Surge Protector VS EMS... WHAT DO I REALLY NEED!?!?! - Why Not RV: Episode 51

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

*How did I miss this all this time? This is great. Thank you Chris!* -JTRVN 🤓

[@WhyNotRV]

Yes sir. Thank you. I appreciate it.

[@KouzyFox]

I just got a travel trailer and your videos have been the most comprehesive. I appricate the quick-to-the-point videos and honesty.

[@WhyNotRV]

I really appreciate that! Thank you 😊

[@biglebowskee]

Great information. We've had our 5th for 11 years now and every time we are close to a lightning storm I cringe with every crack of thunder. I had planned on getting a surge protector but am thinking an EMS is the way to go. LoveYourRV has had a Progressive Industries EMS for many years and has never had problems with it. Thanks.

[@WhyNotRV]

Ya the progressive industries is probably the best on the market and the companies been around longer than most the new products you see pop up.

[@shufflerp3868]

Everyone needs full safety. All it takes is one time and you will not be happy. I recently purchased a Hughs Watchdog 50 amp. Covers surge, high voltage and low voltage and ground issues. Two nice features, one it has an app that you can monitor watt usage live and it alerts if there is a problem, the other is that the surge component can be replaced when used up for a lot less than having to buy a new unit like other protectors.

[@WhyNotRV]

Agreed. Thanks for watching! While I have no personal experience with the watchdog, I know it has a lot of positive reviews and compliments.

[@tonyjohughes8090]

Thanks for the info. I really didn't think about getting a surge protector until you walked over and talked to me. Thanks for the surge protector info and the protector.

[@WhyNotRV]

Absolutely!!! Happy to help!!!

[@gdan8259]

Thanks for sharing. Still happy with the Progressive Industries product?

[@WhyNotRV]

Oh ya absolutely! It’s the beast out there still and the company stands behind it

[@RVAmerica]

Good information! We bought our RV used and the previous owner threw in a Surge Guard* 30A - Full Protection Model 34830. It has saved us on one occasion on a miswired pedestal. When we upgrade, I will definitely look at the progressive industries hardwire EMS. Thanks for sharing. Danny and Lynn

[@WhyNotRV]

Awesome you got one that came with the rig. These things can be pretty pricey but worth every penny

[@HandiLuv]

This was a very helpful video!!! I’m a RV newbie so many things are new to me. I just purchased my very first travel trailer on 02/12/2022, so I haven’t even taken my first camping trip as of yet. I’ve done a few years of research before purchasing this RV and this is the VERY FIRST TIME I’m hearing of a EMS? I was well aware that I needed a good surge protection device but you have just educated me about a EMS devise. So I really thank you for posting this video for newbies like myself. Now I have one question 🙋🏾‍♂️. If I wanted to get a hardwired system installed in my travel trailer, where would I go to get something like that installed???

[@WhyNotRV]

Hey! Thanks for watching. I appreciate the comment. That’s the exact reason I started my channel. Help people learn more and make less mistakes while RVing. So again, thank you. Now as for your question. Most RV technicians should be able to do the job so just call around and ask. There are mobile techs as well as shops. Of course you pay a small premium for the mobile guys. But they should be able to give you a quote on the job. Unfortunately because I do everything myself I have no clue what they would charge. I would think whatever there labor charge is for maybe 2-3 hours. It’s relatively simple to do.

[@KouzyFox]

I agree lol first time of hearing EMS as well for a RV

[@TimLamb-mc4ne]

Very helpful video. My question is. Do I need a surge protector when I use my generator? Thanks for all your videos and help.

[@WhyNotRV]

A search protector alone is not needed when using your generator. However, an EMS device is still recommended if your generator begins to fail and outputs, a lower voltage or frequency that could cause damage to components you will have no idea and will be out of luck. An EMS will still protect you.

[@TimLamb-mc4ne]

Thanks for the speedy reply. 7:38

[@WhyNotRV]

Absolutely!!!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

*Man thank you for this. This is one of those things that always trips me up* _-Josh_

[@WhyNotRV]

Absolutely! Glad it helps!!!

[@jeremy80simmons]

We love Josh!

[@WhyNotRV]

He is the ginger wonder

[@stevemarzocco4983]

Trips you up; not necessarily a shocking comment, but certainly illuminating.

[@guy_in_shoes]

@@stevemarzocco4983 I was struck by a surge of joy when I read that electric comment of yours! I can’t stop buzzing!

[@joshhaas2410]

Great run down with a real life example Showing how important the EMS is. I’ll be adding one. Thanks!! Also, the portable version actually isn’t as good IMO because if you think about it, if the voltage goes to 110v at the pedestal, the cord length will have additional voltage loss from the pedestal to where it connects to the RV. With that in mind, it might be 104v at the RV and if the portable EMS low voltage cutoff is 108v it’s not going to shut down the power. If your appliance is being damaged at 104v the portable EMS is working as designed but you’re still causing damage. I like the idea of the EMS at the trailer after any voltage loss from the pedestal.

[@WhyNotRV]

Great point Josh. Ya the onboard built in is definitely the best protector

[@markmerrill5976]

Actually if your cords can drop that much voltage, you're using the wrong cords.

[@carlosmiguez1261]

Extremely helpful and well explained. Thanks

[@WhyNotRV]

Thank you. I appreciate it.

[@LightningLeif]

Do you have a video of the hardwire install? If not could you show how it installs?

[@WhyNotRV]

I did an install in my last rig in this video. EMS and Multiplus Install / Inverter and Converter upgrade / Battery bank upgrade - Why Not RV: Ep28 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHKqoomNrK1patk

[@trishaturnr-iw8hm]

Can I run a ems and a surge protector both together or is that a no no I have the Hughes auto transformer ,

[@WhyNotRV]

You can absolutely put them together if you want, but is literally just pure redundancy and not necessary. To my knowledge, the Hughes auto former already is a surge protector and acts as an EMS for several things. If I’m wrong about that, it’s just a surf protector then you can absolutely put an EMS before it to protect it and your camper.

[@edt1138]

Were you running the microwave and coffee maker during the low voltage event? If not you shouldn't have had an issue with a few voltage dips.

[@WhyNotRV]

No. This occurred overnight with those items not functioning.

[@swift4311]

I have generator but it doesn't have inverter and it's for home use not RV,what is your recommendation?

[@WhyNotRV]

A generator regardless of begin an inverter or not creates a clean circuit but not without potential failure. Still a good idea to use an EMS to protect against under or over voltage

[@petebusch9069]

How did the voltage drop kill your microwave or kuerig if they were not running? Or were they?

[@WhyNotRV]

They were not actively running, but they were in what you would call standby mode. Plugged in with power on. So when the voltage drops like that, it can easily fry a board that requires minimal and maximum voltage.

[@petebusch9069]

@@WhyNotRV I didn't know that, I thought it had to be running

[@Tanker_Wanker]

Thanks for the info 👌

[@WhyNotRV]

Absolutely! Thank you for watching!!!

[@atubeviewer4942]

Does it shut off if theres a problem? Do we reset it after we fixed the problem? Does it reset itself? Is it like a 1 use fuse, if it blocks electricity for some reason, is it blown for good and we need to get another one?

[@WhyNotRV]

Multiple questions here…. It will shut off if any of the factors are out of range. This prevents damage to your rv. After the problem is fixed (low voltage for example) it will automatically come back on. If there’s a surge and the EMS sacrifices itself the company will send you a new one.

[@atubeviewer4942]

@@WhyNotRV Free or you have to buy the replacement? All of them or the one you use?

[@WhyNotRV]

The progressive industries brand will replace their units free of charge if a surge occurs and the unit does its job

[@nancyl49915]

This is a dumb question, but here goes. If I get the Progressive portable EMS you list, do I need a 50 to 30 amp converter as well? I am reading that most EMS or circuit analyzers are not made to be used with dogbones? What to do if I need to convert from 50 to 30? Thanks! Great video, btw and I just joined your FB page. Newbie here with older (2011) class c.

[@WhyNotRV]

First question. Is your RV a 50 amp or 30 amp rig? If you are 50 amp and you out in a 50 amp EMS and use a 30 amp adapter to plug into shore or even down to 15 amp the EMS will still do its job no problem.

[@haroldoxley6556]

Can you use a power strip and extension cord combination from a generator

[@WhyNotRV]

Well, that has nothing to do with a surge protector or EMS device. If using a generator to power your rig you should just be using a dogbone adapter that goes from your rigs power (50 amp or 30 amp) to the largest available port on your generator (15 or 20 amp standard or an actual 30 amp outlet). That way your whole rig is powered through the generator, of course you have to watch your power consumption as to not overload the generator. Now to answer your question of “can you” sure you can… but “should you” probably not lol

[@Lsgriff]

All of this confuses me lol but my question is, and I hope it doesn’t sound too dumb, if I do the built in, do you still need one at the post? We have a new RV ordered and hopefully will be here in February. Our last RV all I have was a cheap surge protector and I know nothing, never unplugged the surge protector from the cord and when I sold it I couldn’t get them apart they had melted together. I finally did but it was a task. All appliances still worked though.

[@WhyNotRV]

The only dumb question is the one not asked. If you do the built in hardwire version you don’t need anything at the pedestal. Thanks for watching!

[@jericonavas6369]

Ha! I wanted to ask this too. Thanks!

[@juliep5156]

Sorry for the long post but I can’t find the answer anywhere. I’m trying to understand the difference in various units I see on Amazon. Hoping you can confirm if I’m understanding this right…As I understand, there are basic surge protectors that only protect against power surges. There are others labeled as “with circuit analyzer” that can detect low voltage, reverse polarity, open neutral, etc, etc. I want one that will cut the power if any of those things are detected. So do the “analyzers” do that?? Some descriptions explicitly say they cut the power but most don’t. On the ones that don’t say they cut power….does this mean it only checks (“analyzes”) for those issues when first plugged in, then beyond that only protect against surges?

[@WhyNotRV]

That’s a great question Julie. I can only speak on products I personally use and trust which is the progressive industries stuff. They cut power of any of the bad stuff is detected as well as have an amazing warranty and customer service. The question is hardwired vs portable. I LOVE having it hardwired for many reasons I won’t get into. But as for other brands. If it doesn’t say that it cuts power specifically but only analyzes/monitors power…. I wouldn’t risk it. Spend the right money up front and never have to spend it again.

[@kellilong8075]

Thanks for the info! We are about to make our first RV purchase and this is great to know. I've subscribed to your channel!

[@WhyNotRV]

Great to hear!! Glad I could help.

[@vincea4christ]

Brand new RVer here!! Do I need to use the surge protector when plugged in at home?

[@WhyNotRV]

You should ALWAYS have it plugged in. You can have electrical issues anywhere at anytime.

[@shufflerp3868]

You should if your whole home is not surge protected. I have a Generac 24kW generator on my home, With it comes a whole home surge suppressor. So in my case I no longer use my plug for my RV at home.

[@brunoc6407]

I'm a newbie as well and this video helped also. I'm going to be boondocking 100% of the time and getting Power from a duel fuel generator. So is an EMS system needed or will a regular surge protector be good enough? Thanks for any help you could provide.

[@WhyNotRV]

Personally I would say the EMS is preferred for a generator. It’s pretty rare a generator is going to cause a surge but it could have some kind of issue creating the proper frequency or voltage and damage things.

[@brunoc6407]

@@WhyNotRV thanks for the tip and quick response 👍

[@WhyNotRV]

Absolutely. Thank you for watching!!!

[@migmigjohnson6083]

Are RVs with their own inverters susceptible to the same problem, being that the electronics are not in the same circuit as shore power? I would think a surge fries the inverter first before it gets to the appliances.

[@WhyNotRV]

There are a lot of factors there. One, is the inverter to just certain plugs and appliances or is it the entire rig. Either way it’s a good idea

[@efrenmoran8098]

I just bought a 2022 Cherokee Alpha Wolf along with a Westinghouse I4500. I did purchase a POWSAF rv Surge Protector 30 amp . Will probably never see a full hook up site…mainly dry camping. In your opinion is the POWSAF good enough for what I’ll be doing?

[@WhyNotRV]

That’s great to hear. While I always recommend the EMS over everything else a surge protector is better than nothing.

[@plantyoutube661]

Lightning just hit my rig and fried all my devices. Im buying one of this now

[@WhyNotRV]

I’m sorry that happened. Hopefully you won’t have to experience that again but if you so you’ll be ready.

[@pineapplesmash6678]

Also wondering if my camper is a 30 amp does that mean I don't need any adapters

[@WhyNotRV]

It immediately means you need a 30 amp version EMS or surge protector.

[@pineapplesmash6678]

@@WhyNotRV can u use a 50 amp EMS on a 30 amp camper

[@WhyNotRV]

You can (with the 50amp male to 30amp female adapter) but it’s a more expensive device and is not necessary

[@pineapplesmash6678]

@@WhyNotRV thanks man u have helped me alot....might as well go with the cheaper one when it's not necessary

[@theresabrown9225]

Thanks for the great info! Newbie here. If the pedestal is 50 Amp and my TT is 30 Amp where do I attach the mobile EMS? Also, if I get an EMS installed will that void my warranty? The TT is only 3 weeks old and I have a year warranty. TIA!

[@WhyNotRV]

First off you need a 50amp male to 30 amp female adaptor. amzn.to/3jajxNe As far as the EMS and the warranty. To be honest I can’t say comfortably one way or the other. I would check with your manufacturer and maybe check with progressive dynamics

[@theresabrown9225]

@@WhyNotRV, so if I go with the mobile ems would I plug in the 50 Amp dogbone to the pedestal and then plug the ems to the 30 Amp side and then plug my rv into that?

[@WhyNotRV]

That is Exactly correct!

[@LaughingblueSu]

I don't know if my 2004 Cougar 5th wheel is 30 amp or 50 amp. I took the microwave out.

[@WhyNotRV]

4 prong or 3 prong plug?

[@pineapplesmash6678]

I'm a newbie RVer what do I have to have as far as anything for electrical hookups

[@WhyNotRV]

To answer you question I’ll say a few things. Number one, you don’t NEED anything but your power chord to hit the road. What you SHOULD get is at the least a Surge Protector but preferably an EMS to protect your rig. From there it’s “nice to have” a variety of adapters… depending on where you go, you will run into situations that you’ll want a 50amp male to 30amp female adapter, you will also want a 30 amp female to 15amp male. I believe one of my videos I talk about this stuff. It might be the episode saying something about 5 things to get… I don’t remember lol

[@pineapplesmash6678]

@@WhyNotRV I heard the progressive EMS is lifetime warranty...so everytime it burns up it won't cost u a dime more for the portable.....I know why u went with hard wired one so u don't have to worry about theft but if u leave take it with u

[@pineapplesmash6678]

@@WhyNotRV I've heard the watchdog is just as good as progressive one u have in your video....it's cool how u can Bluetooth the watchdog so u can see if some one steals u will lose power...lol which u will see on your phone...I see the 30 amp watchdog is only 144 not sure if that is EMS one or not

[@WhyNotRV]

I don’t have personal experience with the watchdog. Although I’ll say I have heard good things. I just love the progressive industries and I know from first hand experience they have AMAZING customer service and follow through with the warranty

[@pineapplesmash6678]

I've also heard from KZbinrs that when comparing the 2 they recommend the watchdog cause of the features and that u can replace the parts that go bad in them for like 39 bucks....and they also sd one big plus with the watchdog is that it sends power to the rig alot faster than the progressive one do u have that problem too takes a while before sends power to RV

[@robertreedyjr.1752]

ENJOYED THE VIDEO, GOOD INFORMATION!

[@WhyNotRV]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@0000Buloy0000]

If your rv have a circuit breaker do you still need surge protection?

[@WhyNotRV]

Absolutely yes. A circuit breaker does nothing beside cut power when the wire feeding it gets too hot, could be from high enough amperage, mechanical failure or a shorted out wire. Doesn’t protect against surges, low voltage, high voltage, low frequency, high frequency, reverse polarity, etc. an EMS is the best thing you can do to protect your rig.

[@0000Buloy0000]

@@WhyNotRV thanks for the reply 👍

[@WhyNotRV]

Anytime!

[@MrJusttalking2u]

If the power at the pole is 50 amp, and the coach is 30 amp, do I need a 50 amp internal EMS or a 30 amp internal EMS?

[@WhyNotRV]

You get the EMS for your rig. In this case 30 amp. You just use an adapter outside to reduce the plug from 50 to 30

[@paulbram2]

Does a multiplus also protect you from voltage irregularities?

[@WhyNotRV]

Hey Paul, great question. Yes, the multiplus is programmable to cut off power from the shore line if voltage drops below or pushes above a set limit.

[@frankram2303]

Great vid !!!

[@WhyNotRV]

Thanks Frank

[@cathyhann5599]

Where does this typically get installed in a fifth wheel?

[@WhyNotRV]

The hardwire version should be installed in between the incoming shore line power and the circuit panel. Depending on your rig and where you can access that cable will depend on where it’s installed. Typically behind the pass through storage wall. I have a video on when I installed mine if you look through the channel

[@cathyhann5599]

@@WhyNotRV thank you

[@WhyNotRV]

Absolutely no problem!!!

[@bobbarker6086]

Ems

[@WhyNotRV]

Exactly

[@yxstvoltageprotector9787]

hi

[@WhyNotRV]

You can email me at [e-mail] for any inquiries