Dear Dave,
We are required to use 30-amp services. We have never used a surge protector. I need to purchase one for our camper, but there are so many makes on the market. Can you recommend which one to buy? —Robert, 2016 Coachmen Catalina
Dear Robert,
You are correct, there are many models of surge protectors that do a variety of different things other than just protect from power surges. And the prices are all over the board.
I have used the Surge Guard model that was originally manufactured by TRC and now is owned by Southwire.
This plug provides protection against power surges, open ground conditions at the campground pedestal, open neutrals, low voltage under 102 volts and high voltage over 132 volts. It also protects from the plug overheating. I also like the fact that it shows amp draw of the rig, so I know when the air conditioner is running just how many amps the rig is drawing so I can do some energy management.
In my opinion, you want more than just a surge protector—you want power protection, as well. These shut off the power if it drops below 102 volts, which could strain the motor in the air conditioner and other appliances. It also shuts off power if it goes above 132 volts. I have personally witnessed two units locally that caught on fire in a driveway and burned not only the RV but the house, as well. They were parked in the driveway and plugged into the garage outlet. The air conditioner was running and it overheated the plug!
Why the difference in price
As you indicated, there is quite a selection to choose from and some major price differences. The most economical units do not reset automatically, with some that can be manually reset. There are others that are one-and-done and need to be sent back to the manufacturer.
Surge protectors have Joule ratings, which is basically how many times the device can dissipate energy from a surge. Typically a surge will use 350 Joules, so the lower the rating, the faster it will need to be repaired or replaced. The Southwire model 77450 has a Joule rating of 510 and needs to be reset manually after a surge. The model shown above has a Joule rating of 2450 and can withstand more surges and reset more often automatically.
Price is also determined by function, such as the amp draw feature, power issue alert, and even Bluetooth compatibility. Another popular model is the Power Watchdog by Hughes Autoformers. It allows you to wirelessly monitor voltage, amp draw, and wattage from your phone. This product has a two-year warranty with a replaceable module.
Pedestal or permanent mount
Most companies offer both the pedestal “pigtail” model or a more secure permanently mounted version that can be placed in a service compartment with a locking door. However, you can get locking covers for the pedestal version, as well. It all depends on where you are camping and what level of security you feel is needed.
You might also enjoy this from Dave
Why can’t I get power through my Smart Surge Protector?
Dear Dave,
I have a Power Watchdog Smart Surge Protector with Emergency Power Off (EPO) and a Generac GP3300i portable generator for a Lance 2465. In order to get power to the trailer, the surge protector cannot be used. Do I need to ground the generator? —Charlie
Dave Solberg is a leading expert in the RV industry and the author of the “RV Handbook.”
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A decent surge protector should be built into all RVs. Breakers and fuses are standard equipment, so why not surge protectors? Especially knowing that many parks have sketchy power. Oh. I know why. That would add a couple of hundred dollars to the price of your $30k to $150k purchase. Money is better spent on tired, outdated swirly swoopy vinyl.
Or blue string lights all over. 🙂
A few times we’ve used a converter plug to plug into the 50 amp side of a pedestal because the 30 amp plug looked disastrous. Could we then plug a 30 amp Power Watchdog at the end of our converter cord and not suffer problems?
Yes
Tommy,
Yes, I see more RVers using the 50/30 amp reducer as the 30 amp outlets gets more use and beaten up so that it gets loose. The 50/30 adapter just has one Hot lead so your Watchdog will work fine.
I asked Hughes tech support the same question and they said yes.
You are FAR better protected if you purchase an EMS Surge protector versus just a surge protector. Power surges are the LEAST of a RVer’s worry. It’s the bad power conditions that one may find at any campground, open ground, too high or low voltage and an open neutral will toast your RV in a heartbeat. Those are what you should be protecting against.
We have the 30 Amp Power Watchdog by Hughes Autoformers for our TT. We previously had the 50 Amp model for our motorhome. Recommend it without hesitation. It has alerted us to low line voltage many times. Love the phone connectivity too!
Stay safe, Joe
Thank you, Dave! We use the Hughes 50-amp pigtail unit. Additionally, Newmar hardwired one into our RV. I figure that the Hughes may save the hardwired one and is probably hundreds of dollars less to replace. 🙂
Before installing a Progressive Industries EMS HW30C we spent over $800 on fridge repairs due to a low voltage incident. Since installing the EMS we’ve encountered several low voltage events that I am sure the EMS protected us from expensive repairs.
My 30A Southwire Surge Guard has twice protected me from miswired pedestals that could have damaged part of my electrical system or even caused physical harm.