The Best RV Surge Protector

The Best RV Surge Protector

Are you finding it hard to identify the best RV surge protector? Sometimes, electrical appliances in an RV can be subject to power surges. This is especially, where the RV is obtaining power from a dedicated campground power source. 

Imagine being able to operate all your appliances without any of them blowing up or burning out due to a power surge. This is possible if you take extra precautions. An RV voltage protector is one of the best solutions for power surges. 

It prevents electrical devices from shorting or experiencing electrical problems during a power swell or surge. This article includes a buying guide that will help you pick out the best RV surge protector from all the available options in the market. 

We’re fairly sure that some of the techies reading this are RV owners. Do you have a surge protector that you use with your RV?

Many RV surge protectors and Electrical Management Systems (EMS) have various modes that prevent damage to electronics, and computer during an electrical surge. These modes prevent water penetration and ensure that the electronic devices are still safe during a power surge. Surge protectors also keep your appliances working properly during a power outage or power surge.

A surge protector is often used on your RV when an electrical source is either turned off or disabled during an electrical storm or power outage. Most Surge protectors and electrical management systems will protect your computer, tablet, and smartphone from surges up to 8.4 volts.

If you have no surge protectors installed, you should keep in mind the following tips to keep your computer, tablet, and smartphone safe.

Progressive Industries HW30C 30 Amp Hardwired EMS-HW30C RV Surge & Electrical Protector

Specs

Progressive Industries Portable Electrical Management Systems (EMS) provide full RV protection against all adverse power conditions. You will feel secure with multi-mode surge, voltage, polarity and lost/open neutral protection. Each unit includes a digital display, scrolling continuously through the power source information: Voltage(s), current, frequency, error code, and previous error code (if applicable). Replacement parts are simply plug-and-play, making repairs quick and easy. As with our portable models, the computer is driven by state of the art microprocessors. Should the software ever change, EMS owners can receive a free upgrade at no cost.

Camco 50 Amp RV Power Defender Voltage Protector/Monitor with Integrated Surge Protection, Designed with Easy to Use PowerGrip Handles (55306)

Specs

The Camco PowerGrip RV 50-Amp Voltage Protector with Integrated Surge Protection helps protect your RV and appliances from high (>132 VAC) or low (<102 VAC) voltage levels and power surges. If dangerous conditions are detected, it will automatically disconnect; reconnecting only after the normal operating conditions have been restored. Diagnostic LEDs indicate wiring faults when you connect your electrical cord to the power pedestal. The voltage protector protects against faults for reverse polarity, open neutral and other wiring issues. Includes integrated surge protection of up to 4, 200 Joules. Durable PowerGrip handles make plugging and unplugging easier. It is weatherproof and able to withstand adverse weather conditions when installed in the upright position. 50-Amp male (NEMA 14-50P)/50-Amp female (NEMA 14-50R).

Surge Guard 34830 Portable Model with LCD Display – 30 Amp

Specs

The 30 Amp Surge Guard portable with LCD display offers more than twice the Joules of power surge protection than the previous model. Continuously monitors for voltage and amp draw and reverse polarity (miswired pedestal, elevated ground voltage). Compact and easy to use, they plug in between the power pedestal and the line cord to provide protection. Designed for all travel trailers, 5th wheels and motorhomes with 30 Amp service.

Camco Analzyer 55312 Circuit Analyzer Dogbone 30 Amp

Specs

The Camco PowerGrip RV 30 Amp Circuit Analyzer Dogbone with Integrated Surge Protection and Fault Indication helps protect your RV from power surges. Diagnostic LEDs indicate wiring faults when you connect your electrical cord to the power pedestal. The circuit analyzer indicates faults for reverse polarity, open neutral and other wiring issues. Includes integrated surge protection of up to 2, 100 Joules. Durable PowerGrip handles make plugging and unplugging easier. It is weatherproof and able to withstand adverse weather conditions. 30 Amp male (NEMA TT 30P)/30 Amp female (NEMA TT 30R).

Progressive Industries SSP50X 50 Amps Surge Protector (240V/50A)

Specs

Progressive Industries Smart Surge Protectors (SSP) are portable RV surge protectors with the added benefit of a built-in polarity tester. The built-in surge indicator notes the condition of the surge protector. Additionally, the polarity tester (dual line for 50A) checks the status of the power source prior to use. Sleek, compact, portable design makes it easy to use and store. Designed for outdoor use. No installation required.

Progressive Industries 313.1168 SSP30X Smart Surge Protector – 120V/30A

Specs

Progressive Industries Smart Surge Protectors (SSP) are portable RV surge protectors with the added benefit of a built-in polarity tester. The built-in surge indicator notes the condition of the surge protector. Additionally, the polarity tester checks the status of the power source prior to use. Sleek, compact, portable design makes it easy to use and store. Designed for outdoor use. No installation required.

RV Surge Protector Buying Guide

RV surge protectors are available in different types. Being a technical tool, it can be difficult to determine their quality while sitting on a shelf. However, knowing some of the most important metrics could help pick out the right one. Below are some of the most important things you should consider: 

  1. Type of Surge Protection

The best RV surge protectors protect electrical appliances against multiple types of power surges. Different voltage protectors protect the RV from different types of electrical issues in different ways. Some only provide protection against a limited number of issues. You’ll want to buy a device that caters to many electrical issues. 

  1. Amount of Electricity it Can Handle

The amount of electric power an RV surge protector can handle is indicated in joules. The more the joules the device can handle, the more equipped it is for severe power surges. This also means that your RV will be better protected. 

  1. Auto Restart and Shutoff

The best RV surge protectors are able to automatically shut down all electronic devices to which they are connected when they detect a power surge. It’s also important for the device to be able to automatically restart devices once the power goes back to normal. This means that you will not be required to manually perform shutdowns and restarts every time there is a power surge. 

  1. Size of Device

The space within an RV is often limited. You want to shop for an RV surge protector that is space-efficient. Some devices are also heavy, making it a problem to move them around or install. Pick a lightweight RV voltage protector that is of the appropriate size. 

  1. Weatherproof

Using an RV means that you’re constantly on the move. You’ll want to have a surge protector that can withstand varying weather conditions. There are days when you may need to use your voltage protector outdoors where it will be subject to cold or hot temperatures. Make sure to pick a device that can withstand the changes in external conditions. 

Conclusion

Other factors that you may want to consider include a display for metrics and stats, warranty and a mark such as an Underwriter’s Laboratory Seal that shows the device has been tested and approved for use. All these factors ensure that you have a quality RV voltage protector that prevents electrical damage in your RV.

Written by William Mutugi, an automotive expert.


Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *