From this chart (https://hughesautoformers.com/power-watchdog-smart-surge-protectors/), the 50A with EPO looks to be just a portable model of (and slightly more expensive than) their high-end hardwired version.

If you found it on Amazon, I assume the seller isn't a fly-by-night. I have had personal experience with Chinese-run scam companies that offer name-brand EMS units at extremely good prices on "floating crap game" style custom websites, but never deliver.

[Krg2383]

Ended up getting the progressive 50 amp portable ems.

[travelin texans]

Ended up getting the progressive 50 amp portable ems.

Good choice!

[Krg2383]

So my understanding with them is if an error comes up basically go to the the campground about it?

[bobbecky]

The EMS plugged in at the pedestal will only see the source power, nothing toward the RV, so any issue will belong to the campground.

[Krg2383]

Thanks bobbecky. Still learning my way around with some of this stuff. And I'm sure there will be lots more as I go

[MarkEHansen]

Yes, the campground, but usually the problems are going to be transient. You may see the EMS switch off your power, but just wait a bit and see if it comes back on. We've seen a few short-term issues but so far, nothing that made us go to the park office and complain.

[wiredgeorge]

Also, in older camp grounds the problem at one pedestal will not be found on another at another site. Problems may or may not be universal to all pedestals at that campground. If you do move to another space and find the same problem. tell management and then find another campground. Chances are they know or have been told about electrical problems at their campground.