RV SURGE PROTECTOR--Do you use, which one??

[TRHOD12]

I'm doing some research on RV surge protectors after friends of ours fried their tv during a T-storm on our last trip.

As near as I can tell you have 2 types of surge protectors, one in the $50-90 range, and the ones in the $225-280. It seems to me the advantage to the more expensive one is that it protects against low voltage situations AND high voltage situations.

So far, it seems to me that I am looking at the Surge Guard model 34730, but am not sure I need to spend the extra $$. We do not have tv or many appliances that we have plugged in, I am concerned about protecting against my air conditioner and fridge from fying.

So my questions are:
1. Do you use one??
2. what kind do you have??
3. Is it worth the extra $$ for the higher priced surge protector??

Any pro or cons would be appriciated.

[westom]

Originally Posted by TRHOD12

As near as I can tell you have 2 types of surge protectors, one in the $50-90 range, and the ones in the $225-280. It seems to me the advantage to the more expensive one is that it protects against low voltage situations AND high voltage situations.

Do not confuse an overvoltage with a surge.

Overvoltage means 120 volts might increase to 140 or 180 volts. Surge protectors ignore voltages below 330 volts (see numbers on each protector box). An overvoltage protector detects and disconnects the RV from an overvoltage. It stops or blocks an overvoltage.

Nothing stops or blocks surges. Lightning is a surge; not an overvoltage. Will an open switch (millimeters) stop what three miles of sky could not? Of course not. Effective protectors do not stop, block, or absorb surges. Ineffective protectors claim to do that miracle.

Either a surge is connected harmlessly to earth by the protector. Or a surge is inside an RV searching for earth destructively via appliances. Effective protectors simply connect that surge as short as possible to earth ground. Is as close to a power pole as possible to make that earth connection as short as possible. Distance to an earth ground is critical. Then a surge need not hunt for earth destructively inside the RV.

Your friend suffered from a surge; not from an overvoltage. Both electrical anomalies exist. Each requires a different solution. Overvoltage protection means disconnecting. Surge protection means connecting hundreds of thousands of joules harmlessly to earth. Surge protectors are only effective when connected short (ie within feet) to what does that surge protection - earth ground.

[Hook N Book]

I agree with Westom. Just unplug the appliance and be done with it. I unplug all TV,s when leaving out just to be safe.