Portable surge protection May 10, 2020, 08:19:33 pm Until I have one installed in the unit, looking to purchase portable one.Is this the brand I recall preferred by experienced LD owners?Progressive Industries EMS-PT30C Portable RV Surge Protection 30 AmpFound this on rv upgrades listed for $257.22.Thanks, Kimberley
Re: Portable surge protection Reply #1 – May 10, 2020, 08:24:30 pm Progressive Industries makes a good unit with a solid reputation. Many here have one. Be aware that the portable units can be a bit of a pain. They are heavy and can be awkward if the power pedestal isn't set up in the usual way.They are also hard to secure in a place where gear can magically disappear (be stolen).If you plan to have one installed eventually, now might be a good time.Rich'03 MB in NC
Re: Portable surge protection Reply #2 – May 11, 2020, 12:05:19 am Quote from: rich - May 10, 2020, 08:24:30 pmProgressive Industries makes a good unit with a solid reputation. Many here have one. Be aware that the portable units can be a bit of a pain. They are heavy and can be awkward if the power pedestal isn't set up in the usual way.They are also hard to secure in a place where gear can magically disappear (be stolen).If you plan to have one installed eventually, now might be a good time.Rich'03 MB in NC I have used one for 18 years and when I disconnect it, it does not leave my hands until it is in the LD's door. It's too expensive to forget on the picnic table. This link will take you to some ideas for securing the device if you need to. best lock for rv surge protectorChris 1 Likes
Re: Portable surge protection Reply #3 – May 11, 2020, 05:30:31 am The other advantage to having the surge protector installed inside the LD is to have it connected on the output of the shore power/generator transfer switch. This way it protects all AC power coming to the main breaker panel of your LD. The Progressive Industries unit has a remote display that can be mounted in any easily viewed location. This tells you at a glance the incoming voltage, frequency, amperage being used, and error codes. This is very handy when troubleshooting an AC power problem. 3 Likes
Re: Portable surge protection Reply #4 – May 11, 2020, 10:53:51 am Kimberley,I'm the contrarian here. I prefer my portable Progressive unit and opted not to buy the hardwired unit.Here are my reasons:1. I have had several RV surge protectors over the years. When you upgrade a more modern portable unit, you give or sell your old one and start using the new one immediately. No complex installation necessary. Nothing lasts forever.2. Twice last summer, I detected an open ground on a power pole. Rather than moving the Lazy Daze with a hardwired unit, I walked around with my portable and tested a few other power poles and found several nearby mis-wired and one good one. Then I moved the Lazy Daze to the good location.3. If there is ever a serious surge, the surge protection feature will be finished and it will be time to get another unit. The surge protection feature is a on-time use. If you have a hardwired unit, you will have to do another install. If you have a portable, you just replace it and go on with no drama.4. I have a robust cable that is attached to the security tab on the portable unit and a lock. I either lock it to my rig or something else that is secure. I have NEVER had one stolen in many years of RV trips and sometimes we leave the rig for several days while we are out on the bike. I think that thieves are opportunist criminals: if you leave it unlocked, someone will steal it and it is your fault. If you lock it, the lock and cable are visible and the thief will look elsewhere. My lock and cable live in a tub with the surge protector and my power cable. They all come out together. You have to take your cable out and plug it in; the surge protector takes an entire 20 seconds longer.Others will disagree, but that is their opinion. My opinion is that the portable surge protector is a great idea.Harold 6 Likes
Re: Portable surge protection Reply #5 – May 11, 2020, 11:29:43 am Yeah, what Harold said. I have the Progressive Industries portable unit:Progressive Industries EMS-PT30XThis is the fourth unit I've had over the years; the first was a simple, inexpensive "surge protector" that saved the wiring in the little Dolphin when a lightning strike in RMNP scored a direct hit on the pedestal. Toasted the unit. #s2 and 3 were EMS units, one from Surge Guard and one from Progressive; the Surge Guard had issues and I gave the previous Progressive unit to a friend. Portable units are not without issues; as Rich said, they are heavy and can be awkward to plug in if the power pedestal is low to the ground. If the 30A plug is not The Lexan cover does protect the plug in from rain/water damage, but two of the screws on the unit body are lightly rusted; this should not happen. (I made a waterproof Goretex jacket for my previous EMS; doesn't fit this one, so another is in the works.) One thing that the hardwired EMS does that the portable does not (obviously) is to monitor "dirty power" from the generator; this may or may not be a concern for some.I have not had a unit "liberated"; not saying that it couldn't happen, but the EMS is chained and padlocked when connected. Portable units are more expensive to purchase than hardwired units, but, unless one installs the EMS oneself or has a knowledgeable and experienced friend who works cheap or free, the costs of installation add to the initial hardwired price.If you do decide on a portable unit, I suggest getting a robust, full-featured EMS, not cheaping out on a puny, limited function "surge guard". YMMV, as always! 1 Likes
Re: Portable surge protection Reply #6 – May 11, 2020, 11:52:41 am Portable surge protectors have been stolen at LD Caravans before, it doesn't matter if they are locked up, cables and chains are easy to cut. It's one of the few items I have heard of several having been stolen from campgrounds. It's awful hard to beat the convenience of a hardwire protector, it is totally automatic once installed. It works every time without any effort, where a portable unit requires a conscious effort to set it up and lock it down and the opposite when packing up camp.I have installed dozens of the Progressive Industries EMS-HW30C surge protectors, they are extremely dependable and can be repaired if damaged. Andy's old rig was hit by lightning, destroying the surge component of the protector, it was an available part that was easily replaced. Being able to wire the EMS-HW30C to protect the generator is another major advantage, generator power can have as many or more power issues than shore power.Progressive Industries EMS-HW30COnce you have owned a hardwired surge protector, you will never go back.Larry
Re: Portable surge protection Reply #7 – May 11, 2020, 12:04:56 pm Please remind me why the preference for Progressive versus Southwire surge protectors? We have a Southwire 3490 (portable) that we are happy with. But, I’d like to know what risk I may have assumed going with Southwire.Warren
Re: Portable surge protection Reply #8 – May 11, 2020, 12:32:10 pm Quote from: WhiteElk - May 11, 2020, 12:04:56 pmPlease remind me why the preference for Progressive versus Southwire surge protectors? We have a Southwire 3490 (portable) that we are happy with. But, I’d like to know what risk I may have assumed going with Southwire.WarrenYears ago, the Progressive hardwired surge protector was the best available and it has proven to be dependable over a couple of decades. I had no desire to own a portable protector once the advantages of a hardwire unit were known. Unless you own more than one RV or do not plan on owning your RV for very long, portables have no advantages I can see other than being a little cheaper, once the installation is included.It should take about an hour or so for an experienced tech to install oneI have no experience with the Southwire 3490 or any other portable units. It's not a new science so I would not expect problems. Checking Southwire's site and reading about their protectors, I do not see any reference to repairability.The Progressive Industries EMS-HW30C is modular and totally rebuildable, if damaged. I also like the EMS-HW30C's interior FOB that shows voltage, amperage being used and a code indicating any wiring issues.Larry
Re: Portable surge protection Reply #9 – May 11, 2020, 12:37:46 pm Warren, I don't see a "3490" on this page? Did I miss it?Surge Guard RV Power Protection | Southwire RVI haven't compared the specs of the Southwire and the PI units, portable or hard-wired, but if an owner were considering getting an EMS, comparing features, functions, and capabilities of the units would be a good move!
Re: Portable surge protection Reply #10 – May 11, 2020, 01:02:15 pm I think it is a 94930 model. Warren, as Joan said, compare features. Your unit seems to have pleased owners, but how many have seen events where it makes a difference? Unless you find a spec that makes your unit inferior, or you want to go with an inboard model, I don't see any reason to switch at this point.Steve
Re: Portable surge protection Reply #11 – May 11, 2020, 01:08:04 pm I have used the portable Progressive EMS for at least 10 years. It has not been stolen yet...knock on wood:-) 1 Likes
Re: Portable surge protection Reply #12 – May 11, 2020, 03:58:50 pm “I don't see a "3490" on this page? Did I miss it?“Oops... That’s what I get for logging-in before I have my coffee. The model number is actually Surge Guard 34930. Although, this model has been discontinued. There is a newer model now available - 34931 The newer model allows the addition of an optional Bluetooth indoor monitor device. Surge Guard 30A - Model 34931 - Southwire RV
Re: Portable surge protection Reply #13 – May 11, 2020, 07:11:13 pm I've had both Progressive Industries and SurgeGuard units, and have disassembled both. As others have said, the PI units are more repairable, and in my opinion, better built. There's more information about the SurgeGuard's construction on my website.
Re: Portable surge protection Reply #14 – May 11, 2020, 07:59:01 pm “the PI units are more repairable, and in my opinion, better built. There's more information about the SurgeGuard's construction on my website.”Thanks for the detailed summary of the differences in construction quality Andy. And I really enjoyed reading about your lightening strike experience. I’m tempted to take my Southwire unit apart and see if the design has been improved since 2010. But, having just finished a weeks worth of periodic maintenance and improvements on Wapiti (our 2019 MidBath), I’m ready for a break. Warren
Re: Portable surge protection Reply #15 – May 11, 2020, 11:51:53 pm Quote from: WhiteElk - May 11, 2020, 07:59:01 pm“the PI units are more repairable, and in my opinion, better built. There's more information about the SurgeGuard's construction on my website.”Thanks for the detailed summary of the differences in construction quality Andy. And I really enjoyed reading about your lightening strike experience. I’m tempted to take my Southwire unit apart and see if the design has been improved since 2010. But, having just finished a weeks worth of periodic maintenance and improvements on Wapiti (our 2019 MidBath), I’m ready for a break. WarrenWell, Warren, we're all ready for RV type news, so how 'bout sharing your improvements with us?Chris 1 Likes
Re: Portable surge protection Reply #16 – May 12, 2020, 01:33:45 am Well, if you prefer portable, may I suggest you get a security chain like the one Larry has for his E-bikes? One look at that and most any burglar will walk on. Heck, with that, you may not even need a lock.
Re: Portable surge protection Reply #17 – May 12, 2020, 09:55:27 am Quote from: Blueox25 - May 11, 2020, 10:53:51 am2. Twice last summer, I detected an open ground on a power pole. Rather than moving the Lazy Daze with a hardwired unit, I walked around with my portable and tested a few other power poles and found several nearby mis-wired and one good one. Then I moved the Lazy Daze to the good location.HaroldAs an complete aside I also have detected a few open grounds on the 30 amp side. I also check the 50 amp side. (I use a 30 to 50 amp dog bone) It's possible that the 30 amp side was wired wrong when they split it. More often then not the 50 amp side is wired correctly.<smile> would save you moving the RV.glen 1 Likes
Re: Portable surge protection Reply #18 – May 12, 2020, 10:09:16 am "...a security chain like the one Larry has for his E-bikes?"---Unfortunately, the hole in the metal "tab" of the portable EMS is only large enough for a small diameter, lightweight chain or a cable; any securing device doesn't present much of a deterrent against theft. A thief would die of old age before being able to cut through the Kryptonite monster that Larry uses.
Re: Portable surge protection Reply #19 – May 12, 2020, 02:47:24 pm Quote from: colddog - May 12, 2020, 09:55:27 amAs an complete aside I also have detected a few open grounds on the 30 amp side. To test a pedestal's wiring, before plugging in, I use a combination of a 20-amp to 30-amp adaptor and a wiring tester. The tester will show any wiring issues.https://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/albums/72157714276164246https://www.homedepot.com/p/Gardner-Bender-120-VAC-Outlet-Tester-GRT-3500/202867894Amazon.com: Conntek 14103 TT-30P to 15/20A Plug Adapter: AutomotiveLarry 3 Likes As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Portable surge protection Reply #20 – May 12, 2020, 02:59:51 pm Quote from: Joan - May 12, 2020, 10:09:16 am"...a security chain like the one Larry has for his E-bikes?"---Unfortunately, the hole in the metal "tab" of the portable EMS is only large enough for a small diameter, lightweight chain or a cable; any securing device doesn't present much of a deterrent against theft. A thief would die of old age before being able to cut through the Kryptonite monster that Larry uses.I don’t thread the chain through the tab’s hole, but rather use a good size lock through it, and then that through a link at one end of a fairly thick chain. At the other end of the chain is a second lock that is used to secure everything after looping that end of the chain around the post. The locks are a paired set, available in any hardware store, thus use the same key, but the tab-end lock is never taken off. I still use the original box that the Progressive unit came in for storage, and, after inserting the unit, the chain easily slides in to fill the available space. This has worked well for 13 years. However, had I known about the on-board models back when we started, AND had known of Larry’s Installation expertise 😉, I probably would have gone that route for convenience. YMMV. — Jon
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