10 Best RV Surge Protectors Buying Guide

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Last Updated on August 23, 2024 by Paul Clayton

10 Best RV Surge Protectors Buying Guide

RV surge protectors function as a safeguard, protecting your RV from unexpected power surges and voltage spikes that can occur at any time and cause substantial damage to your appliances and electrical systems.

• Monitor power continuously, shutting off during surges.
• Lightning strikes nearby can trigger automatic disconnection.
• Portable ones plug into campground power pedestals easily.
• Hardwired types integrate into the RV’s electrical system.
• Functions include grounding protection and reverse polarity detection.
• Quality surge protectors prevent costly appliance replacements.

For many traveling fans, modern appliances are a luxury they can rarely afford to enjoy.

Being out in the wild has its downsides. For one, you don’t get access to electricity and can’t take any of your appliances. But what if you can take all your electrical appliances with you?

If you’re traveling in a recreational vehicle, it’s possible. You can enjoy your TV while you travel. You can even take a small air conditioner with you.

Of course, all these new additions to your RV create new opportunities for accidents. If you’re dedicated to getting these appliances to your RV, get a good, heavy-duty surge protector along with them.

Cheating on nature trips with electrical appliances isn’t wrong. If you still get that sun and fresh air, that trip is worth making.

Plus, having access to electricity in your RV isn’t just for entertainment. It can help you stay in touch with family and friends even when you’re out in nature.

Always prioritize safety. Having Surge protectors in your RV can save your life. Electrical appliances have power pedestals.

Sometimes, they damage your appliances and cause accidents, making them essential trailer accessories.

This might seem alien to you if you’re not a handy person. Let’s give you a more straightforward explanation. Surge Protectors protect your RV from sudden power surges.

It can regulate the electricity inside your recreational vehicle to eliminate the chance of an electrical overload or overuse of your circuits.

It might not seem significant, but this equipment can save your life and your RV. So, let’s look at the best surge protectors for recreation vehicles available in today’s market.

If you’re ever thinking of getting one for your RV, consider these great products. They won’t let you down.

The Top Rated RV Surge Protectors

1. Progressive Industries SSP-30XL Surge Protector

Summary

Here’s another excellent product from Progressive Industries, the SSP-30XL Surge Protector. Like Progressive’s other product, this one is also durable and impressive.

Underwriter Laboratories(UL) gave it a seal of approval certification of its strength and safety as a protector.

This product can serve you in many ways. It can detect reversed polarity in wires.

It can check for open, neutral, and ground. This product is not portable like many on this list, but its installation process is straightforward. The instructions include photos and written commands.

If you follow them correctly, you shouldn’t have any problems with it.

This product is made to be taken outdoors. Its thermal protection can protect you from extreme heat and overheating, and it’s waterproof. Don’t worry about whether it can withstand a storm.

This protector comes with a weather shield. It can function in any weather condition, no matter how bad.

It also has a pretty tight security lock to keep it in place. You can sleep in peace knowing it won’t easily slide off from where you installed it.

This protector has 3 LED lights that immediately indicate if anything is wrong with your wires or appliances.

The only disadvantage to this product is its size. If you choose to get it, you must plan where it will be. It’s bigger than most protectors. Other than this, it’s all good.

Pros:

• This product’s highlight is a fantastic design.
• It also has all the necessary indicators for a protector.
• It’s weatherproof, so don’t worry about taking it to places.
• This product has a certification and seal from Underwriter Laboratories(UL), which guarantees its safety and quality as a protector.

Cons:

• It’s larger than most protectors.
• Planning where you will put it in your RV would be best.

2. TRC Surge Guard 44260

Summary

The TRC Surge Guard 44260 is a potential candidate if you’re looking for the best RV surge protector. It’s almost perfect and is on all the top surge protector lists and reviews.

This product is known not just among RVers. You can use it for other things, too.

This protector can handle a maximum of 2100 joules. It’s solid and durable, and it’s portable. It can also provide protection on camping trips.

This product doesn’t need installing. It would be best if you hooked it up, and you’re good to go. It’s convenient when you’re already in the field.

The TRC Surge Guard 44260 can provide all-around protection. It can analyze your circuits, verify power pedestals, and determine if any of the power sources have faulty power.

The device has indicators that alert you if there’s something wrong with the wiring.

The best part about this product is its waterproof feature. It’s made to be taken outdoors, so you can use it even during a storm or heavy rainfall. It even has a lock that helps you secure it to ensure it doesn’t slide or fall.

If there’s one thing you could hate about this product, it’s its indicators’ dimness. The alert indicators are not so bright that you must pay attention to them. Although, compared to all of its features, this flaw is minor.

Pros:

• This product’s highlight is its portability.
• You can take it anywhere without needing to install it.
• Just hook it up.
• This protector can handle a maximum of 2,100 joules.
• It’s made for the outdoors.
• It can withstand harsh weather, so check your current location for faulty power.

Cons:

• The dimness of the indicator lights is the only drawback of this product.
• It’s very minor compared to its countless features.

3. Progressive Industries 313.1168 SSP30X Smart

Summary

The manufacturer of this product is well-known in the industry. It has consistently produced many high-performing types of RV equipment and earned a following.

This time, progressive industries bring us the 313.1168 SSP30X Smart. It made waves when it came out, and users quickly gave it great reviews.

All of the praises were well-deserved. This product was delivered. It’s portable and straightforward to understand. It even comes with its polarity tester to help you check that the power source works before using it.

You’ll like its design. It’s small and sleek, and you shouldn’t have difficulty finding space for it in your RV.

If you’re new to this, you should know that portable surges don’t need installing. You hook them up in the right places, and they’re good to go.

This durable product is made for nature trips. Its thermal protection prevents overheating.

It also has an indicator for surge failures, which means that you’ll immediately get a warning in the event of a power surge. This product has three other indicators. They are the LED lights that you see lighting up on the device.

There are no perfect products. Of course, this one has its disadvantages. For one thing, it doesn’t have a monitor screen, and it doesn’t have reversed polarity.

Pros:

• This product’s highlights are its easy and fast installation and great design.
• It has an indicator that would immediately alert you in the event of a surge failure and thermal protection.
• This product is durable.
• You can take it out on trips with you without worrying.
• You can also test its power source before using it.

Cons:

• Sadly, it doesn’t have a monitor display.
• Its wires lack reversed polarity.

4. Progressive Industries SSP-50XL

Summary

Here’s another great protector from Progressive Industries. The SSP-50XL is robust and reliable. Like many of its manufacturer’s products, it has top-of-the-line design and technology.

This protector is the best 50-ampere protector in the market today, and just by looking at its ensemble, you should already be able to figure out why.

The product can handle a maximum of 1650 joules. It can tell if the wiring is open, neutral, ground, or if it has reversed polarity before you’ve even finished hooking it up to your RV. It’s a heavy-duty and efficient device with an unbelievably low price.

The SSP-50XL has thermal protection, so you can take it on trips without worrying about overheating. The device also has efficient and well-designed light indicators.

You’ll immediately be alerted in the event of a surge failure. It can detect wrong wirings in power sources. This device is designed to give you maximum protection. You’ll be in the know of anything and everything that goes on with your wires.

The best feature of this product is its handle. You can easily pull the device out or plug it in without worrying about getting electrocuted.

It also has three bright-colored lights that alarm you when something’s wrong. They’re very noticeable, so don’t worry about missing them.

SSP-50XL is a great product. It offers all those features for a meager price. The only problem you might have with it is its size. If you choose this one, you need to plan where to fit it in your RV because it’s huge.

Pros:

• This product’s highlights are its fast indicators, which will immediately alert you if something’s wrong with the rig, its thermal protection, and its safety handles.
• This unit can detect open, neutral, ground, and even reverse polarity.
• Plus, it’s cheap.

Cons:

• It’s larger than most protectors.
• Planning where you will put it in your RV would be best.

5. Technology Research Surge Guard 44270

Summary

If you’re new to this thing and want a protector that’s easy to hook up and isn’t hard to use, try the Surge Guard 44270. This product from Technology Research embodies the definition of portability.

It’s small. It doesn’t need installing and is built to be simple and easy to understand. It’s perfect for people who have just started getting into RV accessories.

Like the SSP-50XL(also on this list), it runs on 50 amperes. It’s just as efficient at sniffing out inadequate and faulty wiring wherever you plug it in.

It’s efficient and powerful; you don’t have to lose a minute of sleep worrying about your safety. Let this protector handle it for you.

This unit can handle more electricity than everyone on this list-4200 joules! It can warn you of faulty or non-working power pedestals, and it’s also very efficient in analyzing the current status of your wires.

This device has the extra ability to inform you of its power status. Its body has a unique indicator for it.

This device is also weather-proof. You can take it wherever you want. Unlike some products that couldn’t withstand heavy rain, the Surge Guard 44270 can take them all on- even snow and extreme heat.

Don’t worry about it giving up on you during a trip. Plus, it can detect open ground and neutral situations.

This device can also reverse polarity. The only downside to this is its dim display. It’s not a disadvantage, but it could use some improvement.

Pros:

• This product is highly durable.
• It can withstand harsh weather conditions and still function perfectly.
• The unit can detect faulty power wherever you are and update you about its power status.
• This device can also handle up to 4200 joules.
• It’s portable, so you shouldn’t have difficulty putting it in our RV.

Cons:

• The display’s light is dim and could use a little more brightness.

6. Technology Research Surge Guard 34850

Summary

Next, we have 34850 from technology research. It’s a way better upgrade than the original. It can handle double the amount of joules it can take. It can monitor your ampere and your voltage draw and detect reverse polarity simultaneously.

It’s very versatile. In addition to RVs, it can be used on motorhomes, trailers, and just about anything that runs on 50 amperes. It can handle a maximum of 3,850 joules—a massive leap from its previous model.

It also has a 128-second delay that could help protect your Alternating current compressor.

Like the other one from Technology Research, this device can shut itself down in the event of overheating or open ground. Its delay also makes it safe when the plug is disconnected or power is restored to the unit.

The unit has handles that keep you safe from electrocution and let you pull it out or plug it back in. It’s incredibly light, so you shouldn’t have difficulty carrying it alone.

Of course, you can’t have everything. This device doesn’t have thermal protection. It can overheat and catch fire. It also doesn’t have an indicator for failed power surges.

Pros:

• The product has a reset delay that protects your Alternating current compressor.
• It also has a self-shut-down feature that can keep your device safe when something’s wrong with the power.
• It can watch over your ampere and voltage continuously.
• This product is versatile and lightweight.
• It also has a safety handle that lets you quickly move it around.

Cons:

• This product does not have a light warning for a power surge.
• It’s also not fireproof.

7. Progressive Industries EMS-PT50X

Summary

And yet another one from Progressive Industries. This one, EMS-PT50X, has all the best technologies and the top protector features on the market, just like most products from the same manufacturer.

Progressive Industries has proven itself as the leading maker of protectors on the market, and this product reminds us of that.

It’s an excellent 50-ampere protector. It has all the features that this list has, plus more. This device is guaranteed to last you a while. It boasts the same durability and resilience every product from progressive industries has.

This protector can reverse polarity and alert you to open neutral situations. It’s made to be taken outdoors, so don’t worry about whether it can withstand extreme weather conditions—it can.

This product also has technology that prevents it from over or underheating.

The EMS-PT50X also has a 136-second time delay, which is a big highlight of this device. It’s got an efficient indicator that would immediately warn you of a failed surge the minute it happened.

It also has a pull handle that allows you to easily remove the unit and plug it back in if you need to.

The only downside is its lack of an LCD monitor, which it makes up for with its digital status display and an efficient current indicator. It’s also extremely light, so don’t worry about having difficulty plugging and unplugging it.

Pros:

• This 50-ampere unit is water resistant.
• It can detect fluctuating voltages and warn you about them.
• It’s lightweight and easy to understand and use.

Cons:

• Unfortunately, it doesn’t have an LCD screen.

8. Progressive Industries EMS-HW30C

Summary

And yet another product from Progressive Industries. The EMS-HW30C shares many of its manufacturer’s other products’ best qualities. It can detect and protect you from open, neutral, and open ground faults.

It can sniff out reverse polarity in wirings. This 30-ampere protector is the top hard-wired protector in the industry today.

This product provides more protection than most protectors, even on this list. It can guarantee your protection against Undervoltage and overvoltage.

It can protect you from thermal protection, eliminating any chance of your device overheating. Lastly, this device can also protect you from alternating current frequency, a rare feature for surge protectors.

A great thing about this product is its detachable monitor. You can see the current status of your vehicle even while the rig is still inside the car, and you’re not.

Plus, it can save its error logs so you can review them and see what happened and what went wrong. This will make troubleshooting problems easier when the time comes.

The EMS-HW30C is a well-designed protector. Its indicators are bright and very visible on the unit’s front. It’s also straightforward to read, so don’t be worried if you’re a beginner; you’ll find it easy to navigate this device.

The biggest drawback of this unit is its complex installation. The connection is tight, so expect some struggle when installing it in your RV.

Pros:

• This product boasts the ability to save error logs.
• You can use them to see what happens if something goes wrong.
• It also has bright, clear indicators that would inform you of the current status of your wirings and the power you’re receiving from the source.

Cons:

• This product has tight plugs and cords.
• You might have a hard time with them when installing the unit.

9. Camco 55312 Dogbone Circuit Analyzer

Summary

Here’s a great surge protector from Camco, a well-known RV accessories brand. This product is durable and reliable, and it can secure all of your electrical devices and appliances.

It can even effectively handle those with slightly wrong wiring. This product can provide all-around protection for you and your RV.

This product can handle a maximum of 2,100 joules. When you set it up on your RV, it can detect faults and warn you of problems before connecting to an electrical box.

This device has a power handle. If you’re not using it, you can unplug it with your hands. Don’t worry about getting electrocuted; it’s perfectly safe.

It has three light indicators to warn you when something is wrong with your setup. This product is also weather-proof, so you can take it anywhere without worrying.

You can trust the Camco Heavy-duty Dogbone RV Circuit Analyzer with your protection and your RV. It won’t let you down. Plus, it’s easy to understand. Legends are written on the device to tell you what each light indicator is for.

However, this product has drawbacks. Some sources suggest that its weather-proof claim isn’t all that effective and that it bows down to heavy rainfall.

This product is inexpensive, so you’re still getting an excellent deal by buying it.

Pros:

• This product’s highlights are its easy installation and safety handles.
• You’ll find it easy to pull it out and plug it back in with handles like that.
• It also protects your appliances from power surges and ensures that no damage will occur.
• It was labeled and easy to understand indicators and diagnostic lights.

Cons:

• It’s reportedly not as weather-proof as it claims to be.

10. TRC 44750 Surge Guard

Summary

If you’re not looking for a protector with new features but for a simple one that can get the job done, Try 44750 from Technology Research. It has all the features expected from a protector.

It has received excellent feedback from previous users and is incredibly versatile. You can use it for RVs, Trailers, and even pop-ups.

This device has all-around weather protection. Aside from being able to withstand heavy rains and extreme weather, this protector can also protect you from electrocuting by the device.

Its shield keeps it safe, and you are safe from it. Don’t worry about taking it anywhere; it won’t die on you during your trip.

This protector also has handles. You can pull it out and plug it back quickly. This will be very useful, especially when you’re already in the middle of your trip and must adjust.

Sadly, it can only handle up to 510 joules. It doesn’t sound much compared to other items on this list, but it’s the average joules that typical protectors can handle.

One of this product’s best features is its ability to shut itself down when it detects something’s wrong. With this feature, you can be sure you’re protected and secure no matter what happens.

Even if you miss the light indicators, the worst that could happen is the power getting cut off.

The only downside is that it doesn’t have a feature that protects you from low voltage.

Pros:

• This product is weatherproof.
• It also has a shield from lightning and safety handles that allow you to unplug and replug it easily.
• Its self-shutdown feature could be a huge help in protecting you and your devices.
• Plus, it’s versatile.
• It’s not just made for RVs.
• You can also use it for other vehicles.

Cons:

• This product can’t warn you against low power voltage.

Factors to Consider when Buying Surge Protectors for your RV

You must have a reliable power source to have the luxury of electrical appliances in your RV.

Since you’re moving from place to place, you’re not in control of where and how your appliances receive power, so you can’t guarantee they’re all safe from power surges or faulty sources.

This is why having a protector is a must.

A protector can ensure that all your devices are safe. You can guarantee that they won’t blow up from too much power from the sources and that no damage will come to them.

There are many factors to consider when buying surge protectors for your RV. One type of protector doesn’t fit everyone, so consider your needs before deciding on a particular model.

Try to consider the following before purchasing anything:

Underwriter Laboratories Seal

The UL seal guarantees strength and durability. If a product is fortunate enough to catch the attention of this certifying body, it must be top-of-the-line and extremely high-quality.

If you see surge protectors with the UL seal, go for them. The seal proves that they’re good and tested. With products approved by this certifying body, your RV is guaranteed to be in good hands.

Appliances

It would be best to consider what appliances you would hook up in your protector. Appliances consume power differently; a sudden surge would affect them all differently.

Make a mental list of things you’d hook up to a protector. A telephone won’t be as demanding as a power protector, but a refrigerator would be.

If you have heavy appliances onboard, shop for a robust and reliable surge protector. It’ll guarantee your safety with all of those appliances.

Guaranteed Safety

You need to pay attention to those features. You don’t need protectors that have way too many features. Having one with the right features and a fast reaction would be best. It needs to be able to alert you immediately in case of a failure or other problems.

Focus on surge protectors that can detect more problems, shut themselves off, and have bright and clear indicators. Those features should be high on your list when looking for a good surge protector.

Price

A good surge protector would be best, but you don’t need to give up half your savings. There are perfect surge protectors out there that would still fit into your budget.

Of course, don’t go for the cheapest one. You’ll end up needing a new one soon enough. Go for a mid-priced unit that can guarantee your safety and protection without costing too much.

Don’t buy those units with too many added features. Basic units with all the right indicators have protected many RVers for years. If it worked for them, it’ll work for you, too.

Power Rating

This factor is essential. Before buying anything, you must determine how much electrical power is used to run your RV. This information will be vital once you start looking for appropriate protectors.

Once you already have your numbers, find a protector that can handle the amount your RV needs.

This ensures that the protector can quickly handle your RV’s current needs and has enough space if you ever exceed that amount.

Ports

Surge protectors often come with 4, 6, 8, or 12 ports. Knowing how many ports you need is essential to determining whether or not you’ll get a second protector. Look inside your ride to determine your needs.

If you see many electrical appliances, choose a protector with many ports. If you think you only have a few appliances that run on electricity, then the minimum four ports are fine.

Joules

This is mentioned in the list of products we recommend. Joules can be considered a protection measurement. The higher the joules, the more electricity your rig can handle, and the better protected you’ll be.

Of course, the price goes up along with the amount of joule a rig can handle, so try to find one that can take a lot but not too much, and that’s excessive.

LCD Monitor

Not every protector has an LCD screen. Most have indicators on the device itself to warn you of danger. Of course, those units are still good enough to protect you, but if you can find one with a monitor, that’s much better.

A screen will make statuses much more apparent. Just make sure that it’s readable and has a light at night.

Ease of Installation and Set-up

When shopping for a protector, look at the installation instructions. Imagine yourself following those steps and determining if you found them easy or hard.

The point is to avoid units that are too complicated to set up. Remember that these rigs cost a lot, and making a mistake when installing them might damage them permanently. Just go for a unit that you think you can easily handle.

Type

Two types of surge protectors are available today: portable and hardwired. You probably know all about mobiles; we mentioned them a few times in the list of recommended products above.

The hardwired, on the other hand, is the opposite. You need to install it on your RV. Unlike the portable, you can’t unplug it and move it around.

Of course, the portable has the great advantage of easy installation. You plug it in the suitable sources, and it’s good to go. You can unplug it when you don’t need it, move it around, and plug it back in. It’s that easy.

Plus, it’s easily replaceable. Once you’re done with it, you can just as quickly get a new one.

The second type, the hard wire, must be installed in your vehicle. You must decide its permanent place in your car and hook it up to your vehicle.

After that, you won’t be able to move it around. It’s best to put it near your power wheel. This unit has a great advantage in that it can eliminate the worry of messing anything up by unplugging and plugging, which can sometimes damage your rig.

Hard-wired protectors are placed inside the vehicle. You don’t need to worry about their ability to survive the weather. They are not exposed outside.

Plus, you’re sure that no matter what happens, nobody can steal them. They’re too hidden in the RV and hooked to it so tight that people will have difficulty getting it out.

Noise

Some protectors produce a loud noise when they operate. This could be distracting and annoying, especially since you’re out on the field with other people. Vendors won’t tell you this if you ask if a particular rig is noisy.

To ensure this, try reading reviews about a particular product before buying it. Your best sources of information for products like these are people who have bought them before.

It can’t be helped that protectors would produce some noise when they operate, but at least get one that makes the slightest noise.

Why Get One for Your RV?

Surge protectors can protect the appliances inside your recreational vehicle during a power surge.

It can guarantee your safety on the road by shielding you from any spikes in voltage that might happen. There is more than one definition for surge protectors.

The first is the basic one. The usual surge protectors are inserted between your RV, all its appliances, and the power source from which you will get electricity.

Since there are no guarantees that these sources are safe, having a protector can eliminate all your dangers. It can protect your RV in case a sudden surge in electricity comes from the power source.

Sometimes, power surges come from sudden lightning, electrical lines carrying power, or even the power source you’re plugging your RV into.

In any case, the primary purpose of this product is to prevent surges from entering your vehicle and blowing up your appliances.

The second is the more advanced one. The newer RVs fall into this definition. They don’t just block surges; they also help RVers protect themselves from high or low voltage and thermal heat.

These new units can protect themselves. For example, the unit would shut down when the source starts running at a low voltage. This is to protect you and your devices from sucking in that low electricity and damaging your appliances.

These new features can help you a lot. It can ensure your protection even if you miss the warnings on the indicators. That makes them valuable and also expensive. But if you’re serious about bringing appliances on nature trips, you might want to start investing in them.

How can they Protect You?

The most significant purpose of having this product on your RV is to protect your vehicle from sudden power surges when you plug it into a new power source. RVs go everywhere; their primary power source is parks and camping sites.

You can’t guarantee that those sources are safe or well-regulated. You need a protector to examine the wiring and determine whether it’s safe to get power from a source.

Surge protectors protect you from high and low voltages. It also helps you deal with reversed polarity. It can watch over power surges for you and alert you with its indicators. In this way, it functions like the breaker in your house that you use to control everything electrical.

Surge protectors made explicitly for RVs come in 30 or 50 amperes. You usually get a kit with them that could help you wire your device to a public power source.

Protectors for RVs are conveniently designed to be easy to plug into and unplug from power sources, as RVs move around a lot.

To ensure it works properly, plug the protector into your vehicle first. Turn your breaker on and let it power on correctly for some time. Then, plug it into the new power source.

The device examines the new power source’s voltage, condition, polarity, grounding, and frequency. It also continually checks the power for sudden surges. All these are done to ensure your safety and that of your RV.

Your device will shut itself down if it experiences any sudden changes or danger. This is to prevent channeling all that power into your RV and your appliances.

This way, you’re sure that no hard damage could come to your devices and that you could comfortably hook anything to your power sockets without worrying.

Types Available to Buy

Below are the different types of protectors. Before heading to a shop, try to read through each one and retain even a little information about it. That will come in handy once you’re already in the store.

Primary Surge

When we say surge protectors, those small, portable boxes attached to power sockets probably popped up in your mind. You’re not wrong. Those are also surge protectors.

However, this primary protector is different for RVs. It prevents the sockets from getting fried when connecting to a new power source.

These protectors are big. Depending on your model, they are space-consuming and could be challenging to install, but they do the job. These boxes protect your RV from power surges and protect your appliances from damage.

Secondary Surge

Now, this is what you were thinking of the first time. This little protector is the most common type of surge protector. It’s small enough to plug into your outlets without being too much of a bother.

It is not as effective as the primary one, but it is convenient, and if you’re only protecting a small appliance, it should get the job done.

Power Strip

The power strips function almost the same as secondary surges. It’s also not as powerful as the primary, but it can give you at least a measure of protection.

This little device plugs directly into your sockets. It has multiple outlets where you can plug in your appliances.

Its ability to stop the flow of electricity in the event of a surge is a feature that makes it valuable and helpful. It can help protect your devices from being fried.

Uninterrupted Electricity

This protector comes in different types. You can get it in power strips. The main difference that sets this apart from the rest of the items on this list is its battery-operated feature.

This also has the feature to shut itself down when something goes wrong to save your appliances from damage.

Hardware

This particular type we’ve mentioned above. The hardware is a protector you install in your wiring compartment. It can’t be moved from place to place and is hard to remove once plugged in.

The best thing about this is you can’t lose it. Even thieves would have difficulty getting it, given it’s connected to all your wires. It’s also safe. This device doesn’t stop working until you turn everything off.

Portable

This is the best and easiest option for a protector. When we say portable, we mean that it doesn’t need installing. You need to plug this device into the correct sockets, and it’s good to go. This device is designed to be easy to plug in and use.

Portables like these are just as functional as hardwired ones. They can also detect dangers and warn you almost immediately about them. It can tell if a power source is good, if it’s terrible, or when it has power surges.

Portables can give just as much protection as hardwired ones to you and your devices.

Why are they Important for Your RV?

If you’re determined to have access to electricity in your RV, then having a protector is essential. Protection is the number one reason you should always have surge protectors on board. It can keep your devices safe and save your wirings from possible damage.

Protectors also keep your RV’s wiring in check. Fluctuating voltages can be dangerous, and having a protector to handle them means they will not damage your devices.

Plus, surge protectors are primarily weatherproof and incredibly portable. You can take them anywhere and subject them to any weather conditions, and they’ll hold up well.

Newer models of protectors keep getting more and more added features. Many of the best ones on the market today can detect more than just high and low voltages.

They can tell you almost anything and everything about the status of your wiring and the condition of the power source you’re attaching it to. Some can even detect the rise and fall in power from a source and protect your appliances and RV.

New surge protectors also can shut themselves down if they think you’re connected to a source that could only damage your devices.

This is handy, especially since RVs usually get their power from public places where the source is shared among many other RVers. Having an unstable connection could damage your appliances.

New protectors will power off to avoid channeling that low power to your devices. It would only start up again when the power stabilizes.

Here is a list of things that protectors can detect and protect you from:

Bad Wiring

Most RVers rely on parks for electricity. RV parks have almost everything you’d need today. Don’t worry about most of them since they have good, code-complying wiring, but if you find yourself in an old RV park, expect the wiring to be faulty.

These parks are old. Their wiring has been barely touched, and nobody bothers to correct their wrong wiring anymore. You can try to see the power condition using your voltage meter or leave it to your protector and let it do its job.

Fluctuating Voltages

The best thing about having a protector is that it functions as a shield for your RV in case the power source you’re trying to hook up to is wrong or faulty. This security can protect your devices from damage.

It can handle fluctuating voltages, so your appliances don’t have to. Given a power surge, there’s almost no way for you to do something about it, given how fast it goes. You’d be thankful to have a protector in your RV, then.

Without a protector, the only way to protect your device is to pull your plugs quickly. But you’d be defenseless from low voltages.

You cannot determine when that’s happening unless you have a protector. This is why having one hooked up to your RV is more practical.

Low voltages are rampant in the summer months. This is when most people go on vacations, and parks are almost indeed full. It doesn’t help that many people plug into power sources to power their air conditioners.

They eat more than their fair share of the power in public places.

Having a protector is a smart move. Imagine the amount of protection and peace of mind it can give you.

Just think that without it, all your devices could be fried at any moment, and what’s the point of shelling out a little money for a protector rather than trying to replace all the broken appliances?

It can guarantee that you’re safe from power surges and fluctuations. It can save your RV from faults, bad wiring, and changing power levels. There’s no substitute for the protection that a protector can give you.

Things To Look Out For

To maximize your money’s worth and have the best experience you get from a protector, be on the look for these features:

LED Monitor

This equipment is not found in many surge protectors, but if you can find one with it, that’s better. A monitor can help you see statuses more clearly and understand indicators better.

Having a monitor means seeing more information about your wiring than a few lights in the equipment can tell you.

Find one with clear and bright enough details that you won’t have difficulty reading. Also, make sure it has a light at night and that you don’t have to flash a light on it to see it.

You must also ensure it’s big enough to hold all the necessary information. Most monitors have indicator lights that are usually attached to the surge protector’s main box.

This setup lets you easily see when and where something’s wrong. You’d also be updated on the condition of your wires, the power your RV is receiving, and the current status of the power source.

Self Restart and Shutdown

The new protectors’ self-shutdown feature is a great one. It brings RV protection to an entirely new level.

Instead of just giving you an indication of when to do something, this time, the protector moves to protect you. It shuts itself down to ensure nothing terrible happens to your devices.

This new line of devices also has a sensor that returns power to the unit once it detects that the power condition is stable. There’s no need to do anything else; just let the machine do its job.

Weatherproof

RVers are very familiar with the road’s changing weather. You can have sunny skies one moment; the next thing you know, it’s raining. Luckily, protectors are mostly weatherproof.

You can take them wherever you go. They can withstand any weather condition and still function perfectly.

This feature is most helpful when braving the storm while traveling. It can save you from trouble and keep you away from danger.

What you should know about Surge Protectors:

Are they waterproof?

No, not really. It would depend on which model you’re planning to get. Although, given the tough competition in today’s market, most of the top protectors are waterproof.

Some are even weatherproof. You can put them under any conditions, and they’ll continue to work perfectly.

How long is the typical warranty

The answer depends on the protector’s manufacturer. Progressive Industries is very generous with its warranties. It gives out lifetime warranties to people who buy its products, and it’s not a limited warranty, either.

It includes parts, services, and materials—anything and everything related to the product. Some companies, on the other hand, can’t afford to offer a warranty like that. The typical warranty for a protector is about three to five years.

Are they necessary?

Of course. These protectors could mean life or death, especially to avid travelers. They’re the best protection you can give your RV and yourself while you’re traveling.

It can improve your experience while traveling and transform your RV to feel like a home with all the appliances. This is why you shouldn’t be cheap when buying protectors.

Remember that while you’re on the road, the only chance you have of electricity will come from public places like parks and camping grounds.

You’ll be lucky to find a park with a decent power source, but one mistake, and your entire setup, including all the devices attached to it, is fried. That’s why you get a protector: to eliminate any chances of this ever happening to you.

What’s the difference between a surge protector and an EMS for RVs?

A surge protector primarily guards against voltage spikes, while an Electrical Management System (EMS) offers more comprehensive protection, including against low/high voltage, incorrect wiring, and frequency variations.

An EMS typically includes surge protection as part of its broader protective features.

Is there a way to secure my RV surge protector against theft?

Given their outdoor usage and value, RV surge protectors are at risk of theft. Many models come with locking mechanisms or can be secured with additional locks or security cables to a fixed object, reducing the risk of theft when left unattended.

Final Words

RV Surge Protectors are crucial safety devices designed to shield recreational vehicle electrical systems and appliances from the potentially damaging effects of power surges.

These devices vigilantly monitor power flow, automatically cutting off supply during power spikes. This automatic disconnection feature can be particularly beneficial when lightning strikes occur nearby, as these can result in severe power surges.

Two primary types of RV Surge Protectors are available – portable and hardwired. Portable surge protectors offer easy installation as they can be plugged into campground power pedestals.

On the other hand, hardwired surge protectors offer a more permanent solution, integrating seamlessly into the RV’s electrical system.

Both types of protectors incorporate a range of functions, such as grounding protection and reverse polarity detection, further safeguarding the RV’s electrical setup.

Investing in a quality RV Surge Protector can be financially prudent in the long run. By providing robust protection against power surges, these devices prevent the need for costly replacements of appliances damaged by erratic electricity supply.

Therefore, an RV Surge Protector is an indispensable component for those who value the longevity of their RV’s electrical system and onboard appliances.

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