surge regulator

[ken499]

With all the brown-out and rolling black-out the south have been experiencing, I thought about getting a surge-regulator. Camping World is selling it for $274. It will boost the voltage as much as 10% before shutting off the power. Any suggestions? Are these items a good idea to have or do they just give a false sense of security?

Ken

[Elf]

I have the portable EMS from Progressive Industries. I got it from Dyersonline. To me it's like insurance. I don't know if I will ever REALLY need it but I would feel foolish if I fried a bunch of things that I could have saved....but that's just me.

[RJay]

Ken,
I think your getting the surge protection device confused with an autoformer. The surge device will check that the incoming voltage is within +/- 10% of 120 volts. Voltage above or below these limits and the device will cut off power to the coach.

The surge protection device is somewhat of a misnomer because it tests for the corrected electrical wiring, voltage levels as well as provide surge protection. The key to buying a surge device is to buy one with the highest joule rating you can afford. Progressive Industries is the manufacturer most people buy.

[bgholson]

Would ther be a reason to use both a surge protector and a auto transformer?

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bgholson Would there be a reason to use both a surge protector and a auto transformer?

These devices are different. I expect that you would still want to run a surge protector.

Please do come back and visit here often!

[RJay]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bgholson Would ther be a reason to use both a surge protector and a auto transformer?

There are many more people with surge protection devices than autoformers. If you are going to be camping in old parks with only 30 amp service you might benefit from an autoformer but today most parks have or are in the process of upgrading their electrical facilities to 50 amp service so they are not needed. I've been fulltiming for over five year and I have not felt the need to buy one. I would suggest getting a quality surge protection device with the highest joule rating you can afford and then camp for a while to see if you need an autoformer.

[CarlGeo]

The autoformer will boost low voltage up when it falls below the preset voltage. This function has nothing to do with 30 Amp and 50 Amp service. When the service voltage drops, it will drop if you have 30 or 50 Amps.
Progressive EMS detects low and/or high voltage and cuts off power to your rig and thus prevent damage. The autoformer will detect low voltage and boost it up to the correct 110 voltage to prevent damage. Progressive EMS will not boost voltage, but shuts off power if too low for your coach. They both provide protection, but in a different way from low voltages.
Progressive EMS also protects from too high voltage, surges, spikes and a host of other potential problems. I have only the Progressive EMS, and if it shuts off power because voltage is too low, I will just wait until the voltage comes back up or use my generator for power.
CarlGeo