Surge Protectors 101

[bls82261]

Newbie here and I'm confused, what are the advantages and disadvantages of the two surge protectors pictured below? There is a large price difference.



$110


and this one

$300


Thanks for helping me understand this

[CSCLARK]

Originally Posted by bls82261

Newbie here and I'm confused, what are the advantages and disadvantages of the two surge protectors pictured below? There is a large price difference.



$110


and this one

$300


Thanks for helping me understand this

https://www.progressiveindustries.ne...ed-comparisons

[lcv800]

One is an EMS the other is just a surge protector.
Rusty

[franktafl]

For some reason, I can’t see the model numbers you are referencing!

[persistent]

I assume you have a 30 amp 120 volt system. They both provide essential protection.

The cheap one does not protect against low line voltage. Low line voltage occurs often enough to be of concern if you are running large motors like air conditioning. It can cause over heating.

Frequency protection is not protected in the cheap one. In the US and Canada, frequency errors are rare to non-existent. Sometimes generators may not be configured for 60 cycles. It causes overheating in motors and transformers.

Outlets miss-wired for 240 volts instead of 120 volts by electrician's mistake appear to not be protected and have been reported, but again this is also rare. It will destroy electrical and electronic equipment in your TT.
I wish you good luck and happy trails ahead

[leisuresolar@gmail.com]

I like the Hughes Autoformers brand. They make great surge protectors at a good price.
https://hughesautoformers.com/

[Will59]

I'd go for the greater protection provided by the EMS. I installed the hardwired version. One less thing to setup or forget and leave behind hanging on the power pedestal.

[franktafl]

Originally Posted by Will59

I'd go for the greater protection provided by the EMS. I installed the hardwired version. One less thing to setup or forget and leave behind hanging on the power pedestal.

or get stolen! I have mine padlocked to the pedestal!

[kimbo@alum.mit.edu]

I have yet to see anything electronic that was actually damaged by a true powerline surge. If you buy a surge protector keep the warranty and a lawyer on retainer since it will most likely be argued in court that you can't protect against lighting. Brownout and overvoltage protection is worthwhile since bad wiring is not all that uncommon in private parks done by ham and eggers.

[kimbo@alum.mit.edu]

I built my own brownout overvoltage protection with an ICM Controls ICM492 Single Phase Monitor, 80-300 VAC, 5-Fault Memory, LCD Setup and Diagnostics. Which controls a Packard - DP301202 C230B 2 Pole 30 Amp Contactor, 120 Voltage Coil. Contactor.

[leisuresolar@gmail.com]

Kimbo - that is a super cool voltage monitor and control device. I found it at supplyhouse.com for $54. Thanks for sharing.

[kimbo@alum.mit.edu]

I bought this from Amazon ($19.98) as a monitor so I don't need to get out a meter.
CrocSee AC 80-260V 100A CRS-022A LCD Display Digital Current Voltage Power Energy Frequency Power Factor Multimeter Ammeter Voltmeter with 100A Solid Core Current Transformer

[leisuresolar@gmail.com]

Kimbo -

I was a designer and product line manager for Tektronix/Fluke/Keithley for 30 years. I don't do cheap Chinese measuring stuff, ever. I do appreciate your inputs on RV and energy stuff. Like you, I design a lot of stuff for myself, but I mostly use American made stuff for my RV customers.

[kimbo@alum.mit.edu]

Suit yourself but it kinda late to be closing the door in favor of the domestic electronics industry. I bought a new HP laptop its coming custom made air freight from China. I really have no sympathy for Bill Gates loss of IP rights to China. It's a different world now Hard Drives built in Ireland and Intel Inside Chips come from everywhere but here. Tektronix and Fluke is known for quality.I worked on some of the last cable TV NTSC Headends built here in the US back in 1978. The closed down in Chicopee, MA and moved to Nogales, Sonora, MX and the management lived on the US side in Nogales, AZ. Everybody hated Charter and Comcast so much that they have had to change their names.

[franktafl]

I’m a nerd so I purchased the one with the diagnostics.. when I got to where I am now, the protector would not turn the RV power on, there was a loose ground in the box and the breaker was in really bad shape. All reported by the protector. Also, I just got the protector replaced (under warranty). Progressive was really good about it.