Regardless of whether you choose a portable or hardwired, we recommend getting an EMS over just a surge protector. Your RV was not cheap, and neither is replacing or repairing electrical components or appliances in your home on wheels!
Do I really need an EMS for my RV?
RV electrical systems are very sensitive. Costly damage can be done if these systems are exposed to surges or low voltage. … After learning more about RV surge protectors, I found the better options are electrical management systems (EMS) which do more than just protect against surges.
What is an EMS system in an RV?
EMS refers to “Electrical Management System,” and it’s a product line from Progressive Industries. “Surge protector” is a more generic term for a range of devices from different companies that protect your RV’s electronics form large spikes in power. Progressive’s EMS is a surge protector.
Do I need a 30 amp or 50 amp surge protector for RV?
If you have a 50 amp RV you should have a 50 amp RV surge protector, if you try and use a 30 amp surge protector you will only be able to use 30 amps worth of power whenever you plug it in. Some campgrounds only have 30 amp service and it’s ok to plug your 50 amp surge protector into the 30 amp outlet.
Are RV surge protectors really necessary?
If you own an RV, owning an RV surge protector is a must. It’s a small investment that protects all of your expensive appliances and electronics in the RV. You can’t go wrong with Progressive Industries or Southwire Surge Guards as they are both great products!
Does a surge protector protect against low voltage?
MOVs are resistant to low-voltage current, so during normal operation they won’t conduct electricity, allowing the current to pass directly to the connected device. During a power surge or power spike, the surge protector directs the excess voltage to the ground plug.
Can an RV surge protector go bad?
Yes, a surge protector isn’t designed to last forever and will eventually wear out. The bad news is that it’s almost impossible to tell when a surge protector wears out. Which means, you might think your appliances are protected against dangerous power surges when they really aren’t.
How do I protect my RV surge protector from rain?
I wrap a large plastic trash bag around the surge protector and that keeps the water away from it. Rain, sprinkler, or just dew could get into the box even though it is waterproof.
How do I keep my RV surge protector from being stolen?
To lock down your RV surge protector with a chain and padlock, simply run the chain around the electrical outlet post, bring the chain together against the surge protectors’ top cord and insert the padlock bar through the chain links that are closest to the surge protector cable and lock it to create a tight loop …
How do I choose an RV surge protector?
You should choose a surge protector that is appropriate for your use. Doing this will lessen the risk of fire, overheating, and various electrical problems. Joules Rating: You also need to check the protection rating, which is measured in joules.
Can I plug my 50 amp RV into a 30 amp?
Yes! With an adapter, you can plug a 50-amp RV cord into a 30-amp power pedestal at a campground. The female end of the adapter will plug into your RV cord, and the male end will plug into the power pedestal.
What amp surge protector do I need for my RV?
Choosing the right RV surge protector or EMS product is pretty easy. If you have 50 amp service, buy a surge protector for 50 amp RVs. For RVers with 30 amp service, a 30 amp surge protector is sufficient.
What causes reverse polarity in a RV?
What is reverse polarity? Simply put, it’s when the hot wire and neutral wire have been swapped. This can be caused by improper wiring of a pedestal, or if an RV with reverse polarity plugs into a pedestal—the latter of which could cause reverse polarity on all linked pedestals—and the result could be dangerous.
What does reverse polarity mean on a surge protector?
Reverse Polarity means neutral and hot are reversed, but the voltage is still correct at 120v (more or less). The way to test for it is to put a voltmeter between the neutral and ground terminals and test for zero voltage.
Can you use a power strip in an RV?
One of the frustrations about RVing is having enough power outlets for all of our electronic gadgets. Here’s an easy solution. A small power strip with USB ports. … Be sure not to overload any one outlet in your RV with to many high energy devices plugged into the strip.