RV Surge Protectors

What is an RV Surge Protector?

An RV surge protector is a device designed to protect your RV from electrical surges, spikes, and other irregularities that can cause damage to sensitive electrical equipment. Power surges often occur due to lightning strikes, faulty wiring at RV parks, or fluctuations in the power grid. These spikes in voltage can damage your RV’s appliances, electronics, and even cause electrical fires in extreme cases.

Surge protectors work by diverting excess voltage away from your RV’s electrical system and safely grounding it. This prevents any damage to the appliances, air conditioning units, refrigerators, televisions, and other sensitive equipment inside your RV.

Why Do You Need an RV Surge Protector?

RV surge protectors are crucial because they prevent potentially devastating electrical surges from damaging your RV. Here's why you should invest in one:

1. Protecting Your RV’s Electrical System

Your RV’s electrical system is made up of a variety of components, including appliances, entertainment systems, and heating or cooling equipment. A surge can easily overload your electrical components, leading to costly repairs or replacements. A surge protector ensures that any excess power is safely diverted before it can cause harm.

2. Avoiding Damage to Sensitive Electronics

RV surge protectors are particularly important for protecting sensitive electronics like televisions, laptops, GPS systems, and microwaves. These devices can be easily damaged by a sudden surge of power, but a surge protector will keep them safe from these spikes.

3. Protecting Against Faulty Power Sources

When you plug into shore power at an RV park or campground, you may encounter faulty wiring, unstable voltage, or poor grounding. These issues are more common than most RV owners realize. A surge protector ensures that even if the power source is unreliable or faulty, your RV's electrical system will remain safe.

4. Preventing Fire Hazards

Electrical surges can lead to overheating and electrical fires if the surge isn’t properly grounded. By using a surge protector, you reduce the risk of fire caused by electrical issues, providing peace of mind during your travels.

5. Maintaining the Longevity of Your RV

Frequent power surges can wear down your RV’s electrical system over time, leading to expensive repairs. By using a surge protector, you can prolong the lifespan of your RV’s electrical components and avoid unnecessary repairs.

How Do RV Surge Protectors Work?

An RV surge protector is a simple but effective device that works by monitoring the voltage and amperage of the power entering your RV. If the power supply exceeds a safe level, the surge protector detects the excess voltage and redirects it to the ground.

Here’s a breakdown of how the surge protector functions:

1. Voltage Detection: The surge protector continuously monitors the voltage coming from the power source (whether it’s a campground or a generator).
2. Surge Detection: If the voltage exceeds a safe level (typically 120V for most RVs), the surge protector identifies this as a surge or spike.
3. Grounding Excess Voltage: Once a surge is detected, the surge protector redirects the excess voltage to the ground, preventing it from reaching your RV’s electrical system.
4. Resuming Normal Operation: After the surge is safely diverted, the surge protector allows the normal electrical flow to continue, providing steady and safe power to your RV.

In addition to protecting against power surges, some surge protectors also have built-in features that can detect issues with the power supply itself, such as reverse polarity, open ground, or under/over voltage situations.

Types of RV Surge Protectors

There are several different types of RV surge protectors available on the market, each with varying features and capabilities. Understanding the different types can help you choose the right surge protector for your RV.

1. Portable RV Surge Protectors

Portable RV surge protectors are designed to be plugged in between your RV’s electrical cord and the power pedestal at campgrounds. These are easy to use and portable, making them ideal for RVers who move from campground to campground.

• Pros:

  • Easy to install and remove.
  • Can be used with any campground or power pedestal.
  • Relatively affordable.

• Cons:

  • Must be plugged in every time you park your RV.
  • More prone to theft, as they are often left outside.

2. Hardwired RV Surge Protectors

Hardwired RV surge protectors are permanently installed into your RV’s electrical system. Unlike portable surge protectors, these devices stay in place, offering continuous protection without the need for installation each time you plug in.

• Pros:

  • Continuous protection without the hassle of plugging in each time.
  • No risk of theft.
  • More durable and long-lasting.

• Cons:

  • Higher upfront cost.
  • Requires professional installation.

3. Surge Protectors with Diagnostics

Some surge protectors come with built-in diagnostics that monitor your RV’s electrical system and provide alerts when there’s an issue, such as a faulty ground, reverse polarity, or a power surge. These advanced surge protectors offer more features, providing peace of mind and ensuring the safety of your RV.

• Pros:

  • Additional features like diagnostics and alert systems.
  • Provides real-time information about the power quality.

• Cons:

  • More expensive than basic surge protectors.
  • May require more setup or maintenance.

4. Surge Protectors with Built-in Circuit Breakers

Certain surge protectors also include a circuit breaker, which provides additional protection against power fluctuations. A circuit breaker will automatically shut off the electrical flow if the voltage exceeds safe levels for an extended period, further preventing damage to your RV.

• Pros:

  • Added protection against prolonged surges or overloads.
  • More comprehensive safety features.

• Cons:

  • More expensive.
  • Slightly larger and heavier than basic surge protectors.

Features to Look for in an RV Surge Protector

When shopping for an RV surge protector, there are several features you should consider to ensure that you’re getting the best protection for your needs. Here are the most important features to keep in mind:

1. Surge Protection Rating

The surge protection rating is one of the most critical features to look for in a surge protector. This rating is typically measured in joules and indicates how much energy the surge protector can absorb before it becomes ineffective. Look for a surge protector with a higher joule rating for better protection. A rating of 2,000 joules or more is generally recommended for RVs.

2. Voltage and Amp Rating

Make sure that the surge protector is compatible with your RV’s electrical system. Most RVs operate on 120V, but you should double-check the voltage and amp requirements of your specific RV to ensure compatibility. The surge protector should be able to handle at least the same voltage and amp rating as your RV’s electrical system.

3. Diagnostic Features

Some surge protectors come with diagnostic features that provide real-time information about your power source. These features can alert you to problems like reverse polarity, open ground, or low/high voltage, giving you a clear understanding of the power situation before you plug into the power pedestal.

4. Weather Resistance

If you plan to use your surge protector outdoors, weather resistance is an important feature. Look for models that are waterproof or weather-resistant to protect the device from rain, snow, or extreme temperatures.

5. Resettable Circuit Breaker

A resettable circuit breaker is an excellent feature to look for, especially for protection against prolonged surges or overloads. This feature automatically disconnects your RV from the power source if it detects a hazardous condition and can be reset once the issue has been resolved.

6. Compact and Durable Design

RV surge protectors come in different sizes, so it’s essential to choose one that suits your RV’s storage space. A durable, compact design ensures that the surge protector won’t take up unnecessary space or get damaged easily.

7. Ease of Use

Look for a surge protector that is easy to install and operate. Many portable surge protectors come with user-friendly features like indicator lights, simple plug-and-play functionality, and easy-to-read displays.

How to Choose the Right RV Surge Protector

Choosing the right RV surge protector depends on your specific needs, including the size of your RV, the type of campgrounds you frequent, and the level of protection you want. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:

1. Consider Your RV’s Electrical System

Ensure that the surge protector you choose matches the voltage and amperage of your RV’s electrical system. Most RVs use a 30-amp or 50-amp system, but you should verify the exact specifications of your RV before purchasing a surge protector.

2. Determine Your Protection Needs

If you frequently visit RV parks with questionable power sources, consider investing in a surge protector with additional features like diagnostic alerts or circuit breakers. For those who mainly stay in well-established campgrounds, a simpler surge protector may suffice.

3. Decide Between Portable or Hardwired Models

Think about how often you’ll need to install or remove the surge protector. If you prefer a hands-off approach, a hardwired surge protector might be the best choice. If you move between campgrounds often or prefer flexibility, a portable surge protector will be more practical.

4. Check for Warranty and Customer Support

Finally, always check the warranty and customer support options provided by the manufacturer. A good warranty ensures that you’re covered in case the surge protector malfunctions, and reliable customer support can assist with any issues that arise.