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Old 02-04-2015, 09:46 AM   #1
Mark N.
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Ordering a surge protector. Opinions needed:

My Monty stays plugged in continuously at home, so I decided I was really tempting fate to not get a surge protector. Not to mention the less than stellar reviews of the power supply at some RV parks.

I am considering the Progressive Industries SSP 50 Smart Surge. It has great reviews on Amazon. 4.5 stars out of 5.

Amazon has it for $114.24
http://www.amazon.com/Progressive-In...productDetails

Is that a good price, and is this an adequate unit for my Monty? I figure it will just live permanently on the end of my umbilical cord.

The other one I am looking at is from Camper World:
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping...s-50-amp/73995
It has a higher joule rating than the Progressive Industries one.

I see others that are waaaaaay more expensive, but for simple surge protection, what does the extra money buy?

Thanks

 
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Old 02-04-2015, 10:42 AM   #2
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Read H John's post
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Old 02-04-2015, 10:50 AM   #3
H. John Kohl
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The Two Surge Guards you listed do only a few items of protection. They do not protect from high voltage spikes and most important do not have a delay activation system to protect your air conditioner and other electronics when power fails.

I recommend the EMS that is not only a surge guard but checks wiring for fault codes like the ones you listed.

With this product you get what you pay for.

If you want the pedestal type I recommend this EMSPT50C

This surge guard buying link on Amazon may help understand surge guard.

I hope this helps.

Safe travels.
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Old 02-04-2015, 11:02 AM   #4
DQDick
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In full agreement with John. We have the progressive EMS that we use at the pedestal. Has saved us twice from bad wiring situations. It's a one time purchase I'd get all you need the first time.
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Old 02-04-2015, 11:09 AM   #5
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The park we are staying at in Vegas had a brown out and the ems saved or electrical system. It was WELL WORTH the price
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Old 02-04-2015, 11:16 AM   #6
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HW50C for me! Install it and rest easy. No worries. Can't forget it and leave it hanging off the pedestal for some other guy.
Great company BTW. They define customer service.
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Old 02-04-2015, 11:30 AM   #7
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HW50C. Install and forget it. Just check the didgital display when setting up and if away from unit for awhile to make sure all is ok. Saved us from an open ground on our second trip out. Expensive but worth it when you figure how many $$$$ it is protecting
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Old 02-04-2015, 11:35 AM   #8
richfaa
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PT 50c here.
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Old 02-04-2015, 11:37 AM   #9
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We have the Progressive EMSPT50 and it is well worth it. The unit has saved us several times. On a recent trip it failed on us and called their customer service, they immediately told me to send it to them and it was repaired and returned to me at no cost. Have to love their Life Time Warranty. No one should be without one!!
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Old 02-04-2015, 12:04 PM   #10
Mark N.
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My concern about EMS :
My understanding (from many sources during my life, including a good friend that is an electronics engineer) is that surge protectors have a very finite life, and we can never know for sure how many joules these things have clamped off. (It is cumulative, and unfortunately, they don't come with a cumulative joule meter.) Therefore, I've been told that they should be replaced about every 5 years to be certain that are still doing their job. How do you come to terms with that when you pay $400, or more for one? Or, do you just assume that it is still good (Though they don't tell you when they are bad) and just let it ride?
That is why I'm considering a dedicated surge protector.
I have looked at the Progressive Industries EMS-LCHW50 Thoughts?
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Old 02-04-2015, 12:31 PM   #11
Mark N.
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I just emailed Progressive Industries about my concerns regarding the 5 year replacement advice I received, and I'll let everyone know what their response is. If they say it isn't an issue, that is the way I'm going.
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Old 02-04-2015, 02:03 PM   #12
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Another vote for Progressive Industries, PT50C. I'm currently in Myrtle Beach and when we arrived it let me know the assigned site had an open ground issue. Told the management they had a bad pedestal and I was moving over a few sites. Of course no one has showed up to fix the bad pedestal, so someone else will hook up to it unknowingly. This is the 4th open ground it's found in 6 seasons, plus multiple shutdowns (maybe 4 or 5) for unknown reasons. I also like being able to monitor how many amps we're drawing as we often have the electric fireplace + 2 space heaters going in the winter months + all the other things. Have seen 40+ a couple of times with all the heaters going and the microwave. The unit did fail a year or two ago and Progressive fixed it for free (lifetime warranty). Their customer service is great.
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Old 02-04-2015, 02:21 PM   #13
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Have used the progressive emspt50c for 4 years now and very happy with it.
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Old 02-04-2015, 02:51 PM   #14
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Used the Progressive EMSPT50C for 3years and would not be without it. Progressive has great customer service and the best warranty.
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Old 02-04-2015, 03:13 PM   #15
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Of course PT50C here as well. Peace of mind as we feel we are well protected!!!
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Old 02-04-2015, 03:33 PM   #16
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Lifetime Warranty... need I say more
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Old 02-04-2015, 06:25 PM   #17
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Do I need a 30 amp and a 50 amp?
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Old 02-05-2015, 01:05 AM   #18
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by kiltedpig

Do I need a 30 amp and a 50 amp?
You do not need both, the 50 amp will work on lower currents, even 15 amp. And, we also have the Progressive 50 amp hard wired version. A must have in my opinion and obviously others as well!!
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Old 02-05-2015, 03:05 AM   #19
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I am considering the hard wired version:
http://tinyurl.com/ebaysurgeP
With my dedicated surge protector wired in 'front' or up-line from the wired-in model:
(I have this in my Monte) http://tinyurl.com/240SurgeRV
Remember, the surge protectors are sacrificial, if you get a debilitating surge, the unit will have to be returned for service, I would bet there is a charge for this. Returning a plug-in model would be a pain, but much easier than the wired-in model I am considering.
If you have a failure of the dedicated surge protector, just buy a new one, change the wires; (Much simpler than the change of a wired-in full protection unit) and you still have the full protection of the wired-in unit.
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Old 02-05-2015, 04:09 AM   #20
Ozz
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http://tweetys.com/electrical-manage...rdwire-50.aspx

$319.79 shipped from Tweety's cheapest price I have found, BUT it looks different from the models I have seen, might be an older model???? I think I would pay the extra $20 to get a current model, IF this one is not the latest. The cover is different..
The device consists of a time delay board, a logic board, a 50 amp contactor, two current sensors, or amp readers, and a plastic case.

That shipping is to my Zip code, so the price shipped to your Casa will be different if not K.C. Mo. 64151
Comes from Texas.
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