Locking surge protector

[LSepulveda]

Is there any reason why i can't connect my surge protector to my main 50 amp cord and then run an extension from the protector to the power pedestal? I ask, because of the fear of someone stealing the surge protector. We're going to be camping in Baja Mexico.

[Old Radios]

I have a 30' extension I use so I can leave it locked in the compartment if I don't want to leave it exposed (which is infrequently). I also carry a cable lock to secure it to the post but again, I don't feel the need for it very often when using it in a campground or RV park.

[garbonz]

No problem using a proper 50 amp extension cord and keeping the surge protector in the coach.

[Vicr]

One thing you don't want to do is have your main power cable coiled up on itself and under load as this turns the coiled cable into a heat sink and then starts to overcurrent which will cause the pedestal breaker to trip. (if the breaker is good). If the breaker doesn't trip the cable could heat up enough to melt and possibly start a fire.
Vicr
IBEW Local 46
Seattle, WA

[Kiawah]

Technically yes, but I wouldn't do it if you are going to be drawing a lot of current. You can have a high level of heat build up in your electrical bay.

I have a 30' power cord on my coach (both cords are 50amp), and I also carry a 50' extension if I'm somewhere where I need it or want to pull in forward instead of backwards to get a better view. I had used the extension on a trip, and when coiling the cord up I left the extension connected and curled the complete cord back up on the holder.

After returning home, I plugged in (short connection, so only pulled out about 5 feet of powercord) and were running both A/C's in my driveway. After a while I went out and happened to open the electrical bay and found it extremely hot.

To make a long story short, the extra 50' extension and 25' of coach cord were effectively a big resistor dissipating heat, wrapped around the cord holder. The voltage never dropped below progressive cutoff, so everything continued to run as if there wasn't a problem. I could easily have had a melting of the insulation and shorting/fire had I not opened the bay.

So now although the 50' extension is still wrapped/stored on the cable holder, it is not electrically connected unless it's needed. And, even though I may only need 5-10 feet of coach shorepower cord to connect, I always take the regular 30' of cord out and leave it on the ground where air can circulate around it.

If it were my coach and wanted to lock up a portable Progressive, I would install a 50A male plug on a 2' wire to the transfer switch. That could plug into a portable Progressive EMS, which could plug into a 50A extension cord. Progressive can be locked in your bay, and protected from weather.

[garbonz]

Originally Posted by Kiawah

Technically yes, but I wouldn't do it if you are going to be drawing a lot of current. You can have a high level of heat build up in your electrical bay.

I have a 30' power cord on my coach (both cords are 50amp), and I also carry a 50' extension if I'm somewhere where I need it or want to pull in forward instead of backwards to get a better view. I had used the extension on a trip, and when coiling the cord up I left the extension connected and curled the complete cord back up on the holder.

After returning home, I plugged in (short connection, so only pulled out about 5 feet of powercord) and were running both A/C's in my driveway. After a while I went out and happened to open the electrical bay and found it extremely hot.

To make a long story short, the extra 50' extension and 25' of coach cord were effectively a big resistor dissipating heat, wrapped around the cord holder. The voltage never dropped below progressive cutoff, so everything continued to run as if there wasn't a problem. I could easily have had a melting of the insulation and shorting/fire had I not opened the bay.

So now although the 50' extension is still wrapped/stored on the cable holder, it is not electrically connected unless it's needed. And, even though I may only need 5-10 feet of coach shorepower cord to connect, I always take the regular 30' of cord out and leave it on the ground where air can circulate around it.

If it were my coach and wanted to lock up a portable Progressive, I would install a 50A male plug on a 2' wire to the transfer switch. That could plug into a portable Progressive EMS, which could plug into a 50A extension cord. Progressive can be locked in your bay, and protected from weather.

Very good idea, short cord, surge protector, longer cord outside the camper.

[coachmanjay]

Most pedestal electrical boxes have tabs/holes that can take a padlock that locks the cover and prevents the protector from being removed

[2 Stroker]

Why don't you just hard wire one in and do it right, out of sight but you can check it 100% of the time with the remote inside. One of the best out there with a life time warranty.
https://www.rvupgradestore.com/Progr...p/emshw50c.htm
2 stroker

[georgew48]

The 50 amp chord is worth as much if not more then the surge protector. They will steal your chord before anything else because of the value of the copper. Some campgrounds have had problems with people cutting the chords right off the camper. Best to lock the power box so they can't get in to turn off the power when no one is around.

[TonyMac]

I have a foot of chain and two padlocks big enough for the 50A cable, I lock the outlet leg of the surge suppressor to the RV cable. Won't stop a dedicated thief, but then again, nothing will. I actually used the surge supressor for a year without a lock and I still have it.


I'm more worried someone will unplug the suppressor, and take an axe to the cord, stealing the cord and all its copper. Copper is worth alot to a crackhead, the suppressor, not so much.

[marjoa]

Originally Posted by 2 Stroker

Why don't you just hard wire one in and do it right, out of sight but you can check it 100% of the time with the remote inside. One of the best out there with a life time warranty.
https://www.rvupgradestore.com/Progr...p/emshw50c.htm
2 stroker

Ditto on hardwiring. Then you can use your portable to check the pedestal before you plug in.

[CLIFFTALL]

I spliced mine into the power cord via a male and female plug and it stayed in the service bay.

[Dr4Film]

You may as well not use anything if you are only using just a "Surge Protector" as it is pretty much a waste of time and money anyway. Power surges unless they are significant ones is the least of your worries at most RV parks.

You are better off purchasing an electrical management system (aka EMS) that monitors the "quality" of your power including surges and removes any errant power from the coach when it gets out of specs.

Knowing that the power in Mexico is not that great to begin with I suggest that you sell the portable surge protector and purchase a hard wired EMS system from Progressive Industries.

Dr4Film ----- Richard