Surge Guard Protection for Home and RV Back-up Power

Showing the surge guard I use with my backup Generator
surge guard 30amp amzn.to/3zxiyhv
surge guard 50amp amzn.to/3JObwK1
wireless monitor amzn.to/34v8UAz
50amp surge amzn.to/3G3PsJ7
bonding plug amzn.to/3zxvIev
surge guard lock amzn.to/3zAkaa4
RV Surge Protector 50 amp Kit amzn.to/3zvXwjn

[@FirstSuiGeneris]

I use a Southwire hardwire surge protector. I love mine, and it has saved me a couple of times. I also use a quick voltage protector for 110. I use two different models for 110v 15 amp by Yellow Hat, and 20 amp is by Appliance shield. Both also have under protection too! I have also used them on RV pedestals for 110. Got them on Amazon for 20 bucks gave or take.

[@jeffro5032]

@Gavin....... brother I learn so much watching your videos. You put things out there in Laymens terms , that even even someone like me can understand. Thank you!

[@GeneratorReviews]

Thanks Jeffro I appreciate you watching and subscribing 👍🏾💯

[@jeffro5032]

@@GeneratorReviews You bet Gavin!! Hey , I do have a quick question here. Do either of these big 50amp surge protectors , clean up the dirty power coming off a conventional generator? Maybe to help protect vulnerable electronics such as computers and so forth? I could go with a 9000W invertor generator , but I'd like to use a bigger 12,000 - 15,000W open frame generator , if I can make sure it's not going to fry my electronics inside my home. Was going to use a 50amp integrated plug into my main fuse box outside.

[@Tom-In-Ga]

I had no idea that Progressive made that little surge kit. My previous RV had the surge protector built in. My current one does not. Never liked those big external protectors but that little one is perfect. Think I'll get one. Thanks!

[@GeneratorReviews]

It’s a perfect fast option when I don’t have the big one around

[@joebrown9621]

Good stuff, i didn't even know they made them large enough for homes.. I've used fridge guard surge protector for years with high and low voltage protect plus 5 minute delay so the refrigerator compressor de-pressurises b4 restarts.. the newer variable speed compressor are so sensitive to voltage surges its definitely a good idea to use them

[@GeneratorReviews]

Thanks Joe. Yep With all the sensitive equipment that we have these are very important to have and you are correct about the variable compressors 👍🏾

[@allencar5212]

In some of your replies you mention the problem of connecting to a house system and needing a floating neutral for a generator (only having a single neutral bonding at the main service disconnect). You are correct in giving that warning. Why not just permently install an Eaton CHSPT2-Ultra Whole House Surge Protector (~$140 plus a 50amp 240V breaker) which also protects your house everyday from surges coming through the utility power? Since installing mine I have not lost any appliance controllers and before I lost 7 over 5 years. The Eaton handles a surge current of 108K amps without damage! Its diagnostics are limited to 2 LEDs which are lit when working properly. The Eaton and the Tripp Lite surge protectors for TV's and computers should protect my whole house when running on my Genmax GM9000iED.

[@GeneratorReviews]

Agreed that’s the best way to go with the whole house surge protector 👍🏾👌🏾💯

[@acort10]

@@GeneratorReviewsI have the Eaton whole home surge suppressor installed to a 50A breaker currently. Looking at generators would it be safe to use a standard non inverter generator due to their higher THD rating? I won’t be powering my central A/C but want my appliances protected if I use a non inverter generator. Otherwise I’ll bite the built on an inverter generator to power appliances, lights, fans and a window unit. This is just confusing if I have a home surge already will it protect from higher generator THD ratings.

[@kylezenklusen2041]

Great vid just subscribed!

[@GeneratorReviews]

Yessir!!! Thanks

[@pilot3016]

Thank You. Up here in the Redwoods, just outside of Crescent City, we were without power for over a week. Bought a 3500 inverter /Gen and was wondering if my delux 50 amp (Prog. Ind.) Surge protector was compatible or even necessary.

[@GeneratorReviews]

Oh, it’s nice having a surge protector just to be safe.

[@RobertJohnVenable]

Have you considered doing reviews or comparisons on other EMS systems? Like from Hughes Autoformers and/ or the EMS Units from Progressive industries? Is there a reason you choose your current EMS units over others?

[@GeneratorReviews]

I have the Hughes Autoformers I will review it

[@MrBritrider]

Great video I’m going to subscribe. What type of protector do you recommend for me? I’m running a Westinghouse Wgen9500 gas generator connected to a 10 Circuit Reliance manual transfer switch connected to a sub panel in my garage. Is there a way that I can install the protection into the transfer switch power outlet, in the transfer switch itself or into the sub panel? The main reason for my want is to protect circuit boards and LED bulbs throughout my home.

[@GeneratorReviews]

Sounds like you need a 30 amp surge protector for your transfer switch

[@dronecatalyst]

Hi, I was wondering which is better to use? Would it better to have a hard wired surge protector, or the dog bone style ones you showed here? I only ask because of the volt drop you’ll get across the wire, depending on how long of a cord you’re using.

[@GeneratorReviews]

Hi, I prefer the the one I use they can be use on my home and my RV, so no need to buy a second one. When you sell the Rv you get to keep your surge protector

[@scottme1962]

Would you review the new Active Controls LLC “soft start/surge protector”? I’m wondering about this versus using 2 different systems. TY

[@GeneratorReviews]

Yes I just communicated with them coming soon Thanks 🙏🏾

[@jayortiz8617]

Thx for the video! The Surge Protector with monitor 34951….can I use it with a bonded neutral generator (bonded to frame without GFCI protection - FIRMAN T07571)? If so, I assume I shouldn’t use the additional bonding plug since it’s not a floating neutral generator? Also - I loved your 30AMP video where you made your own monitoring cord. Will you be doing a 50AMP video showing you making that cord? Or, am I better off buying this 34951? I think I’m most interested in monitoring the amps on both legs for home backup generator use via an interlock setup as I’m assuming the generator won’t surge on me (maybe wishful thinking?). Thanks, again!

[@GeneratorReviews]

Hey Jay You won’t need the bonding plug since it’s bonded and yes it will work. I am making a 50 amp and 240v monitor video for the generator monitor but the wireless monitor is nice never having to go outside and check.

[@jayortiz8617]

@@GeneratorReviews 🙌🏼 Thx. I’m looking forward to that future video.

[@preachers4135]

Have you ever measured A.C. voltage at your generator receptacles? I recently learned that some inverter generators are putting out 60-65 V. AC on hot leg and the neutral leg. Connect test probes hot to neutral= 120 V. AC as usual. ***BUT*** Test hot to ground= 60-65 V. AC Test neutral to ground= 60-65 V. AC Whereas traditionally Hot to ground= 120 V. AC and Neutral to ground= 0.00 V. AC.

[@GeneratorReviews]

That’s why I always use a surge protector on my RV it won’t allow faulty wired generators to operate without checking if they are correct

[@spacecoastz4026]

So what do you recommend for home use using the 30 Amp four prong twist lock connection between the generator and house, using a interlock device to keep the main breaker off? I plan on getting an inverter generator rated around 5,000 to 7,000 running watts. Also I understand that when you use a generator to feed into the house wiring (with the main breaker off of course) the generator neutral should be floating (unbonded/open). Thanks.

[@GeneratorReviews]

When you connected to the home, you won’t need a surge protector, the fact that you going to a floating neutral that alone prevents it from working. The surge protector requires a bonded neutral

[@spacecoastz4026]

@@GeneratorReviews ok...thanks.

[@jonkjon]

Any issues with using a L14-30R adapter coming out of one of the 50amp surge guards?

[@GeneratorReviews]

I haven’t had any issue using an adapter with a 50 amp surge protector

[@walrusjax]

Excellent video! I am about to buy the Surge Guard 34951 (now has bluetooth to phone app too) for our new fifth wheel and I have a question. I've thought about buying one of those small surge progressive industries surge protectors so that if a surge happens, it fries the cheap one rather than the expensive one. What are your thoughts on that?

[@GeneratorReviews]

I would definitely recommend you getting something to protect your RV and your investment but those Bluetooth surge protector are so nice to have you see everything you’re running and keeps you from going over especially when you’re running two AC units, helps you monitor the load.

[@walrusjax]

Sorry, I wasn't clear on what I meant. I'm definitely getting the Surge Guard but should I plug that into the pedestal or plug it into a cheap surge only protector so if I get a bad surge, the cheap one fries and not the surge guard.

[@RBMxclusiveamazonreviews]

Great video! I just bought a Predator 9500 Gen/Inv for back up home power. 120/240 amp. What’s the best surge protector should I use?

[@GeneratorReviews]

I like this one amzn.to/3AAH0Bb

[@mikemccarthy6939]

So I can use this one on my house ???

[@randallpatrickc]

I just got a 9,000w non-inverter generator for whole home backup (including 4.5 ton a/c using the Micro-Air "ramp up" device). The a/c ran fine (the MicroAir reduced the startup surge from 104A to 48A) but two electronic devices I had plugged in were fried (Garage door opener and Rachio sprinkler controller). I assume this was due to the "dirty power" coming from the generator. Will one of these tidy up the dirty power pls?

[@GeneratorReviews]

Unfortunately you can’t convert modified sine wave into pure sine wave by using a surge protector. You’re actually really lucky the refrigerator and the AC control modules didn’t fry as well.

[@randallpatrickc]

@@GeneratorReviews oh my! How do peeps with those big Generac home backup systems get by? Are they inverter-generators? I wonder if I can run the chest freezer on a big UPS and not use the fridge? (Presume everything on the back of the battery backup UPS devices would be ok?)

[@randallpatrickc]

Then of course there’s the water heater and range.. seems like “whole home” is a misnomer? Spose I go round unplugging anything that has electronics that isn’t on a UPS in a power outage.. And what about the pool pump? Doh :-(

[@spacecoastz4026]

@@randallpatrickc Been using a dirty generator for years, but only power the refrigerators and a cheap TV. It destroyed my refrigerator brain and ice maker controls. Just recently purchased an inverter. I would never use a standard generator for expensive equipment.

[@Yamasseewarrior]

Can an RV surge protector be used on a electric ovens?

[@GeneratorReviews]

Yes it can if it is the 50a 120/240 model

[@scottguich6099]

If the generator needs to be floating neutral for home back up and it’s bonded in the panel. Would you still need the bonding plug on the generator for these to work properly?

[@GeneratorReviews]

Yes, the generator have to be bonded in order for the surge protector to work

[@scottguich6099]

@@GeneratorReviews So how do you get around the need for the floating neutral for home back up if the generator needs its own bond. Is the bond in the breaker box not sufficient?

[@TonyStark998]

I have Genmax 9000 dual fuel. I’m not sure which surge protector to go with. I plan to run the L14-30R plug to my homes 30amp manual transfer switch for back up home power. Which surge protector would be best and most simple with least adapters? Thank you for the videos I’ve learned a lot!

[@GeneratorReviews]

I’ve been testing the hues Autoformers power watchdog plus EPO 50 amp surge protector That have to be the best one out there right now

[@TonyStark998]

@@GeneratorReviews thanks for the reply Gavin. That’s the surge protector I was looking at but how would you connect it between the genmax and the home 30amp transfer switch since it comes with 50amp plugs? Would you get adapters to go from the genmax 30amp l14-30 to a 50amp to plug in the surge protector and then 50amp to l14-30 plug to run to the homes 30amp transfer switch?

[@spacecoastz4026]

@@TonyStark998 I have the same original question because I have the same setup. Did you find an answer to your question pertaining to a surge protector? Thanks.

[@spacecoastz4026]

@@TonyStark998 I got this message back from Gavin... When you connected to the home, you won’t need a surge protector, the fact that you going to a floating neutral that alone prevents it from working. The surge protector requires a bonded neutral

[@aholmes6612]

I have the Duromax 9000 with 120/240 volt 30 amp twist lock and 30 amp inlet box....would it be best to wire a whole house surge protector versus adapting a protector?

[@GeneratorReviews]

If you’re only going to use it on the home that would work installing a whole house surge protector but if you also have an RV, then the portable one works great.

[@aholmes6612]

@@GeneratorReviews thanks as always, Gavin. No RV, just home backup with my generator.

[@mikemccarthy6939]

Is there a max wattage you can use on surge guard

[@GeneratorReviews]

They are rated for 30 or 50 A

[@jeremytam8219]

Where do you get the 15amp surge protector?

[@GeneratorReviews]

I purchased most of these surge protectors on Amazon. I will try to update the links in the description.

[@mikemccarthy6939]

Can these surge protectors handle 240 volts put out from my generator

[@GeneratorReviews]

The 50 amp surge protectors will handle 240V

[@richardjones7882]

do these work like this emp protection plug. Generator / Inverter Protection - T.R.A.P.-AC (fits 120-volt AC plug),

[@GeneratorReviews]

Only the ones that say emp protection

[@richardjones7882]

@@GeneratorReviews Are you aware that the sun was yellow for thousands of years at a frequency of 7.83 hz,and now the sun is white sending in new light codes in thehundreds changing the shhuman resonance.It's activating our DNA,and chakras.It gave me covid like sysmptoms.I tested negative.Every time thsun has cme's solat flares,plasma,I get symptoms.I felt like I want to die in march of 2020. I know of millions of people who know about this. W are called starseeds.We are all over the internet.

[@ddisneyman8911]

Hi there. I'm about to buy a back up generator for my house. I've read how inverter generators are safer for electronics, but they're pricey and only go up to ~9500W. I want to get a larger 12K or 15K W generator, but it wouldn't be an inverter. Will the Surge Guard protect electronics in my home? And are surges the only concern with non-inverter generators? I'm also looking into installing a Siemens Boltsheild FSPD140 Level 2 Whole House Surge Protection Device Rated for 140,000 Amps, 120/240V into my outdoor electrical panel and a 50 amp power inlet box for a generator hook up. But I'm not sure if the Siemens device will protect my electronics from surges from a generator. Any thoughts on this approach?

[@GeneratorReviews]

Hey 👋🏽 Well you are correct about the inverter generator but I can help you find the right one for your needs. You should visit my website and contact me when you’re ready.

[@shawnbl2048]

Hey Gavin what you think about the Hughes Autoformers PWD30-EPO, 30 Amp Spike Power Watchdog,? I like the sureguard but it’s pricy

[@GeneratorReviews]

Very nice! I like the Smart surge protector, emergency power off feature, Bluetooth built-in, power analyzer it has the high and low voltage monitor and the 90 seconds delay time awesome unit Yep I like it has all the bells and whistles 👍🏾

[@shawnbl2048]

@@GeneratorReviews Thanks for the info. Great video content as always 👌

[@TheTdnorris]

Hello Gavin can you do a video showing hook up using this with portable generator to your actuall home. I have 30amp twist lock whole home hook up. This way is least expensive than a whole home surge protector

[@GeneratorReviews]

@@TheTdnorris yep it’s a lot cheaper and if you move it comes with you. I will!

[@sidneywhite749]

What would I use on my Westinghouse 7500 generator to control the THD which I read is 23%

[@GeneratorReviews]

It’s not a pure sine wave generator so it has THD

[@sidneywhite749]

@@GeneratorReviews is there an add on to control the THD

[@user-sf1lr8pv4h]

I don't have an RV, but I have a 240v 30 amp dryer in my home which one of these SPD will work to protect my equipment?

[@GeneratorReviews]

Anyone of the 50 A search protector will work for you as long as it’s 120V / 240V output

[@user-sf1lr8pv4h]

Thanks but why would you recommend a 50 amp spd over the 30 amp spd?@@GeneratorReviews

[@aholmes6612]

Does this take the place of a whole home surge protector?

[@GeneratorReviews]

No, it does not

[@chrismaxny4066]

I have a Duromax xp15000eh and was thinking of using a Pogressive ems-pt50x to protect against surges and low voltage between the house and generator. The gen has 12500 constant and 15000 peak watts. Will it work?

[@GeneratorReviews]

The only problem is in order to use the surge protector. You have to have bonded neutral, you need a floating neutral to connect to the house so the surge protector won’t work.

[@chrismaxny4066]

@@GeneratorReviews So if I plug the cord into the house first then to the surge protector then into the generator it wouldn't correct the problem?

[@chrismaxny4066]

@@GeneratorReviews So I decided to do a full scale test. I plugged the Progressive PT50X into the Duromax turned on the power and it read out normally with the E0 code which means everything is okay. I plugged it into the house still no problems. I turned on the circuits one at a time and it read out the frequency, volts and amps on lines 1 & 2 still no problem. I finally turned on a 5 ton Geo Heat Pump it started no problem. No computers, tv's, routers, modems, cable boxes, refrigerators, or printers fried! This generator has a THD of < 12% so the results surprised me as the expected destruction of sensitive electronics didn't occur. Ran the test for 30 minutes. I like the PT50X because it protects against low voltage and high voltage as well as frequency.

[@claudenormandeau9211]

How about lightning surge protection

[@GeneratorReviews]

If your generator got hit by lightning or the power pedestal, this would protect you from lightning strike.

[@mikemccarthy6939]

CAn you use this on my house standby generator plug in to My house

[@GeneratorReviews]

Yes, you can use it on your house for your standby generator. You just need a bonding plug if your generator is floating neutral.