Surge Protection

bikegirl

Hey everyone! I have read through the surge protection posts. There are three that I'm weighing out based on the discussions and wondering which one you have and how they are different? Progressive seems to have a good rep in the forum here and a few of you including @Verna has the TRC 44260 which costs less. 

My other question is if there is a voltage issue does it balance it out? Or are you not to plug in until it is fixed?

Total newbie here. Thanks so much for your help in my understanding!

Here are the links to the three:

Progressive Industries SSP30X Smart Surge Protector - 240V/30A

https://www.amazon.ca/Progressive-Industries-SSP-30XL-Surge-Protector/dp/B015G2YYN0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1509899139&sr=8-1&keywords=30%2Bamp%2Brv%2Bsurge%2Bprotector&th=1

Progressive Industries SSP-30XL Surge Protector with Cover - 30 Amp

https://www.amazon.ca/Progressive-Industries-SSP-30XL-Surge-Protector/dp/B015Y9MX38/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1509899139&sr=8-1&keywords=30%2Bamp%2Brv%2Bsurge%2Bprotector&th=1

TRC 44260 30 Amp Circuit Analyzer

https://www.amazon.ca/TRC-44260-Amp-Circuit-Analyzer/dp/B00JYMZ8HK/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

TerryV6

Actually a pretty good question bikegirl..  worthy of a poll imho.  I’ve read most of the posts here and with “Winter is Coming!” , I had decided to wait till Spring to make a purchase, unless a good sale rears its head.  I was leaning toward the SSP - 30xl.

hymie

I strongly recommend the hardwired version of the progressive industries model that @jkjenn installed and documented on her blog. The beauty of it is that you never have to think about it again. It has caught two power issues for us this year and is otherwise invisible. Great product.

Homebodyatheart

I have the Camco version. If you get an external one don't forget a bike cable and lock to prevent it from walking away. I've never had issues, but I've heard they are popular items to steal. Good luck with your decision!
https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Analyzer-Integrated-Protection-Indication/dp/B00WED0XBC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1509904506&sr=8-1&keywords=rv+surge+protector+30+amp+surge+guard&dpID=31Y%2BNT0ThtL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

Sharon_is_SAM

@bikegirl

If there is a voltage issue, these devices warn you, they do not fix the problem.  If it occurs, you let a camp host know so they can have it repaired.  

In general the surge protectors analyze and then provide a code so you know to plug in or not. 

There is a difference between a surge protector and the other Progressive Industry EMS units in that the EMS units are more comprehensive in what they detect and protect by stopping current flow, whereas the surge protectors just detect.  On our EMS, you plug it in, wait about 2 minutes until you see an "all clear" code, then plug in.  It is nice as it also records events and you can see a history of what went on when you weren't in camp.

On another note, I read that someone had an EMS unit hardwired into their RV and it blew up inside their trailer when there was a big surge.  We use the portable EMS model and my biggest concern is theft, but I have a good lock system on it, so you can't worry about everything.

TerryV6

Homebodyatheart said:

I have the Camco version. If you get an external one don't forget a bike cable and lock to prevent it from walking away. I've never had issues, but I've heard they are popular items to steal. Good luck with your decision!
https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Analyzer-Integrated-Protection-Indication/dp/B00WED0XBC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1509904506&sr=8-1&keywords=rv+surge+protector+30+amp+surge+guard&dpID=31Y%2BNT0ThtL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

So...  I have the https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Defender-Analyzer-Integrated-Protection/dp/B00JGJH8QU/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1511749686&sr=8-4&keywords=camper+surge+protector..

Do you think your model is a step up?   I didn’t pay much for mine, and I see your model for about 70 bucks.  

Haloo

SAM said:

@bikegirl

If there is a voltage issue, these devices warn you, they do not fix the problem.  If it occurs, you let a camp host know so they can have it repaired.  

In general the surge protectors analyze and then provide a code so you know to plug in or not. 

There is a difference between a surge protector and the other Progressive Industry EMS units in that the EMS units are more comprehensive in what they detect and protect by stopping current flow, whereas the surge protectors just detect.  On our EMS, you plug it in, wait about 2 minutes until you see an "all clear" code, then plug in.  It is nice as it also records events and you can see a history of what went on when you weren't in camp.

On another note, I read that someone had an EMS unit hardwired into their RV and it blew up inside their trailer when there was a big surge.  We use the portable EMS model and my biggest concern is theft, but I have a good lock system on it, so you can't worry about everything.

@SAM, how do you lock your EMS?

Homebodyatheart

@TerryV6 we bought ours at the dealer with our "new buyer" gift certificate plus our 10% discount, so it was a bit less than Amazon (I'm a smarter shopper now!). If we had seen the one you have we probably would have bought that one, except I don't know if there is any way to attach a cable lock to keep it safe. That said, I am usually around camp most of the time anyway at this point, not gone on all day treks, and I camp with others. We watch out for each other, which is nice. I haven't had any issues this last season.

Sharon_is_SAM

Haloo, there is a hole (for hanging?) that we put a cable lock through and wrap it tightly around the pedestal.  It won't stop someone determined, but will hopefully prevent a casual theft.

Haloo

SAM said:

Haloo, there is a hole (for hanging?) that we put a cable lock through and wrap it tightly around the pedestal.  It won't stop someone determined, but will hopefully prevent a casual theft.

Thanks! I think I'm going to go the portable EMS route. 

TerryV6

Well, being how it is cyber Monday, we pulled the trigger on a ems model.  Got an extra 15 % off and it came to $218.
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/ems-pt30x-30-amp-ems-with-surge-protection/102484&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&scid=scplp102484&sc_intid=102484&affiliateid=6313&gclid=Cj0KCQiAjO_QBRC4ARIsAD2FsXNQdSXSowgtHDtdj6TkeQhEVw_dTOEyCWAo8RlhoVDNyUqa33KiEM4aAq8tEALw_wcB