Best RV Surge Protector Comparison Chart
Progressive Industries SSP 30XL + 50 XL Surge Protector
One of the top manufacturers of RV surge protectors is Progressive Industries, and their ‘plug and play’ SSP 30 amp and 50 amp surge protectors are two of the best available. They will indicate if anything has been wired incorrectly, can detect reverse polarities, signal surge failures and highlight if your RV has an open ground or neutral.
A set of 3 colored LEDs will indicate what fault has occurred so that you can take the appropriate action. Both the 30 amp and 50 amp versions are manufactured with tough housing and are weather resistant so there is no problem with using them outdoors.
- PEACE OF MIND - UL Certified and Canadian Approved to give you confidence in its performance and safety
- SURGE PROTECTION - 3-Mode / 825J / 22,500A. Ratings: 30A / 120V / 3,600W. Operating Temperatures: minus 40C to plus 105C
- FAULT DETECTION - Open Ground, Open Neutral and Reverse Polarity Detection, Miswired Pedestal and Surge Failure Indicators
- RUGGED DESIGN - Designed for Outdoor Use, Weather Resistant, All Weather Shield Assembly, Thermally Protected, Rugged Pull Handle, Locking Bracket, Tough Lexan Housing, Brighter 3-Color LED Indicators
- PORTABLE - Sleek, compact design makes unit easy to use and store. Simple Plug-and-Play application.
- PEACE OF MIND - UL Certified and Canadian Approved, Lifetime Warranty (excludes All Weather Shield Assembly)
- SURGE PROTECTION - 5-Mode / 1650J / 45,000A. Ratings: 50A / 120V/240V / 12,000W. Operating Temperatures: minus 40C to plus 105C
- FAULT DETECTION - Open Ground, Open Neutral and Reverse Polarity Detection, Miswired Pedestal and Surge Failure Indicators
- RUGGED DESIGN - Designed for Outdoor Use, Weather Resistant, All Weather Shield Assembly, Thermally Protected, Rugged Pull Handle, Locking Bracket, Tough Lexan Housing, Brighter 3-Color LED Indicators
- PORTABLE - Sleek, compact design makes unit easy to use and store. Simple Plug-and-Play application.
Pros
- Highlights multiple fault types
- LED indicator lights
- Weather resistant
- Locking bracket
Cons
- Poor installation instructions
- Makes humming noise
Camco 30 Amp + 50 Amp Power Defender
The Camco Power Detector comes in 30 amp and 50 amp versions and will protect your RV from both low voltage and high voltage levels. If the unit detects any dangerous variations such as a power surge, or the voltage level dropping, it will automatically disconnect from the supply and then reconnect when the voltage level regulates.
It has diagnostic LED lights which will indicate reverse polarity and open neutral faults. The unit is water resistant so it can be used in all weather.
- RV Electrical Protection: Protects your RV from dangerous high (>132 VAC) and low (<102 VAC) voltage levels as well as power surges; Auto Connect/Disconnect Feature: Automatically disconnects from dangerous conditions and reconnects after normal operating conditions have been restored
- Diagnostic LEDs: Provide indication of faults when you connect your electrical cord to the power pedestal; Protects Against Wiring Issues: Protects against faults for reverse polarity, open neutral, and other wiring issues
- Integrated Surge Protection: Up to 2,800 Joules; 30-Amp: 30-amp male (NEMA TT-30P)/30-amp female (NEMA TT-30R)
- Power Grip Handles: Contoured grips make plugging and unplugging easier
- Weather-Resilient: Withstands adverse weather conditions when installed in the upright position
- RV Electrical Protection: Protects your RV from dangerous high (>132 VAC) and low (<102 VAC) voltage levels as well as power surges; Auto Connect/Disconnect Feature: Automatically disconnects from dangerous conditions and reconnects after normal operating conditions have been restored
- Diagnostic LEDs: Provide indication of faults when you connect your electrical cord to the power pedestal
- Protects Against Wiring Issues: Protects against faults for reverse polarity, open neutral, and other wiring issues; Integrated Surge Protection: Up to 4,200 Joules; 50-Amp: 50-amp male (NEMA 14-50P)/50-amp female (NEMA 14-50R)
- Power Grip Handles: Contoured grips make plugging and unplugging easier
- Weather-Resilient: Withstands adverse weather conditions when installed in the upright position
Pros
- Automatically disconnect on faults
- LED diagnostic indicator lights
- Weather resistant
- Power grip handles
Cons
- Above average price
- Not lockable so vulnerable to theft
Camco 30/50 amp Heavy Duty RV Circuit Analyzer
This surge protector has 30 and 50 amp versions and will protect your RV’s electrical system against voltage surges, and drops in power. Prior to connecting your RV to the electrical supply, you plug the analyzer in first.
Colored LED lights on the device will illuminate to indicate if there are any issues, and what the specific problem is. The device is weather resistant for outdoor use. It also is priced very competitively compared to similar power surge protectors.
Pros
- Very easy to use
- LED fault indication lights
- Protection up to 2100 joules
- Excellent price
Cons
- Unit is bulky
- Not lockable
Best RV Hardwired Surge Protector Comparison Chart
Progressive Industries 30 and 50 amp Electrical Management System
For comprehensive protection against all sorts of electrical supply issues, this hardwired electrical management system is hard to beat. It detects and protects against reverse polarity open ground/neutral, voltage surges, voltage drops, will highlight mis-wired power pedestals plus it provides A/C frequency protection.
A separate digital display allows you to scroll through and see information on faults. You can look at previous error codes plus adjust the time delay that the device has before reconnecting after a fault has occurred. It has thermal protection so it can operate even in the hottest temperatures and if anything ever goes wrong with the device it can be serviced on site by a qualified technician.
- PEACE OF MIND - UL Certified and Canadian Approved, Lifetime Warranty
- EMS SURGE PROTECTION - 3-Mode / 1,790J / 44,000A. Ratings: 30A / 120V / 3,600W. Operating Temperatures: -40C to +105C. Includes 14' Data Cable
- EMS FAULT DETECTION - Open Ground, Open Neutral & Reverse Polarity Detection and Protection, Over/Under Voltage Protection, Miswired Pedestal & Surge Failure Indicators, Accidental 240V Protection and A/C Frequency Protection
- REMOTE DIGITAL DISPLAY - Included display continuously scrolls through the power source information providing immediate updates
- HARDWIRED PROTECTION - Protect your RV against voltage fluctuations, power surges, and incorrectly wired shore power
- PEACE OF MIND - UL Certified and Canadian Approved, Lifetime Warranty
- EMS SURGE PROTECTION - 5-Mode / 3,580J / 88,000A. Ratings: 50A / 120V/240V / 12,000W. Operating Temperatures: -40C to +105C. Includes 14' Data Cable
- EMS FAULT DETECTION - Open Ground, Open Neutral & Reverse Polarity Detection and Protection, Over/Under Voltage Protection, Miswired Pedestal & Surge Failure Indicators, Accidental 240V Protection and A/C Frequency Protection
- REMOTE DIGITAL DISPLAY - Included display continuously scrolls through the power source information providing immediate updates
- HARDWIRED PROTECTION - Protect your RV against voltage fluctuations, power surges, and incorrectly wired shore power
Pros
- Scrolling digital display
- Multiple fault type detection
- Operates in all temperatures
- Field serviceable
Cons
- Hums when in use
- Top end price
Progressive Industries Hardwired RV Surge & Electrical Protector 30/50 Amp
This hardwired RV surge protector detects and guards against multiple fault types to ensure that the electrical system in your RV, and any devices connected to it are protected at all times. The unit has a built-in LCD display which scrolls through the power information and provides readouts on voltage levels, current, fault types, and previous error codes.
When in operation it protects against voltage drops and surges, open neutral/ground, polarity reversals, and has accidental 240v protection. There are also indicators for surge failure and a mis-wired electrical pedestal.
- PEACE OF MIND - UL Certified and Canadian Approved, Lifetime Warranty
- EMS SURGE PROTECTION - 3-Mode / 1,790J / 44,000A. Ratings: 30A / 120V / 3,600W. Operating Temperatures: -40C to +105C
- EMS FAULT DETECTION - Open Ground, Open Neutral & Reverse Polarity Detection and Protection, Over/Under Voltage Protection, Miswired Pedestal & Surge Failure Indicators, Accidental 240V Protection and A/C Frequency Protection
- INTEGRATED DIGITAL DISPLAY - Included display continuously scrolls through the power source information providing immediate updates
- HARDWIRED PROTECTION - Protect your RV against voltage fluctuations, power surges, and incorrectly wired shore power
- PEACE OF MIND - UL Certified and Canadian Approved, Lifetime Warranty
- EMS SURGE PROTECTION - 3-Mode / 1,790J / 44,000A. Ratings: 30A / 120V / 3,600W. Operating Temperatures: -40C to +105C
- EMS FAULT DETECTION - Open Ground, Open Neutral & Reverse Polarity Detection and Protection, Over/Under Voltage Protection, Miswired Pedestal & Surge Failure Indicators, Accidental 240V Protection and A/C Frequency Protection
- INTEGRATED DIGITAL DISPLAY - Included display continuously scrolls through the power source information providing immediate updates
- HARDWIRED PROTECTION - Protect your RV against voltage fluctuations, power surges, and incorrectly wired shore power
Pros
- Built-in digital display
- Multiple fault type protection
- Operating temp -40c to 105c
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Display is very small
- Installation can be difficult
Surge Guard 30 amp/50 amp RV Power Monitor
The Surge Guard Power Monitor is a hardwired surge protection device which can protect electrical devices and your RV’s electrical system from power surges up to 3850 joules. Whenever the device detects a power surge it will automatically disconnect the supply for just over 2 minutes and switch it on again once the power levels have normalized.
It can protect against other faults such open ground and neutral, low voltage levels, reverse polarity and wrongly wired pedestals. The front of the unit has multiple LED lights which indicate which fault has occurred plus there is a power on light to indicate it is switched on and monitoring your electrical system.
- Automatic reset on power restoration
- Multi-mode surge suppression
- 128 second reset delay protects A/C compressor
- 3850 Joules of power surge protection
- Easy installation
Pros
- Easy to install
- Automatic reset
- 3850 joules power surge protection
- LED indicator lights
Cons
- No digital display
- Takes time to power up
Best RV Portable Surge Protector Comparison Chart
Progressive Industries 30/50 Amp Portable RV Surge Protector
This portable RV surge protector is ideal for outdoor use as it is weather resistant and can operate in both extreme cold and hot temperatures. As it is portable there is always the danger that it may be stolen, however, it is lockable so this should prevent that from happening.
It will protect your RV and its electrical devices against multiple fault types which include low voltage, voltage surge, open ground or neutral and reverse polarity. The built-in rolling display allows you to see it that is in operating mode, plus if any faults occur they will not only be displayed, but you can scroll through to see previous error codes.
- PEACE OF MIND - UL Certified and Canadian Approved to give you confidence in its performance and safety
- EMS SURGE PROTECTION - 3-Mode / 1,790J / 44,000A. Ratings: 30A / 120V / 3,600W. Operating Temperatures: minus40C to plus105C
- EMS FAULT DETECTION - Open Ground, Open Neutral and Reverse Polarity Detection and Protection, Over/Under Voltage Protection, Miswired Pedestal and Surge Failure Indicators, Accidental 240V Protection and A/C Frequency Protection
- RUGGED DESIGN - Designed for Outdoor Use, Weather Resistant, All Weather Shield Assembly, Thermally Protected, Rugged Pull Handle, Locking Bracket, Tough Lexan Housing, Brighter 3-Color LED Indicators
- PORTABLE - Sleek, compact design makes unit easy to use and store. Simple Plug-and-Play application.
- PEACE OF MIND - UL Certified and Canadian Approved to give you confidence in its performance and safety
- EMS SURGE PROTECTION - 5-Mode / 3,580J / 88,000A. Ratings: 50A / 120V/240V / 12,000W. Operating Temperatures: minus40C to plus105C
- EMS FAULT DETECTION - Open Ground, Open Neutral and Reverse Polarity Detection and Protection, Over/Under Voltage Protection, Miswired Pedestal and Surge Failure Indicators, Accidental 240V Protection and A/C Frequency Protection
- RUGGED DESIGN - Designed for Outdoor Use, Weather Resistant, All Weather Shield Assembly, Thermally Protected, Rugged Pull Handle, Locking Bracket, Tough Lexan Housing, Brighter 3-Color LED Indicators
- PORTABLE - Sleek, compact design makes unit easy to use and store. Simple Plug-and-Play application.
Pros
- Lockable
- Scrolling display
- Plug and play
- All-weather shield
Cons
- A bit pricey
- Shield breaks off easily
Technology Research 30 and 50 amp Portable Surge Guard
This plug and play surge guard is an easy and convenient way to protect your RV from power surges and voltage drops. It is compact and can be employed simply by plugging it between your power pedestal and the line cord.
It constantly monitors the amperage and voltage of your RV’s power supply and cuts it off if there is a significant increase or decrease. It will then automatically reset when the power supply is back to normal voltage levels.
The power surge guard also gives protection against reverse polarity, open grounds, open neutrals, a wrongly wired pedestal, and it will also alert you if its plug is overheating. The small LCD display on the front of the unit will identify what faults have occurred.
- Protects RV from faulty park power
- Built-in intelligence
- Automatic reset on power restoration
- LCD display (English)
- 2450 Joules of power surge protection
- Identifies faulty park power plus offers 4200 Joules of surge protection
- Analyzes circuits to verify pedestal power
- Indicators illuminate to show power status
- Tests for and indicated open ground, open neutral and correct polarity
- Perfect for Pop-ups and Travel Trailers
Pros
- Plug and play
- Multiple fault detection
- Auto reset
- Detects overheating plug
Cons
- Display is tiny
- Not lockable
Camco RV Circuit Analyzer 30 + 50 Amp
The first thing to note about this Camco portable surge protector is its price. Whereas some surge protectors can cost over $200 this one is priced under $100 making it great value for your money.
It is very easy to set up and once is it connected it will analyze your RVs electrical supply and highlight any issues or faults. Power surges up to 2100 joules can be detected and thus stopped from damaging any electrical equipment which is switched on at the time.
Pros
- Weatherproof
- Simple installation
- Diagnostic LED indicator lights
- Very low price
Cons
- Easily stolen as it is not lockable
- No LCD display
RV Surge Protector Buyers Guide
Benefits of Having an RV Surge Protector
The main reason you want to use an RV protector is the risk to any equipment which is plugged in at the time of a large power surge. This can be enough to destroy electronic devices such as a laptop, plus a power surge can also wipe out your RV’s electrics.
Not only is there the inconvenience, but there can potentially be a huge financial cost to repairing damaged RV electrics or replacing appliances and devices which have been damaged beyond repair.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Surge Protector
30 amp or 50 amp
Most RV surge protectors come in both specifications so which one is right for you? The answer depends on what power specification your RV has. Larger vehicles like motorhomes, are likely to be 50 amp because they require more power, whereas smaller camper vans will probably be rated 30 amp.
Hardwired or portable
If you like easy installation which requires no more than plugging the unit in then go for portable. However, be aware that as they normally sit outside your RV, they have been known to be stolen. There are some which are lockable so look for this. They are also exposed to sunlight and rain which can cause issues.
Hardwired surge protectors do require some installation, but once installed they are permanent and less likely to suffer either from theft or from damage due to weather.
Tips for Maintaining Surge Protectors
- Always read the installation instructions, and if unsure, get a qualified RV installation engineer, especially for hardwired units
- Where possible keep the unit protected from direct sunlight and from rain. Although many are weather resistant this can vary greatly between products
- Keep trailing lines away from pathways and where other campsite users are likely to walk
- Always follow the operating instructions for your RV’s electrical system, and always use the specified connections.
