You’ve obviously seen fumes coming out of electronic devices. Most of the time it’s the surge that’s causing it. Even when you’re traveling and trying to stay off the grid you’ve got some phones and laptops in the back of your RV. So, to keep them from losing to fumes, surge protectors are the only device for that.
A surge protector(an EMS) is a barrier for sudden spikes of voltages from reaching your RV. Speaking from an engineering perspective any and all surges are sent to the ground bypassing the RV. Since you’re relying so much of your gadgets on a single device, better make sure it’s the best RV surge, protector.
7 Best RV Surge Protector Review
Out of all those products from different brands with different specifications and features which one is perfect for you? To save you time that you will be spending on searching on Amazon or Pinterest, we are providing you a quite shortlist containing the most efficient surge protectors. Let’s have a look!
1. Progressive Industries 313.1168 SSP30X Smart Surge Protector – 120V/30A
Highlights
If you are looking for an RV Surge protector for outdoor use, then this can be one of the best choices for you. To protect your RV equipment and appliances from accidental surges of power as well as some kind of faulty park electricity, this can be much more efficient than any other typical RV surge protector of the market because of its extraordinary endurance, portability, and flexibility.
The performance of this particular surge protector is quite admirable in an extensive range which has proved to be adaptable. Along with the water-resistant body, the thermal resistance is one of the best for this surge protector and at this range of price, you will hardly find anything more efficient in the market. So you will not need to worry about durability.
With the surge protectors, you can see some usual wiring faults such as open neutral, open ground or reverse polarity. But with this surge protector, it helps you to avoid such kind of mistakes and gives you a smooth performance. The protector functions like a plug-and-play unit so the installation process should be easy for you.
Challenges
- The performance is not consistent at all unit range which is an issue for the users.
- The quality of customer service is not satisfying.
2. Camco Analyzer 55310 Circuit Analyzer Dogbone 30 Amp
Highlights
Camco is a well-known manufacturer in the market of a circuit analyzer or surge protector. The circuit analyzer that is provided by Camco is usually portable and they are available on the market in both 50 amp and 30 amp types. Here we will talk about the 30 amp circuit analyzer.
The best thing about the Camco is you get your line voltage meter with the 30 amp adapter. So this is a great advantage for the users and cost-efficient. Diagnostic LEDs are available here with this circuit analyzer which will indicate you any kind of fault when it is connected to the power pedestal. So you will know and take steps immediately.
Like many other surge protectors, this particular one is also water-resistant and works well in any weather. Besides, the thermal resistance is quite good with this surge protector. So if you have any wiring faults like open neutral and reverse polarity, by this circuit analyzer you will be informed as quickly as possible.
Challenges
- Sometimes the protector fails to do his job and melts itself as well as the plug-in connection.
3. TRC Southwire 44750 Guard Portable Surge Protection
Highlights
This surge protector by TRC is a little different than the previous two. When the performance and the type of protection is concerned, this surge protector can be a good option for you.
The best thing about this particular surge protector is the protector hardly fails according to the users. And we have found the failure rate to be very low, so this one gets good marks for the performance.
You can use this surge protector with pop-up, travel trailers and recreational vehicles. So you do not have to worry about compatibility. The designer has done a great job with the body design and the built quality is quite satisfying.
Having shocked by electricity is being a common drawback of surge protectors. But this surge protector saves you from getting an electric shock.
You can use the surge protector in any weather you want. Besides, the design of the plug handles is quite great and you will notice how convenient the handle is. There is an exclusive feature added to this surge protector which is when any kind of ground faults are found, the surge protector will be shut-off automatically.
Challenges
- If you have a low voltage, the protector can not do its work.
- You may have to worry about the versatility of the surge protector.
4. Surge Guard 44280 Portable Surge Protector – 120V, 30A
Highlights
This particular surge protector by Surge Guard can be a good option for you if you have an issue with your budget. Sometimes we found issues with the budget product but not with this surge protector. You can have quality performance as well as good durability with this surge protector.
The surge protector is water-resistant and you can easily use it at any kind of weather and will not have to worry about it. LED light indicators are available with this surge protector too.
So you will be notified when any kind of faults will be detected. The moment you plug in the Surge Guard 44280 you will get to know if you have any wiring mistakes or other issues with your wirings.
The design construction and the easy installation process help you to move your set up without any effort depending on the situation. And if you are placing it in your vehicle, you will have enough space for other necessary equipment to keep as the surge protector is quite portable.
Challenges
- You will have to repair the surge protector after having a surge.
- The quality control is not as good as expected.
5. Hughes Autoformer PWD30 Bx4370 Power Watch Dog 30 Amp Surge Protector
Highlights
The best feature of this Hughes Autoformer PWD30 is the Bluetooth connectivity. There is a Bluetooth connectivity option and with that, you can operate your electrical wiring set up by your smartphone.
Though the range of the Bluetooth is not that great but quite satisfying, I think. Besides, the performance is quite consistent with this surge protector.
When the surge protector finds any problems with the wiring, you will get a notification or a message will be sent to the RVers to inform the current situation. Besides you will have an automatic shut off feature implanted with this surge protector that will immediately shut the power down if any kind of trouble is located in the wirings.
It takes up to 4 seconds after plugging in to start the surge protector which is quite fast compared to the other surge protector or circuit analyzer of the market. When the power is back, it takes up to 90 seconds to start again for the surge protector. This feature ensures the safety of your set up as well as the durability of the surge protector itself.
Challenges
- Some of the parts that are in the packages have faults in them.
- The customer service needs improvement.
6. Southwire Company LLC 44380 Surge Guard 30A Portable
Highlights
If you are looking for a surge protector for travel trailers or pop-ups, then this one by Southwire Company LLC can be the one for you. To give surge perfect protection from any kind of wrong wirings or to locating any kind of faulty power park this surge protector is second to no one.
The handle that you are going to find here is an Easy-T-Pull handle which ensures the efficiency of the product.
The thermal resistance of this surge protector is quite great. There is a fault chart provided with the surge protector to get to know any kind of trouble easily and the LEDs are going to help you in that part. To protect the protector from the thieves there is an anti-theft lock available with the product.
There are many operations and you can detect a lot of faults in your wirings with this surge protector. Such as- Open ground, open neutral, open circuit, reverse Polarity, the status of surge protection and overheating plug.
The durability is quite great for this particular surge protector as well as the performance. You will have a limited lifetime warranty with this product.
Challenges
- The cover does not shut off over the 30 amp which can be an issue to some users.
- It may not be affordable to the budget buyers.
7. TECHNOLOGY 44260 30A SURGE PROTECTOR
Highlights
This particular surge protector by Southwire has made its position in our shortlist due to its efficiency and consistency. The surge protector not only helps you to identify faults in your park power but also saves you from faulty wirings.
Like the previous one, this one has also got the Easy-T-Pull handles as a plug-in which is very efficient to use.
To save the protector itself, the protector is designed in such a way that it will be compatible with the surge guard lock hasp model 34590. The surge protector is quite good as a circuit analyzer too.
You will get notified by the surge protector every time it detects a problem in your wiring. There is an indicator that will inform you about the power status.
LEDs are available here too to notify you about surge protection and the process is quite efficient. Though it analyzes fewer issues than the previous one, the performance of this surge protector is quite satisfying.
This surge protector can detect both open grounds and open neutral as well as correct polarity. Limited lifetime warranty of this product is showing off the confidence of the manufacturer.
Challenges
- This particular surge protector is not suitable for the budget buyers as the price is a little high.
- Customer service needs improvement too.
The Way to the Best RV Surge Protector
The unique model names of the surge protectors may drive you frenzy and their specifications to some extent. So in this part of the article, we are going to inform you about the features and specifications that you will need to know before grabbing the saver of your RV.
Joules rating
Joules rating is the amount of energy the surge protector can take or absorb before failing. Simply saying, it’s the measure that indicates the level of protection the surge protector is going to provide your RV. Besides the joules rating also indicates the level of dispersion of heat that takes place during the power spikes.
Try to get the one that has a higher value of joules rating. Ignore those which are rated less than 200 or 300 joules and for general uses. The 600 joules rated surge protectors must be perfect for you.
Is it UL Listed?
UL is an authority that certifies the surge protectors that are safe and efficient enough for the users. Before buying check that if your surge protector is listed on the UL or not. The Authority also ensures the workability and the durability of the surge protector to ensure the quality of the product.
Clamping Voltage
Clamping voltage is the tripping voltage. It’s basically MOV or metal oxide varistor, a component used in surge protectors, that diverts the additional surge power. This voltage must not be too far from the line voltage. UL rating includes as low as 330 to as high as 500 volts. But going more than 400V is not good for RVs.
Amp Rating
Amp rating is the maximum amount of current that the device can handle. When sufficient power is not present for a device, the device fails to run. So note the rating of the Amp of the surge protector and compare if that matches with the devices and finally, a set-up that you are going to protect with your surge protector.
If your appliances are rated as 30 Ampere try to ignore buying the 50 amps surge protectors. Cause if something causes your devices to draw more power, then your 50 amps will not be able to help or protect them.
Installation Process
If you have an easy installation process with your surge protector, it not only saves your time but also makes the set-up easier for maintenance. Choose the one that has a clear installation manual to make it easier for you.
Some products contain the plug-and-play design in it. And that is more efficient and easy to operate cause as soon as you plug your surge protector in it starts to operate automatically. You do not have to install it manually. So you can check if your surge protector has that feature on it or not before buying.
Types of Surge Protectors
In the market, you will notice varying protectors yet mainly they are either portable or non-portable. Let’s get to know where to install which one.
Portable
For its easy installation process, this type of surge protector is a trend on the market. Moreover, they are perfect for transferring from one RV to another or in your campsites. Most of the portable surge protectors have a plug-and-play system in it and so you don’t have to worry about the hankering after the manual.
With this kind of surge protector, you will not need any kind of hot wirings in your RV. Just hook it in your power source and then plug it in your rig. Besides, replacing the surge protector is also easy for the users.
Hard-Wired
Unlike the portable surge protector, you will have to wire your surge protector in your RV. This kind of surge protector has kept its reputation by the built quality and durable components. Besides, it is also easy to install it in your RV. But it takes more time to install compared to the portable ones.
This type of surge protector is concealed from view. As a result, you do not have to worry about it getting stolen. Besides, these are safer to use in rainy or wet weather. So the durability is quite great for hard-wired surge protectors.
Frequently Asked Question
Q: Can the 50 amp surge protector be used in a 30 amp RV?
Ans: The experts suggest you not to do so. Because you will face some potential damage that can take place in your RV.
Q: Are all of the Surge protectors water-proof?
Ans: The answer is No. Different brands are implanting the water-proof feature in the surge protector but not all of them.
Q: How to save the surge protector from getting stolen or to secure them outdoors?
Ans: Many surge protectors have an anti-theft locking system installed in the surge protector itself. Besides during installation of the RV, you will have a good option like a padlock that will fit in a hole in the electrical pedestal cover to secure your surge protector as well.
Final Thoughts
We hope that the information that is given above will help you to compare the options and to get the best RV surge protector from the market. Now as a bonus, we are giving a short suggestion of the top-notch surge protectors for your RV that we have found efficient.
Progressive Industries SSP30X can be a good option for you due to its incomparable endurance, performance, durability. Besides, Camco Analyzer 55310 can be the one for you as a great circuit analyzer because the operation that the surge protector does is so efficient that it is second to none. So take your decision wisely and make the best buy.
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