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Old 03-11-2018, 10:20 AM   #1
donc1212
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Surge Protector

2017 rig. Is it needed all the time or just have one available as we move from campground to campground?
 
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Old 03-11-2018, 10:27 AM   #2
Bsorge
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I personally would use it every time I plug it in. You never know when you're going to have a power surge. Just my opinion. I'm going to get one hardwired into my RV.
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Old 03-11-2018, 10:34 AM   #3
1retired06
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All the time. I never plug in without one.
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Old 03-11-2018, 12:55 PM   #4
rmthelen
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EVERY TIME.....saw a diesel pusher fry all electronics after pulling into the same site he was on the previous winter only to learn that the pedestal had been replaced due to being damaged by an rv backing into it during the summer/fall season and obviously rewired wrong. Then the question became WHO is at fault???? The RV resort or the motorhome owner....he didn't ensure that the pedestal was wired correctly before plugging in.....The ensuing finger pointing lasted the next 2 winters only to be resolved with both parties paying for damages. Not a pleasant situation.
I know I sure learned a lesson from his experience!
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Old 03-11-2018, 04:13 PM   #5
Dmcgrew
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I recommend a unit hard wired into the fifth. You never have to worry about forgetting it when you leave and it is not likely to be stolen. It is also automatically in line when you plug in and you don't have to try and remember. In the last two years of full timing it has saved me twice. Well worth the money.
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Old 03-11-2018, 09:13 PM   #6
twindman
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I have been at 2 campgrounds where the surge protector helped. The first one I didn't have it, and had an A/C burn out, I think it was. Got a protector right after that. Up in N. Idaho a pedistal would drop voltage to 103 or less when the park was busy in the afternoon. Protector would cut off power and save my stuff. Oh, and another time at a friends home - he just installed a 50A post. Protector caught a miswired connection. Friend got it rewired and all was well, but that would have fried things if I didn't have it.
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Old 03-11-2018, 09:24 PM   #7
BuilderBob
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Every time if you using a portable unit never know if there mite be a problem with the pedestal!
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Old 03-12-2018, 05:43 AM   #8
The Old Fogies
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Hard Wired is the way to go. I installed mine behind the panel in the basement. It's right behind the panel. The auto transfer switch is located there so all I had to do is relocate the wires. I now have protection whenr I'm plugged into shore power or generator.
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Old 03-12-2018, 08:35 AM   #9
richfaa
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We use the EMS PT 50C ( Electrical management system) it is far more than a surge protector) We hook it to the pedestal and let it cycle through its checks to check the pedestal for proper operation before hooking to the RV. It has taken us off line many times in the 12 years we have been using it.
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Old 03-12-2018, 09:04 AM   #10
Five O'clock Somewhere
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I always use one even when connected to the pedestal at our home. We have a Surge Guard 34850 which not only acts as a surge protector yet also protects for miswired pedestals, reverse polarity, overheating plug, low and high voltage, and an open neutral or ground. Expect to pay $300 up for a good one, yet worth the money.
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Old 03-20-2018, 03:42 PM   #11
kozzy
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I use it EVERY time, has saved me a few. I have the Progressive Industries , and it is hard wired right into my unit.
Their customer service is great too, one of the circuit boards went bad, called them, they sent me a new one right out and it was user serviceable. Very easy to install the unit yourself too. I installed mine right being my AV panel, and mounted it right to the floor of the camper in the wall.. Have the remote displayed ran up to my control center with all the other switches, so I always know what's going on with Power in my RIG.
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Old 03-20-2018, 06:56 PM   #12
CaptnJohn
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I trade 5ers often so use a portable every time I connect up ~~ I have had it used on the last 3 5ers.
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Old 03-20-2018, 06:59 PM   #13
DQDick
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An EMS has saved us several times. Wouldn't camp without one.
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Old 03-21-2018, 09:13 AM   #14
mjammersc
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We use ours all the time and leave in in-line all the time. We were at a campground where after being hooked up for about a half day, the EMS shut down our power due to a open ground issue (expected a loose connection in the pedestal). Shifted to another pedestal and all was fine
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Old 03-21-2018, 09:16 PM   #15
Texan
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My ems would not let me hook up recently on account of lost ground. The campground thought it was my power cord. I took the power cord apart and there was nothing wrong with it. Moved to another pedestal on the other side of me and everything was perfect.
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Old 03-22-2018, 05:50 AM   #16
greische
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Quote:
Originally Posted by donc1212 View Post
2017 rig. Is it needed all the time or just have one available as we move from campground to campground?
I don't know how late I am on this but here goes. Buy one, does not matter what kind, inline or hardwire but get one. I lost my power inverter one weekend. When we got home and plugged in, the surge protector was screaming. I called the company next morning and they told me I took a major hit. Enough sneaked through to burn up the inverter but the surge protector took the majority of the surge. The company told me that level of surge would have burnt down the trailer. Also, a friend of mine took a surge in his motorhome. Luckily he was there and was able to get the fire out before it burnt up the motorhome. He now uses a surge protector. Best money you will ever spend
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Old 03-22-2018, 08:16 AM   #17
richfaa
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Please know the difference between a surge protector and a Electrical management system before you purchase anything.
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