Surge Guard

[Big Dave]

Which is a better way to go, portable or hard wired if using the surge guard 50amp protector???

Thank you to all in advance!

[H. John Kohl]

Either one works. I went with hard wired so I will never forget to plug it in. It is one less item at setup especially when converting from 30 AMP to 50 Amp.

[JandC]

X2 what John said. I have had it installed on both of my Montanas. I considered the plug in type because the difference in money but in the long run I knew I would be happier with the mounted unit.

[Bigsky3625RE]

I have the portable. Allows me to plug in to the power pedestal before I even back in. It is the Progressive Industries EMS. Checks for opens, shorts and voltage/hz.

If a pull through I do the same thing before we do anything.

[rohrmann]

We also use the portable and have had no problems. If it disappears one of these days, then we will install the wired one. I also like being able to check the pedestal prior to plugging in the cable, just wish the idiot lights on the portable were easier to see when the sun is out.

[richard66]

I went with the hard wire progressive EMS with the remote readout. It's a great unit and gives you peace of mind. It's easy to install and use.

[DQDick]

quote:Originally posted by Bigsky3625RE

I have the portable. Allows me to plug in to the power pedestal before I even back in. It is the Progressive Industries EMS. Checks for opens, shorts and voltage/hz.

If a pull through I do the same thing before we do anything.

Same with us. It's saved me a tough backing job just to have to move on several occasions. We also have the Progressive EMS

[PackerFan]

X2 on what Dick said. Stops us from having to make two moves.

[sambam]

Hard wired Progressive here. I like the display and it's one less step, although I do like the idea of checking the service before backing in. Other than that, I prefer the convenience of the hard-wired unit.

[1retired06]

I prefer the portable.

[trustymopars]

I prefer the hard wired. No chance for it to "wander off", although I do have a portable Autoformer I lock to the pedestal if the campground has weak electrical service.

[ols1932]

It's a personal choice. I chose the portable one and have been using the same one for over 20 years.

Orv

[jchw]

I have the Surge Guard 34750 and have used it twice... My question is that only L1 is showing any current. L2=0. I've used it at two different campgrounds with the same reading: L2=0. I've written to TRC but for "some strange reason", they've not answered me.

Any thoughts/suggestions??

[jcurtis934]

If you are plugged into 50 amp service, then you have a dead unit. Most of us went with progressive due to their product and lifetime warrenty. I would not buy the trc. Sorry you are on the short end of that product. Ditch it. John

[Bama Camper]

quote:Originally posted by jchw

I've written to TRC but for "some strange reason", they've not answered me.

Any thoughts/suggestions??

That's the same response I got from them.

[DQDick]

Yup, if you want customer service you'll have to buy a Progressive. I know Camping World pushes the other brands, but then customer service isn't always their strong suite either.

[Starmaster]

Hi JCHW,

I have a few thoughts about your Surgeguard and a few things you can check.

Has the Surgeguard ever shown a current on L2? Have you tried it on someone else's rig? Are all AC outlets and devices in your rig operating? Are both 50amp breakers in your rig's load center on? Flip both 50amp breakers off and then back on.

Do you know for a fact that you have equipment connected to L2 that is drawing current? Depending on which model rig you have, the age, and if it has only one air conditioner, it may not have much/any load on L2.

Do you have two air conditioners? If so, make sure they are both turned on, that will definitely place load on both L1 and L2. If you are able to do this this and it still shows zero amps, then your Surgeguard does have a problem.

If you only have one AC, then turn it on, the microwave on, the water heater on electric, and also plug something into the dryer electric outlet. More than likely, at least one of those would be connected to L2 and will show some amount of current draw.

If you still show zero amps on L2, I would agree with the others, most likely a problem with the Surgeguard .

Like I said, maybe you don't have any load on L2, just a thought. Or, the Surgeguard has a problem (not un-heard of).

Feel free to PM me if you want to.

Dave

[jchw]

Thanks all for your responses...

Dave - Have had both A/C units and hot water going, and all 39 amps were on L1. This Monty was pre-wired for the bedroom A/C, so I'm probably going to be getting a Precision for next year.

Thanks, John

[Carl n Susan]

Isn't each leg of the 50 amp service independent? Doesn't one leg feed 1/2 the circuit breakers and the other leg feed the other 1/2? If so, and L2 has no current, wouldn't 1/2 the circuits in the RV be inoperable?

Am I missing something?????

Don't you conclude that if everything is the coach is working, then the display on the SurgeGuard is NFG???

[jchw]

Agreed...NFG. Trying to find out from CW if I have the 2 year or 3 year warranty...and try to get my money back. Will check to see if anything is on L2 side another day