Community Forums

TEDDE · 05-29-2012, 08:28 PM

Hello everyone..hope you can advise me..Will my 2005 Holiday Rambler DP have a built in surge proctor??
Here is why I would like to know..THis past long week-end up here in Canada my DW and I visited one of our provincial parks for three days. We were plugged into a 30 amp service as this is all they have for shore power..When we went to put our main living room flourcent lights (3 of them) on they did not work.I took the light fixture to work and had our electricians check the electronic ballast out. They were fried. Also one light in the bedroom ceiling also went out upon switiching the lights on..The electricians said that dirty power caused this and I need a surge protector between my coach and the shore power. I have never heard of all four light fixtures burning out at
the same time..or do they?????Any ideas?? I plan on replacing the tubes with LED'S. Boy are they expensive up here..$42.00 per tube and I will need 8 of them. How are the tubes measured?? My tube says 15 on the tube but measures 17.5 inches total length..Is this a 15 or a 18 inch tube?? I will watch e-bay for LED tubes..

Hope some one can help me..either way it will be an expensive fix..

Thx
Ted

Dutch Star Don · 05-29-2012, 09:17 PM

Tedde......Your coach didn't come with one. If someone added one before you purchased, it would be in the utility bay, bolted to a wall.

I have the SurgeGuard unit and it has worked great. If I were to do it again, I would by the Progressive Brand surge protector. It jas more bells and whistles and comes with a wall monitor.

moisheh · 05-30-2012, 03:50 AM

Ted: Take your tube to Wal Mart, Rona or Canadian tire. Nowhere near $42.00!!

clyon51 · 05-30-2012, 06:40 AM

If you can use a soldering iron, you can replace all your flouresents with LED strip lights. Did 7 of mine for $50. Many on the forum have done so and are pleased.

deSanford · 05-30-2012, 07:58 AM

You still need a surge protector. Navastar Monaco recommends a NEW transfer relay and combination surge protector. deSanford

TEDDE · 05-30-2012, 06:34 PM

Thanks to all who replied..Will I need a 50 amp protector or a 30 amp unit??Most of our time is spent on a 30 amp service..will it do both power sources or do I need one of each??

Thanks for tip on the led tubes, I will go to wal-mart and try to match them up..and I will solder them in...as you guys suggested..

MAN I LOVE THIS WEB SITE...

Ted

Dr4Film · 05-30-2012, 06:44 PM

TEDDE,

You need to purchase a 50 amp Progressive Industries EMS system.

Here is the one I recommend.

EMS-HW50C

I would mount it after the shore power cord and before the transfer switch.

Your Onan Generator is know for good power so it doesn't need to be protected but if you prefer to have it that way, you would install the PI EMS unit after the transfer unit.

I am surprised that you only destroyed only four overhead lights and nothing else. have you checked everything electrical inside your coach?

Dr4Film ----- Richard

steelheadbluesman · 05-30-2012, 06:51 PM

Agreed, 50 Amp.

I-LOVE-RAMBLIN · 05-31-2012, 09:34 AM

I am not sure a surge on the AC side (120V) can cause damage to DC stuff (12V). Separate systems with batteries in the middle.
Ed Robbins
2011 Diplomat DFQ

TEDDE · 05-31-2012, 07:00 PM

I just went and checked my lights again 2 in the bedroom are now out and my stair lights are out as well. I don't know what i have done but something is going on..I agree that all the lights that are out are 12 volt. Everything else works just fine..but my new coach batteries are going dead after a couple of days. My batteries were new last year, so maybe the surge protector was not my issue but I am going to install one anyway. But I spend more time on30 amp service up here in Canada so will a 50 amp protector do the job while I am on 30 amp??I am thinking not..

Thanks to all who have replied, I am sure with your guys help I will get a handle on this

Ted

KIX · 05-31-2012, 07:16 PM

Tedde........a 50 amp unit will work for 50, 30 and even 20 power sources.
Having spent some time in Nova Scotia I would suggest you learn to use a VOM (Volt-Ohm Meter) to check any power supply you intend to plug into.
I also think the Progressive Industries EMS unit is the right one to install.