30A vs 50A Surge Guard

[Ausable]

I have a 50 Amp coach, I have both a 30 amp surge guard(from previous coach) and a new 50 amp. My question is when I am at a campground with only 30 amp at the pedestal am I better using the 30 amp surge or the 50 amp?

[D20]

Doesn’t matter from an operational standpoint.

But if it were me, I would use the 30 amp on the 30 amp post because if it gets fried, a 30 amp is (usually) less expensive to replace than a 50 amp.

[bneiva]

Originally Posted by Ausable

I have a 50 Amp coach, I have both a 30 amp surge guard(from previous coach) and a new 50 amp. My question is when I am at a campground with only 30 amp at the pedestal am I better using the 30 amp surge or the 50 amp?

the 50 amp surge guard is versatile enough to work for both 50 & 30 amp service. However, your 30 amp is only good for 30 amp service.

Bill

[2cyber71]

Hughes says it doesn’t matter if you use the 50 amp on a 30 or a 50 Rv power poll.
As long as you connect the 50 amp surge guard to the adapter as if you connect the RV.
So it should be adapter, then 50 amp surge, then RV 50 amp.

Watch this video
https://youtu.be/TLgKW0ojHYk

Another good video
https://youtu.be/_lnf2IY3_GM

TechoRVs video
https://youtu.be/Y-a-o_34y0E

[Skip426]

The surge guard , looks at the LINE VOLTAGE , not the amp limit of service available , so check your guard's owners manual for info on what voltage ; high and low ; that will cause a shut down.
Usually 10%+- from the 120 volts . so 108>132 volts.

[F4Gary]

Sell them both and use that money towards a Progressive 50A EMS and a 30 to 50A dog bone.

[scbwr]

Originally Posted by F4Gary

Sell them both and use that money towards a Progressive 50A EMS and a 30 to 50A dog bone.

[AFChap]

Originally Posted by F4Gary

Sell them both and use that money towards a Progressive 50A EMS and a 30 to 50A dog bone.

[SmilingSam]

Ques: Are 'surge' guards really needed OR are DROP of voltage guards needed (regulators) - I have not seen surges while camping but LOTS of voltage drops when all those space heaters and microwaves turn on at night !!

IOW, what is needed by most of us are REGULATORS that attempt to keep the voltage at an acceptable/useful level, ie 100-130v or better !!

And yes your voltage in a full park in winter can swing that much or more from day to night typically/sadly ! I have seen 95v before, and generally NOT harmful but for poorly regulated/designed electronics can kill themselves due to too low of voltages - but it is the Current increase that can hurt things mostly, heating elements do not care if the electronics can handle it, more sensitive electronics DO CARE.

Remember it is DC voltage that runs most electronic things internally, and if a good design large ac voltage swings do not hurt them but if poorly designed and not well regulated then the 5/12/25/#volts needed can be something much diff and bad.

Just look at most plug in adapters, good ones can handle a large diff input ac voltage from 90-220 (some) and they just regulate it to the normal output DC voltage, the same can occur in a WELL designed electronic device internally but normally is NOT sadly.

PS: surges in my experience normally only occur during bad weather where trees are falling onto lines and such but in camp grounds almost always DROPS of ac voltage is the problem.

Just saying.

[AFChap]

Yes. Both surge & drop guards are needed at the same time. For instance, a bad common on a 50a circuit will cause low voltage on one leg and simultaneous high voltage on the other leg. A good EMS (TRC SurgeGuard or comparable Progressive system) will save you from both, plus reverse polarity, bad ground, and other issues.

[Old-Biscuit]

Originally Posted by Skip426

The surge guard , looks at the LINE VOLTAGE , not the amp limit of service available , so check your guard's owners manual for info on what voltage ; high and low ; that will cause a shut down.
Usually 10%+- from the 120 volts . so 108>132 volts.

That is the accepted normal operating range

Surge Protectors trip on Hi/Lo voltage outside the normal range
Hi....Above 132VAC
Lo....Depending on Brand 102VAC or 104VAC
**Which IMHO is TOO low.....below 108VAC Induction motors can be damaged


As to 30A or 50A
You have one of Each

RV is 50A so use the 50A at 50A Sites
Use the 30A with 30a/50a adapter at 30A sites

[bneiva]

While a surge protecter will cut the power to your RV to protect it from low or high voltage issues, the use of a transformer can also be beneficial. It your voltage drops to an unsatisfactory reading ( normally 112 V) the transformer will kick in and provide anywhere up to 6 volts to keep you above 112V ( assuming you have a 50amp system)

I use both. I have a hughes transformer that I plug into the pedestal and I plug my Progressive 50A EMS into the transformer.

As somebody said before me, low voltage is a lot more common than hight voltage and power surges.

Bill
03 American Tradition