What You Need to Know About Surge Protectors for RVs

Keeping up with the needs of your RV can be a lot like owning a home. A smaller, more mobile home - which is why RVs are sometimes considered by similar terms. Among other things, you need to be well-informed about best practices in towing and towing safety, how and when to use a water softener system (and why), all about RV awning care, the differences between RV leveling jacks and stabilizing jacks, and so much more.

When and where should you use RV roof tape? What happens to some RV fridges when the RV isn’t leveled? How can you prevent damage to your appliances, both electrical and those that deliver water?

These are just some of the questions you need to be able to answer readily as an RV owner. Keeping well-researched and informed on these matters will enable you to more effectively deal with problems on the road and possibly even prevent them.

One of the chief electrical considerations you will have to make for your RV is how to prevent damage to your electrical appliances attributable to power surges. To do this, you need not only a surge protector for your RV, but also need a basic understanding of shore power connections, what a power surge is, and why you need protection in the first place.

Starting Out: What is Shore Power?

Your RV has a battery and an alternator which enables the rig to generate electrical power from some of the energy released from the fuel that the engine burns. However, when you’re in camp or elsewhere that affords the convenience of a connection to an external power source, there’s no reason to put that type of strain on your battery. When you’re living in your RV, powering lights and appliances places a great strain on your battery that you can avoid with the use of shore power.

Shore power is basically any power supply that provides electricity from an external source to an RV, enabling you to utilize electricity when you’re in camp or at an RV park. Shore power could theoretically come from a house, but many RV campsites actually offer shore power hookups.

Depending on the size and specifications of your RV, you’ll probably have either 30 or 50 amp service, as these are typical ratings for RVs, whereas many homes have between 100 and 200 amp service. RVs can understandably get away with lower ratings because they are smaller than homes and do not have such a pressing need for power.

This makes it important for you to select a shore power cord that is rated accordingly. Choosing a power cord that is not properly rated can be dangerous, and you should never utilize a shore power cord that does not meet the minimum requirements (that is, do not ever use a 30 amp power cord to draw 50 amps as it can overheat, start a fire or otherwise damage your electrical systems). A good rule of thumb is to follow the ratings precisely.

Connecting to shore power is highly convenient because it frees you from the need to draw from your RV battery (unless you have a generator in which case that might be a moot point). However, once you’re hooked up to an external power source, you need to be very wary of a specific threat to your RV’s electrical system that is more common than many would like to admit: power surges.

Starting Out: What is an Electrical Surge?

Electrical supply is measured primarily according to two metrics, voltage, and current. Current is a measurement of how much electricity is flowing through a circuit for a given unit of time. Voltage is slightly more complex and is treated as the product of current multiplied by resistance. Resistance is a measurement of how much the circuit “pushes back” on the flow of electricity and therefore voltage is a large indicator of how much (for lack of a better term) electricity a circuit can handle safely. This is why appliances and electrical cables have voltage ratings.

Most shore connections are rated to 120 volts, and for that reason, many appliances are rated for 120 volt systems. Appliances are only rated to work properly (or safely) through a very narrow range of voltage ratings. Any change in the voltage rating, either up or down, can damage the appliance, result in a fire, or otherwise post a hazard to health and safety.

A power surge occurs whenever the supply of electricity to your RV spikes, and there are many different factors that can cause this. A power surge can be caused by a malfunction in a nearby transformer that regulates and controls the local voltage or it could be caused by utility companies manipulating the power supply on the grid, which can cause surges and dips in voltage. Power surges can also be the result of natural causes, such as lightning strikes or even interference with a power line, such as a tree limb coming in contact with it.

A surge can actually even be caused by usage inside of the RV. If you have appliances within the RV that draw a lot of power, if they are suddenly shut on or off, they can disrupt or divert the flow of electricity to other components on the system, which can be very damaging. Usually, these surges are comparatively small, but over time they can wear down your other electrical components.

Because many of the most powerful (and therefore the most damaging surges) are the result of unpredictable natural events, it is not practical to avoid them. You must secure protection against them because of the damage they can cause.

Similar to a power surge is a power dip, which is the opposite situation, in which the voltage periodically drops. Although it might make sense to assume that there are no risks associated with power dips, this is not the case. Dips in power, like surges, can be just as negatively impactful for the appliances in your RV.

The Problem with Power Surges

When you exceed the voltage capacity of an electrical appliance, such as what would happen during a power surge, you create a very negative set of circumstances for that appliance. Worse is the fact that power surges occur in the blink of an eye, so they are not something that can be predicted and avoided.

When there is a power surge and unprotected electrical appliances bear the brunt of that surge, the voltage increase inside the appliance can cause an arc across components. The extra energy from the arc is spent as heat which can be extremely damaging to electronics. For example, some electronics are controlled or managed via internal circuit boards that direct and control the flow of energy. When these overheat, they can “burn out,” which in a sense destroys them and renders the associated appliance inoperable.

Even if a surge doesn’t immediately incapacitate a device, over time, smaller surges to unprotected devices can slowly wear out and degrade their components. An electrical device like a TV that has been exposed to too many “small” power surges will eventually wear out and cease to function ahead of its time. Sometimes you can’t see the immediate damage caused by a surge, but overtime surges will shorten the length of electronics’ lifespans.

While smaller surges can damage, destroy or otherwise shorten the usable lifespans of electronics and other electrical appliances, extremely powerful surges can actually be much more destructive. Particularly powerful surges can even start fires, making surges not only a threat to your RV’s electrical infrastructure but also to the safety of you and your loved ones.

In order to protect against these adverse effects, a surge protector for an RV, or an EMS (electrical management system) provides even better, additional protection.

How Do Surge Protectors for RVs Work?

The most basic surge protectors for RVs are themselves fairly simple electrical appliances that serve a few simple functions. The basic and central function of a surge protector for your RV is to serve as an interrupting force to divert or limit extra voltage in the event of a power surge or a spike (which is like a surge but does not last as long)

Surge protectors don’t all operate by exactly the same principle, to take a high-level approach to the protection they offer, they typically divert the excess voltage away from your RV. if the surge protector detects a spike or a surge in voltage, it will shunt the excess electrical potential away from your RV so that your appliances and electrical system do not suffer the damage.

Surge protectors for RVs are not the only way to provide your RV with electrical protection against power spikes and surges. A more comprehensive solution would be an electrical management system, or EMS, which does basically everything a surge protector does and provides additional protection when you connect your RV to an external power source.

An EMS, which will cost you more than a surge protector for your RV, and will provide you additional protection, against both high and low voltages. While the damage that can be caused by high voltage is apparent, the damage that can be caused by low voltage is not as apparent, and low voltage issues are more common than you might expect.

Whenever there is a strong demand on a local power supply, the voltage supplied to your RV can dip, causing your appliances to run on a lower voltage than they should. If this happens and you continuously run your appliances on a lower voltage, they will eventually fail, just as they would with prolonged exposure to spikes.

A surge protector for your RV or even an EMS might seem like a significant investment, but it’s well worth the protection if you ever experience a serious surge that knocks out your electrical system. Consider the cost of wiring issues, rewiring, or even the cost of a new air conditioner or fridge!

What Features to Look for in Surge Protectors for RVs

Now that you know a little more about power surges and why you need to afford protection to your RV, here are some features you should consider if you decide to go with a surge protector for your RV to protect against surges and spikes.

-       Accurately measure power pedestal levels - You’re only as accurate as the information at your disposal; your surge protector should indicate the level of power you’re drawing from the pedestal you’re hooked up to.

-       An LED display or indicator - Many surge protectors come with an LED display that will indicate conditions such as “Power On,” “Open Ground,” “No Power” and even power levels.

-       Portability in surge protectors is a bonus - Look for a model that not only provides adequate protection but is also lightweight and easy to install! There are plenty of portable units in our store.

-       Weather-resistant design and thermal protection - If your surge protector is going to be plugged in outside between the shore power connection and your RV, you might as well get a unit that is resistant to high temperatures as well as the weather - it’ll last longer.

-       High response time - Some surge protectors will kick in and provide protection in as little as five nanoseconds.

-       High and low voltage protection - Many surge protectors do not protect against low voltage, but some do, increasing their utility and overall value.

-       Automatic restart features - Some surge protectors automatically restore power once the surge has ended.

-       Look for a model that delivers alerts - Many surge protectors are compatible with apps like Power Watchdog that can deliver you updates via Bluetooth.

-       A high degree of surge protection - Since surges are unpredictable, the higher the protection a surge protector can offer you, the better.

Choosing a surge protector for your RV to help diagnose and prevent electrical issues is not a task that you should take lightly. The right purchase can make a big impact on the prolonged health and operability of your electrical system. It’s important to get a compatible unit that has the features you desire.

If you have any questions about any of our products, including our RV surge protectors, please feel free to reach out to us and we’ll help you make the best choice. You can reach us at 866-332-7881. Let us know more about your RV, what electrical protection it currently features, and we’ll help you pick the best surge protector for your unique situation.

Do You Need a Surge Protector for Your RV?

With all of the items that you need to remember to bring along on your average camping trip, or just to keep in the garage for maintenance when you’re in home port, it might seem like a surge protector for your RV is just another extra.

Well, to make very short of a long topic, there is a chance that it might be. However, there are some situations in which you really would not want to go without a surge protector. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what surge protectors do and how they can be valuable for you when you are out in camp.

How a Surge Protector Works 

You’re most likely already familiar with surge protectors as they are commonly used in domestic, household settings. They frequently take the form of a long power strip with a thick wire and a switch that you plug into an outlet, giving you the ability to plug in more than one device.

They don’t just allow you the convenience of “extra outlets,” though. A surge protector is also instrumental in protecting your electronic devices from surges in power, which can destroy them past repair.

All electronic devices are rated to operate safely within a specific range of electrical potential. In the United States, 120 volts is standard for most household appliances. If the electrical potential fed to the circuit exceeds 120 volts, then the circuit is experiencing a surge. Surges heat electronics, damage their circuitry, and in extreme cases can cause fires.

As for surge protectors themselves, there are quite a few different types of surge protectors available to consumers. Without getting into the physics of how they work, think of them as a switch that stands between the power source and your electronics. If the power source suddenly surges, the surge protector will cut off the supply to the electronic devices, thus sparing them damage. 

What Does a Surge Protector Provide for Your RV? 

As you may know, RVs contain their own electrical systems, and the real value of a surge protector for your RV comes when your RV is hooked up to a shore power supply at an RV park. Some camps provide you with electrical hookups for shore power so that you can draw power from the campsite without having to drain your RV’s battery or tax its onboard electrical system.

A surge protector for your RV does the same thing for your entire rig that a surge protector connected to an outlet does for your electronics. In this case, think of the outlet in the wall as the shore power connection, and your RV as the “big electronic device.”

Only in this case, the RV is a large electronic device that is not only much more valuable than domestic appliances but also a lot more susceptible to damage from a surge. If your RV experiences a surge from a shore power connection, it can damage or destroy many of the electrical components of your RV. Very bad surges can even start fires, putting you at greater risk.

An RV surge protector does the same thing described above. If the potential supplied to the RV spikes or even goes too low, the surge protector will shut off the power, sparing the RV’s electrical systems and components. Many RVs have either 30 amp or 50 amp service, so, to keep things simple, you’ll want to get a surge protector rated accordingly to your RV.

Surge protectors are not the only solution you can find out there to afford you a high level of protection against electrical surges, but they are the simplest to implement. You might also be interested in an Energy Management System or EMS for your RV, that will do much more than just protect your RV against high voltages. You can find some of these in our collection of surge protectors above, among user-friendly options with LCD displays and much more. If you have questions on the different types of surge protectors we offer and their differences from energy management systems, reach out to us! 

Get in Touch with Us 

If you’re looking for a surge protector to help safeguard your RV against electricity issues like surges, spikes, and dips in voltage, then take a look at our collection via the link above. We offer a lot of quality models that offer a high degree of electrical protection, and if you make a habit of hooking up to shore power, then it’s a good idea to use a surge protector.

If you’ve come here to learn more but want to know more than what we have provided in this article, don’t be shy about getting in touch with our team. We pride ourselves on customer service and that’s why we provide a number of different ways for you to get in touch with us at your convenience. You can reach us via a live chat while you are on our website. If it’s easier for you or you want to speak with a person, you can give us a call at 866-332-7881 anytime you need to learn more - give us a call, our team is always ready to help!

The Camco Power Defender Voltage Monitor Protects Your RV From High Voltages

When you are out camping, especially at a new campground that you haven't been to before, you want to be sure things are safe when you go to hook up your RV to a power pedestal. Electrical protection is crucial to avoiding potential accidents and problems, some of which can be severe if the proper precautions aren't taken. This blog has discussed the general benefits of RV surge protection before, because it is so important. Today I will be discussing the details of one protection product in particular, the Camco Power Defender Voltage Protector Monitor.

This voltage monitor can detect when incorrect voltage occurs and take appropriate action to protect you and your equipment from the problem. When the voltage goes beyond the safe range, power to the RV is disabled, returning once voltage falls back within safer levels. There is a delayed response when power returns, so as not to cause a sudden power surge for your electrical devices. Easy to use, it features hand grips on each end, making it easier to ensure that complete connections are made. They also help when it comes time to remove the device. 

Whether you own a 30 Amp or 50 Amp RV, the Camco Power Defender can keep things safer for you and anyone who may be traveling with you. It will help protect your equipment from damage, not only from high voltages, but also from reverse polarity. When it is initially plugged in to the power pedestal, the LED indicators on the device can inform you of the problem that is detected. Pedestals without power can also be detected by this voltage monitor.

Why You Should Consider RV Surge Protection

A powerful lightning strike in the grand canyon

Let's face it, the likely hood of your RV getting hit by lightning is pretty slim and not the main reason you should consider getting an RV surge protector.  Depending on the entry point of the lightning a surge protector may not even save many of those high end electronics.  Now it's not to say that you won't have a run in with mother nature, just ask Andy Baird (Zapped), but the reality is that the power you plug your RV into will pose a much bigger threat than lightning ever will.

Unreliable Campground Power

There are many reasons why you should approach a campgrounds power pedestal with caution. Plain and simple most smaller campgrounds just don't have the money to upgrade their infrastructure to handle the demands of today's power hungry RV's.  Combine that with sometimes inexperienced help do maintenance and a plugging in could end in disaster. That's why we always recommend the full featured RV surge protectors when customers ask for advice.  If you read Andy's blog you can see that if you do run into electrical issues, the expense and hassle to correct them far out ways the cost of a full featured surge protector. 

Full Protection

When we mention full protection, what exactly are we talking about?  So there are a number electrical issues that are just waiting to attack your RV, they include:

• High / low voltage protection: Whenever source power falls below 104 Volts, or rise above 132 volts the surge protector automatically shut down power to the RV. 
• Surge protection: This feature provides full surge protection.
• Reverse polarity protection: If source power is a reverse polarity condition, the system will not allow power to the RV.
• Open neutral protection: If the source has an open neutral condition the system will not allow power to the RV.
• Open ground protection: If source power has an open ground condition the system will not allow power to the RV.
• AC Frequency Protection: If source power frequency deviants +/- 9 hertz from 60 cycles per second the system will shut down power.
• Accidental 220V protection: If 220 volts are detected when plugging into source power the system will not allow power to the RV.

Eliminate Certain Repair Costs

Many RV's now have multiple televisions, DVD's and Blu-Ray players. They may also take a laptop computer with them or use smartphones that need to be plugged in to charge. In addition to these electronics, your refrigerator, air conditioner and lights all work on electricity when you are plugged in at a campground. If you don't use a surge protector, any of these elements could be damaged, needing repair or replacement.

Full featured RV surge protectors will keep your RV safe in the face of unreliable campground power, saving you from costly repairs or insurance deductibles. Protecting the electrical items in your RV will ensure everything works well when you need it and help you protect your investment.

If you are looking for quality RV surge protection, contact us. We are your source for all RV accessories.

On The Fence About Getting RV Surge Protection?

As an RV'er you spend a lot of time deciding what goes into your motorhome or camper.  You choose whether the 32" or 27" flat screen gets to travel along and if the microwave or toaster oven makes more sense for the trip.  You even decide if your husband or wife can come along :-)

So why allow someone else to have control over the electricity entering your RV?  
One of the risks of any campground is the quality of electricity provided.  There are many different factors that can influence the power flow including how many other RVs are plugged in, weather conditions, old wiring and more.  With surge protection, you have the ability to control the quality of electricity coming into your RV.

So What Exactly Does A Surge Protector Do?
Surge protectors will offer different features depending on what you are looking for but at the very basic level, they prevent voltage spikes from damaging your equipment.  A voltage spike is a very fast, short duration of electrical current or voltage to the electrical system.  Poorly maintained campground power outlets, lightning strikes or a mis-wired power pedestals can all cause uneven power flow to your RV.
Many upgraded surge protectors will also offer over/under voltage protection which is important in saving your equipment.  For example, on a hot day when everybody has their air conditioning on, the voltage can drop dangerously low and result in a brown out.  Anything above or below the UL standard of 102 to 132 volts is potentially harmful.  

What Should I Look For When Buying A Surge Protector?
The choice of features and different protection options will depend on what makes sense for your RV, the campgrounds you go to and your own personal taste.  Here are a few of the many features offered:

• Portable or Hardwire:  Would you rather have your surge protector built into your RV or would you rather plug it in every time?
• Protection Rating:  This will be measured in Joules, which is a unit for energy.  The higher the number, the bigger the spike it can safely handle.
• Unit Size:  Here you are looking at Amp rating which corresponds to the type of power when plugging in your RV.

Here is a list of the RV surge protectors that we offer.  We hope you liked our guide!  If you have further questions, comments or need help making a purchase, please let us know!

At RVupgrades.com, we know RV Surge Protection, and can help you choose exactly the right one for your RV.  Feel free to contact us any time for more information.