Community Forums

tboogie0503 · 02-14-2013, 09:00 AM

For those of you out there using a Surge Guard, how do you secure it to the power pedestal? I just bought one and I'd really like to keep it for a while. Thought about a keyed lock and chain but want to know if there are any other solutions. I saw a plastic box that is sold as an accessory to the Surge Guard but I've read that it's really useless due to the material it's made from (that's just what I read and not my personal opinion).

**CLIFFTALL** · 02-14-2013, 09:09 AM

Welcome to IRV2. Is your power cord in a bay or does it attach to the outside of the 5th wheel ?
Mine is in a bay and I cut my power and added a female and male plug to the bare ends and my Progressive EMS/ surge protector stays in the bay out of sight.

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Cliff

tboogie0503 · 02-14-2013, 09:16 AM

Thanks for the welcome.

Sorry I should have been more descriptive. It's a Surge Guard brand and connects at the CG power receptacle. My 5th's power connection is outside the basement area on the side of the unit so there isn't a good way to secure the 50amp cord either.

**CLIFFTALL** · 02-14-2013, 09:21 AM

Your description was good. Both units have plugs and go on the pedestal . However my method will only work for in bay power cords. Hopefully someone will be along with a solution for you.
Cliff

ebarnes885 · 02-14-2013, 10:28 AM

We've just bought a Surge Guard as well and we have the same situation (plugging into CG power). Hopefully there's a good answer. Thanks for asking the question.

ronmc · 02-14-2013, 11:40 AM

Six foot of chain and a long type pad lock.

Put the power cord in the lock and then both ends of the chain.Needs a long type lock to work.

jettyjock · 02-14-2013, 11:46 AM

Take the plug off and put on a strain relief with a loop on the end. you will be able to lock it to the post. A strain relief looks like the old chinese finger cuffs. It is used to suport rubber drop cords from the beams.

TexasTwoStep · 02-14-2013, 02:05 PM

I carry a lock and chain. Most pedestals have a door that is lockable, if not I use the chain.

tboogie0503 · 02-14-2013, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronmc

Six foot of chain and a long type pad lock.

Put the power cord in the lock and then both ends of the chain.Needs a long type lock to work.

That's exactly what I was thinking. I have a steel cable lock that I use for bikes that I thought might work with a long shackle lock.

Thanks to all for the suggestions.

Elf · 02-14-2013, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexasTwoStep

I carry a lock and chain. Most pedestals have a door that is lockable, if not I use the chain.

+1
I usually just lock the cover on the pedestal after closing it over the plug. If there is no lockable cover than a cable with lock works.

vsheetz · 02-15-2013, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clifftall

Welcome to IRV2. Is your power cord in a bay or does it attach to the outside of the 5th wheel ?
Mine is in a bay and I cut my power and added a female and male plug to the bare ends and my Progressive EMS/ surge protector stays in the bay out of sight.

Attachment 33473

Cliff

Agree this is a good way if you have a bay. Better than hard wired, IMHO. This way if there is any question about the operation of the EMS it can be readily bypassed.

vsheetz · 02-15-2013, 08:45 AM

Do you have a storage bay that the [shortened] power cord could run too - therein being the EMS - and then longer cord to the pedistal?

jzick · 02-15-2013, 09:48 AM

I have to ask. Is securing these things necessary because theft/tampering is a big issue? In over 1300 nights in all kinds of commercial and public campgrounds, noone has ever messed with our unsecured unit, and I have never heard anyone talking about theirs being stolen or vandalized. Maybe I am just naive or lead a sheltered life.

Roam America · 02-15-2013, 10:04 AM

I haven't locked mine in over 4 years (knock on wood). However, Surge Guard makes a device that clamps around the connection of the RV's power cord and the surge protector then you put a lock on it. It "locks" the power cord to the surge protector. Even if they unplug it from the pedestal, one still cannot free the surge protector.

http://www.surgeguard.com/lock_hasps.html

This one is a updated from the one I have, but the principle is the same. I am sure itcan be breached with a little effort (locks only keep the honest people honest) but doing so surely would draw some attention.