A surge protector is an important component to have on your RV. Do you know why? There are a few reasons that come to mind for this question. For one, it will protect the appliances and electronics from power spikes or outages. If you're in the backwoods and there's a storm coming, you'll want protection for those sensitive items! A surge protector also protects against lightning strikes - which can be devastating if they hit your rig while you're driving down the highway.
This article looks at why do you need a surge protector for your RV? What features should I look for? And some of our top picks.
So, Do I need a surge protector for my RV? Yes, you need a surge protector for your RV. Your RV needs protection from electrical hazards that can be caused by low voltage or power surges. A surge protector is one of the smartest investments you can make for your new camper, and it will help to protect your investment against damage in these two areas.
Before jumping in, it's important to know what a surge protector is.
What is a surge protector?
A surge protector works to protect your electronics by catching the excess power (voltage) that may come from a power spike or a lightning strike, and divert it away from your electronic devices. It does this by having wires with built-in resistors that change the electrical current's voltage to a lower level before it reaches your electronics. It also contains circuit breakers which help prevent overloads and fires.
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Why do you need a surge protector for your RV?
RVs, or recreational vehicles, are wonderful for families looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. They offer a place where you can relax with your loved ones and enjoy nature as well as be close to all the conveniences that you would have at home. But because an RV is so much more than just a car on steroids, it also requires some unique accessories like a surge protector (see below) in order to work properly.
There are some specific causes to use a surge protector for RV. Here are a few of them:
01. Protection from Lightning Strikes
"Lightning is the most common cause of power surges in an RV. The strike can send a charge through your wiring and fry or damage anything that's plugged into the sockets." - Forbes The surge protector helps to minimize this risk by protecting everything from laptops, TVs, radios, microwaves, etc., thereby avoiding costly repairs.
02. Campground Electrical Problems
"Campground power issues can happen for a number of reasons, from faulty wiring to trees touching the lines. These problems can create safety hazards and interrupt your electricity supply." - RV Storage If you're plugged into campground power with no surge protection, all these common occurrences could damage or destroy crucial electronics in your RV. The best RV power surge protector can help to protect your belongings from these types of problems.
03. Basic Power Surges
There are many different kinds of power surges that can come from things like downed lines or other outside sources, and without a surge protector, you could be at risk for major damage to your RV.
04. Brown Outs
"A brownout happens when voltage drops below acceptable levels. Sometimes it's intentional—a utility company will intentionally reduce the voltage on a power line to prevent a blackout, for instance. Other times it's unintentional." - Science Daily
The best RV surge protector will supply your entire rig with the electricity that you need no matter what happens!
Now, you might be wondering, "what is a surge protector?" Well, it's actually pretty simple. A surge protector helps to protect your RV from power surges and brownouts by surrounding each of the outlets with an extra grounded wire that can resist these types of problems.
If you're looking for more information on what does a Surge Protector Do? Please keep reading below!
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What Does A Surge Protector Do?
A surge protector is a must-have for any RV, but many people don't know what they do or why they're important.
If you've ever had your power go out while cooking dinner in the kitchen, you know how frustrating it can be to lose all of that food and time. But if you have a surge protector installed in your RV, this won't happen because it will keep the power from going out by surrounding each outlet with an extra grounded wire that can resist these types of problems.
Moreover, a surge protector is a safety device that helps to protect an RV from power surges and brownouts. It does this by surrounding each of the outlets with an extra grounded wire that can resist these types of problems. A surge protector should be installed when you purchase an RV, but if it's not, don't worry-they're easy to install yourself.
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Types of Surge Protectors
There are so many different types of surge protectors on the market today, but they generally fall into two categories:
01. Portable or Plug-in Surge Protectors
Plug-In Surge Protectors can be plugged into any power outlet and are typically rated to carry a 15-amp load. These do not come with their own hardwire installation which is why they have an operating voltage of 120 volts, so it is best to use them only on the 12-volt system in your RV or trailer.
If you want plug-in protection that can be used anywhere without worrying about where there’s an available wall socket, make sure that it comes with its own cord long enough for whatever location need plugging into!
02. Hardwired Surge Protectors
Hardwired surge protectors are always installed by a professional electrician and should be covered under your homeowner's insurance in case something goes wrong during the installation process. Depending on how many outlets you need to be protected at once, these can be a pretty costly investment upfront, but with the right protection, they can save you money in the long run. Hardwired surge protectors are typically rated for 15-20 amps of power and should not exceed this amount to avoid damaging your breaker or fuse box.
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How do I know if my RV has a built-in surge protector?
Checking for RVs with built-in surge protectors is a fairly easy process, although diligence and patience are required. Here’s what you need to do:
1) Open the camper door; park it in front of an outlet in your home or at a campsite, but don’t plug anything into it yet.
When all of this equipment (or power cord) becomes disconnected from any AC power source, will they continue to conduct electricity that could harm someone? If so, this type of RV does not have a built-in surge protector. This means that while you're plugged into shore power or utility service, anyone who opens the driver's door can be electrocuted by touching the inside of the RV.
2) If you plug your home power cord into an outlet at a campsite or friend's house and there is no ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) breaker, then this type of RV will not have a built-in surge protector. This means that while plugged into shore power or utility service, anyone who opens the driver's door can be electrocuted by touching the inside of the RV.
In both these cases, they may indeed have GFCIs on board for personal protection but if one fails it could cause injury to someone else! For example: If when unplugging from shore power or utility service you find dead circuits within your camper where others are still live , then this type of RV will have a built-in surge protector.
When Should You Replace a Surge Protector?
A surge protector is an important device that helps protect your appliances and electronics from power surges or spikes in voltage. While most of the time you'll be safe with a basic power strip, there are a few signs you should look for to know when it's time to invest in a new one.
Surge protectors usually get rid of energy by diverting it to a metal oxide varistor (MOV). When MOV is exposed to too many surges, it will degrade and then need to be replaced. You can tell if this has happened if the light-up component on your surge protector says that your devices are no longer protected. If you're not sure how old your surge protector is, or if you know that it's more than two years old, it's probably time to replace the unit.
Surge protectors are relatively inexpensive, so replacing an outdated one won't cost you much. But not buying a new surge protector can be expensive if your device gets damaged by power surges and spikes in voltage as they happen- which is why it's important to keep track of when you bought yours!
Every time there's a big storm or outage, check whether your devices need protection again just to make sure that everything is safe. When purchasing a high-quality surge protector, it will provide valuable peace of mind - knowing that no harm will come to your electronics due to energy surges. Do you want this peace of mind too? Get yourself the best quality surge protector for any home entertainment system today.
What are the Recommended Surge Protectors for your RV?
A surge protector is a device that helps to protect your electronics from power spikes and surges. A good surge protector should provide protection for all of the devices plugged into it, but not just from voltage spikes or surges. The ideal model will also offer protection against AC line noise (unintended voltages on an electrical circuit) and radio frequency interference in addition to its basic protective function; this type is known as a whole-home surge protector.
I started by looking at customer reviews online across many websites. Then, I looked at what products are popular among other RVers like me who use them religiously because they know how important those little things can be when you're living on the road.
I also looked at what manufactures are known for their quality and customer service, as well as a few who have been around long enough to earn some trust in the industry even though they aren't quite household names yet.
The last thing I checked was whether or not it is possible to install these yourself without voiding any warranties, because there's nothing worse than spending all that money on something only to find out you need an electrician when your RV isn't working properly due to improper installation.
With those criteria in mind, here are my top five surge protectors with mounting solutions for RVs:
Top Five Surge Protectors:
- Progressive Industries HW30C RV 30 Amp surge protector
- Camco 50 Amp RV Voltage Protector/ Monitor With Integrated Surge Protection
- Progressive Industries Hw50c Hardwired Ems Surge & Electrical Protection
- Progressive Industries 30 Amp Hardwired EMS-HW30C RV Surge & Electrical Protector
- Portable RV Surge Protector Portable EMS-PT30X RV Surge Protector
Conclusion
A surge protector is a device that protects your RV from power spikes and surges. You need to have one in order to protect the appliances you use while camping, like televisions or microwaves. If you do not already have a built-in surge protector on your RV, there are many different types of external ones available for purchase - some even come with warranties. The best way to be sure if you are protected against power fluctuations is by checking your owner's manual; it will either say "yes" or "no." Finally, remember that all surge protection devices should be replaced after 2 years so they can continue providing maximum protection.