RV Surge Guards…Yes or No?
12-21-2015
When it comes to electricity in your coach, you may have many questions and concerns. One of the questions I find I get the most from my customers is, “Do we really need a surge guard?” In my opinion, yes, you do. There is a wide variety of things that can cause electrical surges. The damage that these surges can cause to all of your appliances and electronics is well worth the investment. I can honestly say that I have come across way too many customers that are forced to replace televisions, DVD players, microwaves, and even video game systems that were plugged in at the time of the surge.
What Causes Surges
Electrical surges can be caused by many things. Most common for RVers are fluctuations in the voltage when plugged into the campground’s electrical stations. Most RV parks voltage runs anywhere from 114 volts to 126 volts. Considering that most of our electronics preform optimally at 120 volts, these fluctuations can cause issues. As crazy as it may sound, lightening can also cause extreme voltage changes. This surge of power can cause all of your electronics to go haywire. There are two different types of surge guards you can keep your electronics safe.
Plug-In Surge Guard
The plug in style of surge guard is easy to use and takes no time to install. You simply use a 30 amp surge guard if you have a 30 amp system. Plug your shore cord into the surge guard and plug the surge guard into the power source. If you have a 50 amp system, you would just use a 50 amp surge guard the same way. The benefits of the plug in is that it is easy to use and can be removed if you like. The drawback is that unless you purchase a lock, the surge guard is easily removed by anyone who comes across it.
Hardwired EMS System
This type of surge guard is called an EMS System. EMS stands for energy management system; this unit will need to be installed by a professional. It is a little more expensive than the other surge guard but it is the best system around to protect the things we have all become so unable to live without. I, for one, would not be a happy camper if my laptop stopped working. All my photos, my music, my videos…AWFUL!
So again, if you ask me, I would say yes. You definitely need some type of surge guard. Many people would tell you that they have gone all over the country in their coach and have never had any trouble. Which I am sure is completely true, but I will never forget the day my Father-In-Law showed up at our shop with all of his TVs, Stereo, DVD players, and microwave all dead… He was not a happy man and I don’t blame him. The money that you will spend ensuring that the electrical voltage is perfect will be a lot less than replacing all the electronics in your coach. Not to mention that laptop thing again, but losing your laptop…AWFUL! Happy trails!
Comment
It doesn't matter how many people have commented about NOT having any problems in their RV's, it is only a matter of time before they plug into an RV Park where the Electrical service is no wired correctly or reverse wired and watch the smoke fly! I have a Progressive Industries Surge Protector 50 AMP. I use while on the road and in my RV Shed at home, when the RV is parked. One night a large Thunderstorm blew through my area, while the RV was parked safely in the SHED. A Large bolt of lightning struck very close to my back yard and the surge not only tripped the 60 Amp Breaker at the Power Pole, but also Tripped the 50 AMP surge protector and actually BLEW off the back panel on the Surge Protector. Fortunately, Progressive Industries has a Life Time Warranty and they quickly replaced the Surge Protector with a New One. I can only imagine what would have happened to my RV's electronics had that Surge gone straight into the RV. I think anyone who owns an RV should be carrying a Surge Protector, whether 30 or 50 AMP. You're foolish if you don't. As a reminder, your RV Insurance and Factory Warranty will not cover any loss or damage caused as the result of an Electrical Surge!
Author: Tammy Daly
