RV Surge Protector VS EMS – Which is better?
When it comes to protecting your RV, which is better?
Both devices are intended for the protection against power surges it can’t handle, and both come in Portable and Hardwired solutions. They do have notable differences though and making sure you buy the right unit is essential. Otherwise, the cost to your possessions could rank in the thousands of dollars — and your insurance policy may not cover it.
RV Surge Protectors
When it comes to protecting your RV, which is better — RV Surge Protectors or RV Electronic Manage Systems (EMS)?
Both devices are intended for the protection against power surges it can’t handle, and both come in Portable and Hardwired solutions. They do have notable differences though, and making sure you buy the right unit is essential. Otherwise, the cost to your possessions could rank in the thousands of dollars — and your insurance policy may not cover it.
RV Power Systems — 30 Amp or 50 Amp?
Before we dig into it, it is worth mentioning that RV power systems come in both 30 Amp and 50 Amp varieties. No worries, though — there’s an easy way to tell them apart.
If the power plug for your RV has 4 prongs, it has a 50 Amp power system.
If the power plug has 3 prongs, however — it has a 30 Amp system.
The 30 Amp power plug may look familiar — dryer power plugs use the same design. Don’t be fooled though, plugging your RV into a dryer outlet will lead to disastrous consequences. They have different requirements, and it will likely cost you big bucks if you make this mistake.
Both RV Surge Protectors and RV Electronic Management Systems come in 30 Amp and 50 Amp varieties.
What is an RV Surge Protector?
An RV Surge Protector is a device that goes between your RV and a power source. It protects your RV against high voltage spikes and surges, as can be caused by lightning strikes.
Usually, RV Surge protectors come with user-friendly designs and are simple to operate even for beginners. Additionally, they often come either in the form of extension cables enabling easy access.
When you plug your RV into an external power source without a surge protector, you take a huge risk. A high voltage spike could fry your RV’s wiring, as well as any electronics, plugged up inside.
While some Surge Protectors do come with warning LEDs concerning various issues, they don’t do anything to stop these issues — so if the LED warning light stops functioning, your RV could be fried.
They don’t protect against everything, but they are affordably priced and should be the bare minimum you use to protect your RV. Check out the best RV surge protector reviews.
What is an RV Electronic Measurement System?
While very similar to RV Surge Protectors, an RV EMS is much broader in protection. This does push the price point up on these devices, as they have to be able to address more issues.
In addition to the High voltage surge protection offered by RV Surge Protectors, an RV EMS protects against the following:
- Power surges
- High voltage and low voltage
- Open Neutral Protection
- Open Ground Protection
- Accidental 220V Protection
- AC Frequency Protection
- Reverse Polarity Protection
Any one of these issues could destroy the wiring and electronics in your RV — but electronic management systems will protect you. While a Surge Protector may warn you about various issues with a power pedestal at a campground, it won’t prevent you from using that power.
An EMS is designed to cut off the power from the source, preventing damage to your RV.
Between the two, the EMS is the pricier option — but the protection it offers is worth it in every way.
Similarities between the two
Both are devices that come between your RV’s power systems. And they protect your RV’s power systems from high voltage power issues, which can save you money in the long run.
They both also come in portable and hard-wired varieties, which have their own advantages and disadvantages.
After that though, the similarities start to run out.
Differences between RV Surge Protectors and RV Electronic Management Systems
While they may seem like very similar devices, they’re more like an evolution of systems. RV Surge Protectors do protect your RV, it’s true — but only against a very limited route of damage.
Electronic Management Systems on the other hand, offer a much wider array of protection. They protect against low voltage issues, also known as brownouts, which can cause just as much damage as high voltage. And if the power source you plug into is unsafe for your RV, then the EMS will block the power right then and there — no worries.
The next difference is the price tag. A Surge Protector runs around $90 to $120 for a low priced portable one, while a portable EMS typically costs at least $250.
But the cost to rewire and replace all the electronics into your RV is likely to be even more expensive.
So, which should you choose?
We say EMS. While yes, the upfront price is heftier by not a small amount, it’s a small price to pay for protection.
An RV Surge Protector may protect you against lightning storms and other high voltage events — that’s not enough.
If too many people crowd a campground’s power systems, it can cause the voltage to run low. Not all surge protectors will protect against this. And since voltage can drop or surge at any time during use, just measuring beforehand won’t help you. And that’s not even mentioning the issues a power pedestal itself might suffer. Many campground pedestals aren’t maintained properly, and when they start having issues, it’s your recreational vehicle that suffers.
With the Coronavirus pandemic forcing people indoors, we see campgrounds into the future. Stick with an EMS for your recreational vehicle.
Portable vs Hard-Wired
Now that we’ve settled on EMS being the system that will better protect you — which option should you choose? They each have their advantages and disadvantages.
Portable EMS Pros
- Full protection from power-related issues
- No installation required
- Allows you to test power systems portably
- Many models come with built-in locking bracket
Portable EMS Cons
- Typically more expensive than hard-wired version
- More vulnerable to theft
Hard-Wired EMS Pros
- Usually cheaper than portable models
- Once installed, no more worrying
- Full protection from power related issues
- No worrying about theft
- Inside access for most models
Hard-Wired EMS Cons
- If you hire an installer, will cost extra
- You have to pull your RV up to a power pedestal to check it — no portability
Conclusion
To conclude, we think that a hard-wired EMS is the best case solution. While it may be a bit costlier with installation factored in, the simple fact remains that once it’s installed — you’re protected.
With the portable system, there’s always the small worry that it may be stolen, or that you might forget to plug it in before your RV. By removing this step, you’re doing the best you can feasibly do to protect your RV against power issues.
Either way, you decide to go through – we believe you should use an Electronic Management System over a Surge Protector. Better safe than sorry, especially with something so valuable.
RV EMS Management Systems
- Offers 6,100 Joules of advanced surge protection for your coach. It features advanced circuit analysis to shut off power in an emergency
- Wirelessly Monitor voltage, amperage, and wattage on your smartphone in real time using our free mobile app! Oldest and most reliable phone app in the business!
- Plug-n-Play ensures a minimal 4-second power-on analysis to determine if power conditions are safe, while other brands can take up to two minutes.
- Protect your applicances with a buil-in 90-second power-on delay after a fault is detected and resolved.
- Complete LED Park Power Diagnostics with wireless fault alerts ensure you are aware of any hazardous park power conditions.
- Portable RV Surge Protectors: GEARGO RV Surge Protectors are designed to identifies faulty power and offers 8000 Joules of surge protection. The adapter circuit analysis instrument is used to detect the connection error of the electric system with a grounded safety feature for your electronic equipment.
- Circuit Analyzer: This allows you to test the quality of your power before connecting your RV, by verifying if the power source is correctly wired and by helping detect most wiring faults. The 30A RV Circuit Analyzer Diagnostic Chart indicates the following faults: Correct Wiring, Open Ground, Open Neutral, Reverse Polarity, hot/Ground Reversed, and No Power.
- Safety Protection: FCC tested. V-1 flame-retardant materials and IP68 waterproof design make it extra safe to use. This Surge Protectors was designed with waterproof cover which protects the circuit from rain, wind, sandstorm. The sturdy cover is designed to reduce the risk of short circuit or fire.
- Easy to Use: The RV Surge Protector's plugs are designed with ergonomic power grip handles to safely and easily plug and unplug it, featuring a right-angle male connector to provide a reliable low-damage and low-bend interface with your power source.
- 3-Year Warranty: GEARGO aim is to provide HIGH-QUALITY PRODUCT & COMPLAINT-FREE CUSTOMER SERVI. If you are not sure whether this is a 30A or 50A surge protectors, please let us know!
- EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO BE PREPARED - Be ready to respond to emergencies with over 300 first aid supplies for CPR, airway management, bruises, bumps, sprains, trauma, bleeding, bandaging, broken bones, cuts, scrapes, wound cleansing, burns, and more. This kit also includes useful tools such as a safety hammer, multi-tool card, whistle, safety pins, and a first aid manual.
- DURABLE & WELL-ORGANIZED - Constructed from indestructible 900D polyester, this gear bag is durable and sturdy. It features 4 thick, hard-wearing compartments, 4 easy-access pockets, 20 elastic webbing loops, and high-quality zippers, ensuring safe storage for all kinds of first aid gear, medical equipment, trauma supplies, and other life-saving tools.
- HIGHLY VISIBLE & EASY TO CARRY - 6 reflective strips make the bag easily identifiable even in low light. The MOLLE system is compatible with the shoulder strap and snap buckle. And the adjustable padded shoulder strap frees up your hands. The thickened rubber handles on top make it easy to carry for various outdoor activities. This medical bag is ready for home and outdoors emergency use.
- ANYWHERE, ANYTIME BE READY - Designed for professional EMTs, this comprehensive and premium wound care kit fits seamlessly into your car, RV, ATV, yacht, boat, jeep, cruise, or truck. It's ideal for various settings such as home, restaurant, workplace, school, dorm, special events, warehouse, or rescue squads.
- WHO ARE WE - RHINO RESCUE is a professional pre-hospital first aid & IFAK supplier. Based on the concept of fast, efficient and scientific transfer of emergency care, we continuously improve and innovate our products, providing premium first aid supplies to worldwide front-line emergency medical personnel. In the EMS specialty, we are your professional partner. Recently, RHINO RESCUE first aid supplies' packagings are being updated. All of the new packages are printed with the rhino's unique R label. Please understand that you may possibly receive old or new packaging.
- Reliable Surge Protector Circuit: 3 level complementary Surge Protector Circuit which composed of TVS, MOV (metal oxide varistor), GDT (gas discharge tube), with minimum 2100J energy absorbing capacity, could protect your devices much more quickly and reliably than other 1 level MOV(metal oxide varistor) Surge Protection Circuits.
- Power Guard: Diagnostic LED, Open ground, Open neutral & reverse polarity detection, Miswired pedestal indication, Surge failure indicator. Designed for outdoor use, Weather resistant, All weather shield assembly.
- All Weather Resistant Design—— This Surge Protector was designed with waterproof cover which protects the circuit from rain, wind, sandstorm. The detail cover is a nice design to reduce risk of short circuit or fire
- Designed with Easy To Use Handles: Rugged Pull Handle, Locking Bracket, Tough Lexan Housing, Brighter 3-Color LED Indicators
- Best Value: Made of high quality rubber and pure copper material, the Surge Protector must be a great guard for your Rv. Eco-Friendly compact Package & Value itself. ZIKOPOMI pay all attention on product quality and safety! You will get what the best value paid for.
- RV SURGE PROTECTOR 50 AMP: Upgraded 12000 J RV surge protector can quickly identify faulty power supplies and protect rvs from over high and low voltage, grounding safety for the electrical system. Meanwhile, 50 amp surge protector can carry more electronic devices and high-power appliances, making it a must-have for RV campers
- PROTECTION CERTIFICATION: RV 50 amp surge protector has passed safety certification, extremely reliable. It minimizes the risk from lightning strikes, power surges, and sudden power surges. Protect your RV electrical equipment from damage--Provide RV Electrical Protection
- IP67 WATERPROOF: RV Surge Protector 50 amp is designed with flame-retardant materials and IP67 waterproof cover. RV power surge protector 50 amp protects circuits from extreme weather such as rain, wind, and sandstorms. Great camper accessories gifts for RV, travel trailers
- CUSTOMER CARE SERVICE: It is FCC tested and has a built-in circuit breaker to protect your RVs and campers. If you have any problems about the surge protector 50 amp surge protector for RV, please reach out to us at any time
- USER-FRIENDLY DESIGN: Using this camper surge protector 50 amp is very simple--plug and play. Additionally, the RV Voltage Protector’s plug is designed with an ergonomic power handle for plugging and unplugging safely and easily
- Upgraded 12000 J Protection: RV 50 amp surge protector has indicator lights to show power status and circuit analyzer that detects several wiring faults including open ground, open neutral, reverse polarity, hot/ground reverse, and no power
- Please note: this 50 Amp RV Surge Protector only works with 50amp charging stations, RVs, campers, and extension cords. If your devices only support 30amp, you can choose the 30amp model
New England Living Magazine
Fitness and Sports Products On Sale Now
Join Amazon Prime - Watch Thousands of Movies & TV Shows Anytime - Start Free Trial Now
Free World Mall
Country Weddings | Vermont Products | New England
We SHARE
the Best of
VERMONT
Shop Free World Mall
Today's Deals
Women's Perfect Tees - Buy 2, Save $20.
