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Author: Tammy Daly
Many RVers wonder if RV surge guards are worth looking into and investing in. Are they really necessary? In my opinion, yes, they are. 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!
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April 5, 2021 | 12:00 AM
I believe it is safer to plug you surge protector into the power source before plugging your power cord into the surge protector. Your surge protector will tell you if you have a unsafe power source.
Contact us for Guest Guide, Advertising & Listing Inquiries
contactus@rvingusa.com or Call: 800-832-3292
3.133.141.166