Best RV Surge Protector

Best RV Surge Protector Comparison Chart

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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.

Pros

• Highlights multiple fault types
• LED indicator lights
• Weather resistant
• Locking bracket

Cons

• Poor installation instructions
• Makes humming noise

Camco Power Grip 30 Amp + 50 Amp Surge Protector

The Camco Power Grip comes in 30 amp and 50 amp versions. The 30 amp model has up to 2,800 joules of surge protection, and the 50 amp model has up to 4,200 joules.

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.

Pros

• Up to 4,200 joules of surge protection
• 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.

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.

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.

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.

Pros

• Lockable
• Scrolling display
• Plug and play
• All-weather shield

Cons

• A bit pricey
• Shield breaks off easily

Southwire Surge Guard 44270 Portable Surge Protector (50 Amp)

This plug and play surge guard is an easy way to protect your RV from power surges. It plugs in between the power pedestal and your line cord, and it has 4,200 joules of surge protection.

It analyzes the circuit to check the pedestal power. It tests for open ground, open neutral and correct polarity, and indicator lights show you the power status.

Southwire says it is a good fit for pop-ups and travel trailers.

Pros

• Plug and play
• 4,200 joules of surge protection
• Checks pedestal wiring
• Indicator lights

Cons

• Entry level model with no digital display

Camco RV Circuit Analyzer 30 + 50 Amp

The first thing to note about this Camco portable surge protector is its price, which is lower than many other surge protectors.

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.