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12-22-2018, 08:25 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Grenfell
Posts: 187
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Portable Surge protector
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.
__________________
2020 F150 ECO SC & 2019 Cougar 22RBS HT
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12-22-2018, 08:57 PM
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#2
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Site Team
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: W. Texas
Posts: 17,673
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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.
__________________
Danny and Susan, wife of 56 years
2019 Ram 3500 Laramie CC SWB SB 6.4 4x4 4.10
2020 Montana High Country 331RL
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12-22-2018, 09:15 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Solomons
Posts: 3,874
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I have a portable Progressive brand model. It tells me if the post is wired correctly before I ever plug in the RV.
__________________
Tom
2019 Alpine 3651RL
2016 F350 CC DRW
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12-23-2018, 03:32 AM
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#4
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Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Burke
Posts: 3
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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.
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12-23-2018, 10:00 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Akron
Posts: 457
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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.
__________________
Retired Tire Design Engineer (40 years). Serve on FMCA Tech Advisory Committee. Write a blog RV Tire Safety. Read THIS post on Why Tires Fail.
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12-23-2018, 09:40 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Grenfell
Posts: 187
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Right on! Thank you for all the good answers. I will be delving into this matter before Spring!
__________________
2020 F150 ECO SC & 2019 Cougar 22RBS HT
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12-24-2018, 07:12 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Oswego
Posts: 604
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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.
__________________
RV - 2017 Avalanche 320RS
TV - 2011 Chevy Silverado 3500HD LTZ CCLB Duramax SRW 4X4
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12-24-2018, 11:55 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Brisbane Australia
Posts: 708
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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
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12-24-2018, 12:14 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Germantown, TN
Posts: 6,327
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I might also add his 14 rules of management. Man was a genius.
__________________
Jim in Memphis, Wife of 51 years is Brenda
2019 F450 6.7 Powerstroke
2018 Mobile Suites 40RSSA
2021 40' Jayco Eagle
2001 Road king w/matching Harley sidecar
2021 Yamaha X2 Wolverine 1000
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12-24-2018, 02:45 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Akron
Posts: 457
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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.
__________________
Retired Tire Design Engineer (40 years). Serve on FMCA Tech Advisory Committee. Write a blog RV Tire Safety. Read THIS post on Why Tires Fail.
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12-25-2018, 05:07 AM
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#11
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Site Team | Emeritus
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 3,878
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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 .
__________________
Chip Bruce, RPh
Kansas City, MO
2016 Impact 312
2017 Silverado 3500HD SRW
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12-25-2018, 08:50 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Picacho, Az
Posts: 6,809
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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 .
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Am assuming you mean the hardwired unit, my portable has plugs on both ends.
__________________
Full-timed 10+ years
Sold '13 Redwood FB
Traded '13 GMC Denali DRW D/A
Replacement undetermined
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12-25-2018, 09:58 AM
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#13
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Site Team | Emeritus
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 3,878
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Up, that was the object. Thanks for adding that.
__________________
Chip Bruce, RPh
Kansas City, MO
2016 Impact 312
2017 Silverado 3500HD SRW
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12-25-2018, 01:14 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Mico, TX
Posts: 7,447
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Great video; lots of fun to watch on power protectors:
__________________
wiredgeorge Mico TX
2006 F350 CC 4WD 6.0L
2002 Keystone Cougar 278
2006 GL1800 Roadsmith Trike
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12-25-2018, 03:41 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Lake Stevens
Posts: 764
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I love the smoke trails on the pedestal where it looks like someone plug overheated! Chris
__________________
2019 Laredo 225MK for travel. Bighorn 3575el summer home in Washington, Park Model with Arizona Room for winters.
2015 RAM 3500 SRW CC SB Aisin Laramie
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12-30-2018, 09:09 AM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: CT frontier
Posts: 155
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I use a Progressive Industries I got on Amazon for like $90. So far, so good. Shows polarity etc. not just a surge protector.
__________________
2017 Cougar XLite 21 RBS
2015 Ram 3500 SLT 5.7 Hemi
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12-30-2018, 09:43 AM
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#17
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Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Derry
Posts: 21
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I have the 34950 for my 29rld. I consider it cheep insurance due to the control system in my unit.
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12-30-2018, 10:15 AM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Akron
Posts: 457
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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.
__________________
Retired Tire Design Engineer (40 years). Serve on FMCA Tech Advisory Committee. Write a blog RV Tire Safety. Read THIS post on Why Tires Fail.
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12-30-2018, 10:56 AM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: South US
Posts: 712
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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
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12-30-2018, 11:19 AM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Mico, TX
Posts: 7,447
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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:
__________________
wiredgeorge Mico TX
2006 F350 CC 4WD 6.0L
2002 Keystone Cougar 278
2006 GL1800 Roadsmith Trike
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