36 Comments

You don’t provide a way to choose multiple answers. We use a pedestal EMS plus have an inside mounted EMS.

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author

The poll can only do 5 choices and you can only choose 1, so that’s my limitation. So leaving a comment is the current solution. But I should find a more advanced polling app.

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Same here. See my comment below.

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You may get some biased results here. I suspect your sample base, the folks reading this newsletter, are more attuned to the need for protection and will show higher usage than the RV population at large.

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author

I’m aware of that bias issue which is why I’m also going to run this poll on a variety of other RV owner groups. But my main purpose is to determine the percentage of pedestal vs inside mounted surge protectors. And I want to get a handle on MOV vs EMS Surge Protectors.

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I chose the inside mounted EMS as I didn't want it exposed to the elements & to someone borrowing it & forgetting to return it! Also installed a California plug as its just easier to assemble & easier to get the cord in & out of its compartment! Though all of the above have their uses!

Snoopy

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Does the Hughes Autoformer have all of the features of the Suregard 34560 I currently have installed. I’d like to install the Autoformer but I don’t have room for both.

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author

I’m doing a full test of the Hughes Autoformer Surge Protection capabilities this weekend.

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Looking forward to your report.

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We have both a surgeguard EMS I plug into the pedestal before doing anything els and a ATS with surgeguard protection mounted inside the coach.

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What is the purpose of using 2 surge protectors?

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I once had a hardwired unit but much more difficult to find that it blew! It got a free replacement but then again I am not an electrician - MORE costs to hire someone else to do it! I have also had MANY RVs so as I change RVs my Surge Protector can go with my new to me rig! :) I have also had a post EMT go out and it was replaced with no extra service fees! Twice my rigs electronics were saved by my surge protectors!! :)

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Two things I won't leave home without, my EMS system and TPMS system.

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I just picked up my new fifth wheel, the first RV with 50 A. I have liked plugging in my 30 A unit to see if the pedestal was up to snuff before connecting to my previous RVs. Are the hardwired units any better than the portable EMS units?

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author

It depends. What brand/model EMS unit do you have installed or are planning to install?

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A Hughes Power Watchdog PWD50EPO.

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What if i am nnot sure there may be one mounted in the RV that I bought used and have very little paper work on the vehicle. But i test the tower each time with a different deevice to make sure that it is wired correctly.

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On this subject, can a 50 amp EMS be used to protect a 30 amp source?

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author

Yes it most certainly can.

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I had a hard wired watch dog but it would shut off all the time for strange reasons even when I was away and all the food would spoil, and frankly warranty service was awful. The unit was defective but the company would not stand behind it.

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Aug 2·edited Aug 2

The poll needs another line. I have multiple surge protectors. I have a Hughes Autoformer, followed by a Power Watch Dog and then my RV has a factory installed Progressive PMS. I do this to protect the inside mounted progressive pms which is expensive to fix if you have a surge (and can leave you without power until it is repaired). The Power Watch Dog has a component that is only $40 that can be replaced if you do have a substantial surge.

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author

That’s as long of a poll that SubStack will insert. But I can try a survey next week that will let me post more complete questions with multiple choices.

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We have both. Pedestal and inside mounted.

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Our 2011 HitchHiker fiver came equiped with a built-in EMS surge protector by Progressive Industries and an ATS device. When I use our Honda 3000 W inverter I have to turn the ATS off. If I use a 'DIY Generator Bonding Plug" will this eliminate the need to turn off the ATS?

Rick

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Hi Mike, my 50A RV is plugged into my 30A pedestal and I’m wondering if I’d be safe from a lightning strike with a 30A MOV surge protector?

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author

Yes, you should be safe(er) from a nearby lightning ground strike. But nothing can protect your RV from a direct lightning hit…

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Thanks!

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