Community Forums

Sunrise33 · 06-13-2021, 11:06 AM

Does anyone have any good recommendations for a good reasonably priced 30 amp surge guard protector?
Thanks
Sunrise33

Gary RVRoamer · 06-13-2021, 12:12 PM

Depends on what level of protection you feel is sufficient. A basic surge protect does only that - captures voltage spikes. The next level up does some basic checks of the power source before allowing power to pass thru. The best does all those things plus real time monitoring for high or low voltage.

I personally believe that if you buy any "surge protector" at all, it ought to be the full function and thus buy full protection. The basic level isn't worth its admittedly low price. The middle grade is a maybe, depending on your budget.

Weeds636 · 06-13-2021, 01:01 PM

https://www.amazon.com/Power-Watchdo...7PRS5NPB&psc=1

I may be out of your planned budget, but this is what I have.

mistercee · 06-13-2021, 01:25 PM

https://www.amazon.com/Portable-RV-S...3611523&sr=8-2

....another popular brand and a definite step up from a basic surge protector. An EMS will protect your RV against voltage fluctuations (high or low) and will kill power to the RV if this potentially harmful condition is detected.

taylorbob1 · 06-13-2021, 01:36 PM

Personally, I prefer a hardwired Progressive Industries EMS for my 30amp protection.

I wired it in after the master ATS so it protects from shore-power as well as a generator surge or low voltage.

“Just set it, and forget it”

https://www.amazon.com/PROGRESSIVE-INDUSTRIES-HW30C-Hardwired-Electrical

Mike8253 · 06-13-2021, 01:48 PM

I had a 50amp Progressive Industries portable surge protector for my 1st MH and used it for about 10 years. It protected me on a number of occasions from miswired pedestals and low voltage situations. I now have a hardwired Progressive unit on my current MH. It's providing the same protections. It's great knowing that protection is there.

momdoc · 06-13-2021, 06:55 PM

Get a Progressive EMS surge protector.

Progressive (50 amp for us) saved our rig a number of times.

Shutterbug57 · 06-14-2021, 03:28 AM

Reasonably priced looks different when the item is on the shelf and when the item failed to protect all the electronics in your rig and you are replacing them. Yes a full blown EMS seems pricey, but when it works and protects thousands of $$$ worth if gear, it’s a great investment. It may take a few years, but this is a pay me now or pay me later proposition.

FWIW, I have a 50 amp Progressive system hardwired into my coach with the remote monitor on the control panel. Buying the system and having it professionally installed was in the $650 range - money well spent IMHO.

SKP Kirk · 06-14-2021, 08:27 AM

I would first consider what level of protection you want. There are devices that protect from a power surges only for as little as $45 and they can be good in some situations. If you want real protection from the more common power problems you really should consider one of the line monitoring devices such as the Southwire Surge Guard or the Progressive EMS. By far the most common power problem is what we techs call sag. That means that as the load on a power supply is increased the voltage supplied falls. RV parks are very subject to this if older or not well designed. The voltage will check good with a volt/ohm meter when you arrive, but as more RVs come in and turn on the air conditioners and other heavy loads the voltage will fall and can go to levels to damage equipment in your RV.

The better protection devices cost in the $250 - $300 range and are available from Surge Guard, Progressive EMS, Camco, or Hughes and are available from Amazon or most RV supply stores. I have used the portable Surge Guard devices for full power protection for nearly 20 years.