rvsupplydeals.com advertises for online retailers.
The link(s) on this page are Affiliate Links, meaning that if you make a purchase
rvsupplydeals.com earns a small commission with no additional cost to you.
Get The BEST Electrical System Protection for your RV
RV electrical systems are very sensitive. Costly damage can be done if these systems are exposed to surges or low voltage. Faulty RV Park wiring, power spikes, and acts of nature (electrical storms) can wreak havoc on the electrical devices inside your RV.
The only way to protect your RV and electrical devices from damage is to use some type of Electrical System Protection.
What is Electrical System Protection?
To start with, there are two types of devices that monitor and protect your RV electrical system. One is an Electrical Management System and the other is a Surge Protector. Surge Protectors are designed to protect RVs from voltage spikes.
The RV surge protector provides overload protection in cases of power surge and other anomalies as well as protection from overuse of a circuit within the RV itself.
Electrical Management Systems (EMS) are designed to protect the RV from voltage spikes and over/under voltage protection. EMS systems also provide protection from open ground, open neutral, reverse polarity, and accidentally plugging into 240 volts.
Here are the BEST Electrical System Protection Devices
When it comes to Electrical System Protection for RVs. Progressive Industries and Southwire (formerly Technology Research) specialize in Electrical Management Systems.
Why Do I Need an EMS over RV Surge Protectors?
With outdated RV campground pedestals, basic RV surge protectors will only provide limited protection and are vulnerable to power source quality issues. The electrical management systems may be more expensive, but, they offer more protection. We think of it as an insurance policy for our RV. We believe that it is better to be safe than sorry by spending a few hundred not instead of several thousand later.
Surge Protector Vs. Electrical Management System
Watch the below video, from Progressive Industries.
Is your RV Electrical System 30 Amp or 50 Amp?
Hard Wired or Portable?
When considering the purchase of an Electrical System Protection Device, you must decide if you want a hard-wired system or a portable system.
These are the BEST of the BEST for Electrical System Protection
The Progressive Industries EMS-HW30C (30 amp) and EMS-HW50C (50 amp) are HARDWIRED Electrical Management Systems (EMS). They offer complete electrical protection for any RV that utilizes 30 and 50 amp electrical service.
These systems provide full RV protection against all adverse power conditions. You will feel secure with multi-mode surge, voltage, polarity, and lost/open neutral protection.
Product Features
- Over/Under Voltage Protection
- Open Ground, Open Neutral & Reverse
- Polarity Detection
- Open Ground, Open Neutral & Reverse Polarity Protection
- Accidental 240V Protection
- Miswired Pedestal Indication
- Surge Failure Indicator
- Amperage Meter Display
- Previous Error Code
- A/C Frequency Protection
- Time Delay (136 seconds)
- Adjustable Time Delay
- Thermally Protected
- Built-in Scrolling Digital Display
- Remote Display
- Field Serviceable
- UL Certified and Canadian Approved
- Lifetime Warranty
Each unit includes a digital display, scrolling continuously through the power source information: Voltage(s), current, frequency, error code, and previous error code (if applicable).
Replacement parts are simply plug-and-play, making repairs quick and easy. As with our portable models, the computer is driven by state-of-the-art microprocessors. Should the software ever change, Progressive Industries will provide EMS owners with a free upgrade at no cost.
Each Electrical Protection device built by Progressive Industries has received certification from Underwriters Laboratory (UL).
The Progressive Industries 30 amp surge protector or 50 amp surge protector for RVs is a high-quality 30-amp or 50-amp unit that can be used with any RV that has 30 or 50-amp electrical service. Unfortunately, these hard-wired systems must be installed by a licensed electrician to keep from voiding the warranty.
The Progressive Industries EMS-PT30X (30 amp) and EMS-PT50X (50 amp) are PORTABLE Electrical Management Systems (EMS).
Improved design features include state-of-the-art microprocessors, all-weather shield assembly, rugged pull handle, secure locking bracket, built-in scrolling digital display, and a tough Lexan® housing.
Sleek, compact portable design makes the unit easy to use and store. Plug-and-play application.
Product Features
- Weather Resistant designed for Outdoor Use
- Security Locking Bracket
- Rugged Pull Handle
- Tough Lexan® Housing
- All-Weather Shield Assembly
- Designed for Outdoor Use
- Lifetime Warranty (excludes All Weather Shield Assembly)
HARDWIRED | HARDWIRED |
Pros | Cons |
| - No worries about theft - One time installation - Fully Protected from all power issues. - It is always on when connected - Slightly less expensive then portables - Lifetime Warranty | - Needs installation by a Licensed Electrician - Difficult to remove if you sell your RV |
PORTABLE | PORTABLE |
| - Fully protected from all power issues - No installation costs - Built in locking bracket - Features portable, compact and simple design - Weather resistant -if you sell you RV you can take it with you | - Easily stolen if not locked - More expensive then hardwired system - Use only in vertical orientation |
Progressive Industries was founded in 1998 by a full-time Rver who saw a need to provide superior electrical protection to RVs that were now coming with more sophisticated electronics. The company is based in Apex, North Carolina. As of April 12, 2017, Progressive Industries, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Power Products, LLC.
Our second choice for Electrical and Surge Protection
The Southwire (formerly Technology Research) Surge Guard 35530 (30 amp surge protector) and 35550 (50 amp surge protector) offer the same capability as the portable Southwire Surge Guard 34830 and 34850. However, the 35530/35550 are permanently mounted (hardwired) inside an RV that utilizes 30 or 50 amp service (order appropriate model depending on amperage of your RV’s shore power system).
Total Electrical Protection from Faulty Park Power
- Continuously monitors Surge failure
- Displays voltage and amp draw (RMS)
- Multi-mode surge suppression
- Automatic reset on power restoration
- 128-second reset delay protects A/C compressor
- Surge protection status LED
- Optional remote power monitor LCD display (Part number 40300 sold separately)
- Joystick for easy screen navigation
- Displays voltage and amp draw (RMS)
- Plug and play for telecom jack equipped models
Protects against:
- Power surges
- Open ground
- Open neutral
- Low (102V) and high (132V) voltage
- Reverse polarity
- Miswired pedestal
Get the Surge Guard 35530 HERE
Get the Surge Guard 35550 HERE
Watch this video about the hardwired Surge Guard EMS
Southwire, a USA Company, is one of North America’s leading manufacturers in electrical wire and cable. They also manufacture the Surge Guard brand of power protection, Automatic transfer switches, cords, adaptors, Shoreline Reels™ Hose, and Cord Reels. Southwire is based in Carrollton Georgia.
In Conclusion
Investing in and installing the best RV surge protector is really necessary for your safety on the road. It can protect the electrical equipment and components inside it. We hope that this basic review will make you a more informed buyer.