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Portable Surge Protector Question
I have access to an electric outlet at my covered storage facility. For the past 13 years, I have left the LD plugged in over the winter, without any surge protection. So far, so good. I cannot plug my portable surge protector directly into the outlet as if I were at a campground pedestal because it would most likely be stolen. So...my question: Could I run my 25' 30 amp power cord (hooked to the outside LD 30 amp socket) into the LD via the toilet room window, plug it into the surge protector, plug the surge protector to a standard 25' 30 amp power cord and then run the male end back out through the window to the 120v outlet and connect it there (with an adaptor)? Is there too much power cord footage (50'). Should I use a shorter 30 amp power cord? Any other ideas other than this Rube Goldberg fix?

I would block the window to prevent anyone from sliding it open to drag the cords and surge protector out.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Portable Surge Protector Question
Reply #1 –
Chris,

Wow! Very clever, right? Hmmm...

When we travel and hook up to shore power, I use a breaded cable (dog tie down minus the quick release clips) and run the cable through its opposite end around the portable surge protector power cord (bought at LD) then I wrap the cable around the pedestal while winding it in and out of the cable and pedestal in a figure eight and then secure the cable to itself top to bottom with a heavy padlock. Steel all around no plastic hasps involved.

I also use a heavy duty rubber bungee around the post and the surge protector to keep the plug firmly locked in place.

As always, if someone wants it it's as good as theirs. It's worked well so far.

Good luck.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
 
Re: Portable Surge Protector Question
Reply #2 –
Chris

While a shorter cord would be marginally better, the amperage draw is low, probably nothing more than the converter's load.
The extension cord has 10-gauge wire, it's good for much more power than what you will be using.

In your next life, I bet you have a hard-wired surge protector installed.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Portable Surge Protector Question
Reply #3 –
Quote from: Larry Wade  - 

In your next life, I bet you have a hard-wired surge protector installed.

Good idea ;)  I have a hard-wired surge protector only wired to the incoming AC power

Maybe in my next life (should I be so fortunate) I will wire the generator output through the protector.  Not sure if there is any reason to do that?


Jay Carlson
2003  LD RB
2005 Bigfoot 40MH35LX
rvingjaygwynne.wordpress.com
Re: Portable Surge Protector Question
Reply #4 –
Quote from: Larry Wade  - 
Chris

While a shorter cord would be marginally better, the amperage draw is low, probably nothing more than the converter's load.
The extension cord has 10-gauge wire, it's good for much more power than what you will be using.

In your next life, I bet you have a hard-wired surge protector installed.

Larry
Yes - or maybe I should put it on the "Larry to do" list.
Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Portable Surge Protector Question
Reply #5 –
Aw, you can handle that one yourself, Chris! 8)  A few years ago, with some excellent instructions from Larry, I was able to install a hard-wired protector so that it works for both shore power and generator. I'll never forget Larry's last comment at the bottom of his instructions: "Plug it in. If no smoke, you were successful."

Also a tip: Do NOT get the SurgeGuard device. It's a piece of junk and almost caused a fire from the exposed terminals. I replaced it with a Progressive Industries protector - much better design and with remote read-out.
Re: Portable Surge Protector Question
Reply #6 –
"Do NOT get the SurgeGuard device. It's a piece of junk and almost caused a fire from the exposed terminals. I replaced it with a Progressive Industries protector - much better design and with remote read-out."

Agreed. I've had both and can testify to the difference in quality.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Portable Surge Protector Question
Reply #7 –
"Do NOT get the SurgeGuard device. It's a piece of junk and almost caused a fire from the exposed terminals. I replaced it with a Progressive Industries protector - much better design and with remote read-out."
----
Ditto to both Ted's and Andy's comments! The PI EMS, portable or hardwired, is a superior unit to the SurgeGuard brand.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Portable Surge Protector Question
Reply #8 –
Quote from: JCT  - 

"Do NOT get the SurgeGuard device. It's a piece of junk and almost caused a fire from the exposed terminals..."

"...Ditto to both Ted's and Andy's comments! The PI EMS, portable or hardwired, is a superior unit to the SurgeGuard brand..."


Does it go further than the fact the portable unit is exposed to the elements?

I recall Bobmoore14 having issues during a heavy rain storm and frying his electrical in his rig. That was caused by the proximity of a lightning strike of If I recall correctly.

I have read reviews on CW about the poor quality of the Surge Guard and am dubious about the unit I have purchased from LD.

I take it, then, that even though the PI portable is an external unit that it does not suffer from the exposure to the elements. That being said, would it still be wise to unplug the device in the presence of rain and lightening?

Always want the best. Hence my decision to go LD.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Portable Surge Protector Question
Reply #9 –
Quote from: Ted H.  - 
Aw, you can handle that one yourself, Chris! 8)  A few years ago, with some excellent instructions from Larry, I was able to install a hard-wired protector so that it works for both shore power and generator. I'll never forget Larry's last comment at the bottom of his instructions: "Plug it in. If no smoke, you were successful."

Also a tip: Do NOT get the SurgeGuard device. It's a piece of junk and almost caused a fire from the exposed terminals. I replaced it with a Progressive Industries protector - much better design and with remote read-out.
Thanks for your confidence, Ted. Since I have invested in the portable device, and it has served me well over the years, I'll most likely keep using it. I've never experienced a violent surge but the device has shown a handful of pedestals to be defective.
Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Portable Surge Protector Question
Reply #10 –
Quote from: Kent Heckethorn  - 
Does it go further than the fact the portable unit is exposed to the elements?

I recall Bobmoore14 having issues during a heavy rain storm and frying his electrical in his rig. That was caused by the proximity of a lightning strike of If I recall correctly.

I have read reviews on CW about the poor quality of the Surge Guard and am dubious about the unit I have purchased from LD.

I take it, then, that even though the PI portable is an external unit that it does not suffer from the exposure to the elements. That being said, would it still be wise to unplug the device in the presence of rain and lightening?

Always want the best. Hence my decision to go LD.

Kent
Supposedly the portable Surge Guard is "weather resistant", whatever that means. I wrap mine tightly in plastic bagging not only to protect it from rain but to somewhat disguise it from a casual observer. So far it has survived heavy rain storms without incident.
Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Portable Surge Protector Question
Reply #11 –
I made a rain jacket for my portable PI EMS out of a piece of Goretex; it's a simple waterproof tube with drawstrings and cord locks that slips over the "box" and snugs at each end. Has worked great for several years.  ;)

Joan

2003 TK has a new home
Re: Portable Surge Protector Question
Reply #12 –
I place a plastic bag over mine. However, one night an unexpected storm came up last summer and my Progressive EMS went through it uncovered like nothing.

YMMV
Ruby, the red 2004 26' RK hauling Dave and Kristine hither and yon
Re: Portable Surge Protector Question
Reply #13 –
Thanks everyone. Looks like bagging it has its merits.

Upgrading some of the ancillary add-ons will be an upcoming project. So much to learn. Hard to get it right the first time. I suppose that's why we all hang out together here at LDO.

Ranks right up there with a good book.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Portable Surge Protector Question
Reply #14 –
Quote from: Chris Horst  - 
I have access to an electric outlet at my covered storage facility. For the past 13 years, I have left the LD plugged in over the winter, without any surge protection. So far, so good. I cannot plug my portable surge protector directly into the outlet as if I were at a campground pedestal because it would most likely be stolen. So...my question: Could I run my 25' 30 amp power cord (hooked to the outside LD 30 amp socket) into the LD via the toilet room window, plug it into the surge protector, plug the surge protector to a standard 25' 30 amp power cord and then run the male end back out through the window to the 120v outlet and connect it there (with an adaptor)? Is there too much power cord footage (50'). Should I use a shorter 30 amp power cord? Any other ideas other than this Rube Goldberg fix?

I would block the window to prevent anyone from sliding it open to drag the cords and surge protector out.

Chris

Another advantage, Chris - the Marinco cord itself is not cheap and could be an attractive target, which at least would leave you unknowingly without power. If they can't remove it, they likely won't try.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit