Community Forums

Caswelld · 05-07-2015, 08:48 AM

We're looking at purchasing a surge guard and I'm not sure if I should have it wired into our MH or get the portable type. I see that the portable "Surge Guard" from Camping World comes with a locking hasp.

Thanks for your thoughts

Dave & Julie

docj · 05-07-2015, 08:55 AM

Having it hardwired makes for one less thing to do when setting up and tearing down plus it eliminates the theft issue. Seemed like a no brainer to me.

Ret Syntst · 05-07-2015, 08:59 AM

Progressive Industries make a good surge protector and they are guaranteed for life. The benefit of the hardwire installation is that the electronics are modular meaning that if something needs replacement they send you the board and you swap it out. The portable unit is not serviceable so you have to send the unit to them and they provide a replacement. The cost of the hardwire is also less than the portable because it doesn't have to be weatherproof. The difference in price usually covers the cost of installation. You also don't have to worry about theft.

Skip426 · 05-07-2015, 09:14 AM

The only problem that I could foresee with the hard wire unit, is that in the event of a failure, that by-passing the unit could take a while, requiring re-attaching the power cable into the transfer switch.
But I went for the hardwire anyway and I'm glad I did, a neighbor in the RV park where I spend the winters bought a portable at the same time ; 3 years ago ; and his failed over the winter this year; I'm sure exposure was the cause.

onlakegaston · 05-07-2015, 09:16 AM

I agree with the 2 posts above. I purchased and installed a progressive industries ems-hw50c hard wire 50 amp in my coach. just plug in and you are good to go - no worries about it "growing legs".

Jim

I type too slow!

MSHappyCampers · 05-07-2015, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onlakegaston

I agree with the 2 posts above. I purchased and installed a progressive industries ems-hw50c hard wire 50 amp in my coach. just plug in and you are good to go - no worries about it "growing legs".

Jim

I type too slow!

Totally agree with Jim! You should get the Progressive Industries unit, not the Surge Guard, for the reasons stated!

CampDaven · 05-07-2015, 09:19 AM

If you change RVs, it is cheaper to have a new hardwired unit installed than to have it moved.
I have the portable, and have the 15 seconds available to plug it in. Now on 2nd RV, and no unit issues in 4 years. What could it owe me?
If there were thieves where I go, I would expect them to take the easy pickins from my camp, like Coleman and Weber. No thefts in over 60 years!
Either way, the Progressive units are both top of the heap!

Skip426 · 05-07-2015, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onlakegaston

Jim

I type too slow!

I hold the trophy for slowest typing in the forums , my record is 5 other members posted while I was getting my post ready.

dennis45 · 05-07-2015, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip426

The only problem that I could foresee with the hard wire unit, is that in the event of a failure, that by-passing the unit could take a while, requiring re-attaching the power cable into the transfer switch.
But I went for the hardwire anyway and I'm glad I did, a neighbor in the RV park where I spend the winters bought a portable at the same time ; 3 years ago ; and his failed over the winter this year; I'm sure exposure was the cause.

Failure with a Progressive hard wired is not an issue since it can be easily bypassed until replacement components are received. Life Time Warranty.

chiefneon · 05-07-2015, 10:01 AM

Howdy!

I agree with others Progressive EMS lifetime warranty is the way to go. We had both hardwired and now portable. Chose portable this time as I can take it and check the RV site before starting my setup.

"Happy Trails"
Chiefneon

WDW · 05-07-2015, 10:21 AM

The other advantage of the hard wired is that with the remote monitor you can see your status / amp draw in a convenient manner.

deandec · 05-07-2015, 10:25 AM

Have had a Surge Guard hardwired and installed for 12 years. Works just fine and no daily hookup steps other than reading the status lights if there is a question.

If I replace the motor home I likely would remove the SG.

It is not much of a project to install or remove.

ernest917 · 05-07-2015, 10:27 AM

I have a Progressive Industries 50amp hard wired and love it.... Saved my coach numerous times....

Sky_Boss · 05-07-2015, 10:36 AM

I prefer the hardwired version because of the remote readout functionality. I have a read out in the power bay that I watch during set up and after that I throw a switch to fire up the remote inside the coach.

The other advantage of the hard wired version is you have the option to put it before or after the ATS. If wired on the shore power side of the ATS it will only protect and provide information for shore power. If wired after the ATS you then get protection for both the generator and shore power.

Placing it before the ATS might help protect the ATS from bad shore power spikes. Speaking to generator folks they feel that generators are so good at self regulation they don't think the EG is likely to cause a problem.

We had our first RV wired after the ATS and our current coach prior to the ATS. I wish I had it wired our current RV after the ATS simply because I can monitor my amperage use while on generator with the same read out device.