Surge Guards for 30 Amp. 13 BHB

[nordkapp]

[p align="left"]Was wondering if anyone had experience with choosing between a internal/external surge guards?  I was thinking a getting an internal one until I read a review that they have a loud humming noise and could interfere with sleep.  I haven't used one before on our 2012 13BHB but something damaged my power converter.[/p]

[tinkeringtechie]

I had an internal "Surge Guard" with our previous trailer and it did have a bit of a hum. I wouldn't call it loud though. For the camplite I've purchased a Progressive Industries EMS 30 amp internal surge protector. I haven't had a chance to install it yet, but hopefully I'll get a chance in the next week or so. I've tested it at home and it also has a hum, but once you attach it to a solid surface (like an aluminum floor) the hum goes away. I think the hum is just from the enclosure vibrating. I'll report back after I install it with my noise findings. I'm very picky about noise, so I'll move it around until it's silent and let you know what the trick is.

[nordkapp]

Thanks!  I also have a Honda 2000eu Generator.  Was wondering if I get an external Surge Guard if I need to use it with the generator, or just shore power?

The one I ended up ordering at Campingworld is the SURGEGUARD 30A W/LCD (58464) on sale for an Internet special price of $222.39.  Seems like the only negative thing I could find was that it requires it to be vertical for weather resistance and that some of the power pedestals aren't high enough for it to be vertical.  I would have the same problem using it with my generator.  

[tinkeringtechie]

You don't need to use it, but it would protect you from the generator if it was putting out high/low voltage. Normally it also protects you from wiring issues at the pedestal, but that's not really a problem with the generator. For me, the big negative of the external is that someone can easily steal it. I prefer the internal for security and one less thing to store and hassle with during setup. The initial install is more difficult, but they're also less expensive.

[mitch]

I've got this one but only used it once, most of my camping is boondocking.  Progressive Industries PT30C 30 Amp Portable Electrical Management System, it has a loop to lock it to the campground power pedestal if one is so inclined. The time I used it I didn't blow up so I guess it works.

Mitch

[nordkapp]

Thanks!  Camping World did provide a free locking bracket, but there were several complaints that the locking bracket didn't allow the unit to hang straight on the pedestal causing the device to unplug-I guess I will find out!  I got mine in yesterday along with the free hasp. You were right, the hasp is plastic.

[tinkeringtechie]

I never understood the locks for these. It looks like it just locks the surge guard to your cord... wouldn't that just give them a free cord also? They also appear to be made out of plastic. I think 10 seconds with a pocket knife could defeat them.

[tinkeringtechie]

I should clarify that I leave plenty of expensive stuff out all the time and I've never had anything stolen. I leave my solar panels out while I'm gone and they're always there when I get back. The surge protector is different for me because it actually can go inside. Keeping my solar panels safe inside wouldn't work too well 

[pinstriper]

[quote source="/post/929/thread" timestamp="1399663297" author="@tinkeringtechie"]I should clarify that I leave plenty of expensive stuff out all the time and I've never had anything stolen. I leave my solar panels out while I'm gone and they're always there when I get back. The surge protector is different for me because it actually can go inside. Keeping my solar panels safe inside wouldn't work too well  [/quote]You could turn the interior lights on to supply the solar panel. Easy peasie.

[tinkeringtechie]

I could use that technique at night too and generate electricity all day.

[charliem]

[quote source="/post/928/thread" timestamp="1399663181" author="@tinkeringtechie"]I never understood the locks for these. It looks like it just locks the surge guard to your cord... wouldn't that just give them a free cord also? They also appear to be made out of plastic. I think 10 seconds with a pocket knife could defeat them.[/quote][font face="arial" size="3"]Yes. I have the portable 30 amp SurgeGuard and I carry a padlock. Most campground power posts will accept a padlock. This seems better than the $20 box sold by SurgeGuard.
[/font]

[funpilot]

Where would you mount the permanent one in a 21RBS?  You have me looking at this but I have no skills so who would install it for me?

http://trci.net/products/surge-guard-rv/hardwires-portables/30a-hardwire

[ponydriver]

Tinkeringtechie,

My friend GleamB and I are interested in where and how you install this internal surge protector. We are also concerned about theft of such an expensive item. Please help us with this.

Thanks

[funpilot]

[p]I now have a Progressive Industries hardwired model (EMS-HW30C) that was installed by the manufacturer.  They are in Apex, NC if you want them to do that.  It comes with a remote display to tell you what is going on so that lets you put the unit anywhere that makes sense.  In my case, they put it in a storage area near my campground power receptacle. They then disconnected the power cable from my converter and routed it to the unit, and then ran a new cable from the unit back to the converter.  I purchased the unit from: [a href="http://www.dyersonline.com/"]http://www.dyersonline.com/[/a] [/p][p]
[/p][p]It is completely silent.

[/p]

[drdave]

Here's what I use:


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JGJH8QU?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00

I'm not saying it's the best choice, but at 1/5 the price it offers the same joule protection as another one I considered costing $250 so I took a chance.  

So far I like it.  It's small enought I can usually put the cover down on the campground elec. box with it only sticking out an extra couple inches at the bottom.   Unless you lift the cover you wouldn't know what has going on in the box.   Proof's in the pudding...don't know why it's so much cheaper, hopefully I'll never find out!