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
- All the Power You Need: Features 12 AC outlets, 1 USB-C port, and 2 USB-A ports to give you everything you need to power up all of your appliances and mobile devices.
- Fast Charge Your iPhone: Use the 20W USB-C port to give your iPhone 13 a high-speed charge from 0-53% in just 30 minutes.
- 8-Point Safety System: Combines surge protection, fire resistance, overload protection, temperature control, and more to protect you and your devices.
- Optimized Layout: Designed with extra space between outlets to accommodate even the largest plugs.
- What You Get: Anker 351 Power Strip, 2 mounting screws, welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, lifetime* $200,000 connected equipment warranty, and friendly customer service.
- MULTI-OUTLET SURGE PROTECTOR LETS YOU CHARGE & POWER MULTIPLE DEVICES AT ONCE: Power everything on your desk with a single compact surge-protected extension cord. 12 AC outlets with surge protection charge your computer, laptop, phone, camera, and more.
- SAFEGUARD YOUR DEVICES & APPLIANCES WITH 3,940 JOULES OF PROTECTION: Extensive testing ensures your expensive computers, monitors, hard drives, home theaters, and other appliances are protected by 3,940 joules of overcurrent and overload protection.
- SAFETY LIGHT INDICATOR CONFIRMS YOUR DEVICES ARE PROTECTED: Wall-mountable surge protector power strip features a safety indicator light to ease your mind while charging, letting you know your devices are secure or know if your outlet needs adjusting.
- COMPACT & HEAVY-DUTY FOR LASTING USE ANYWHERE: Widely spaced outlets give ample area to fit big plugs and chargerS. Its slender design is ideal for home office, workstations, and more. The 2.4M cord has a 3-prong angle plug convenient for tight spaces.
- UL SAFETY CERTIFICATION VERIFIES THIS SURGE PROTECTOR MEETS SAFETY STANDARDS: This product has been independently lab tested and certified to meet or exceed UL safety standards.
- SUSTAINABLY MADE + 2-YEAR WARRANTY: Product housing is made with a minimum of 72% PCR material, durably designed with quality and the environment in mind; also backed by a 2-year limited warranty and protected by a $300,000 Connected Equipment Warranty.
- 【0.27in Ultra Thin Flat Plug】 The ultra-thin plug can perfectly fit your wall outlet and be hidden behind furniture to save more space than the usual plug.
- 【9-in-1 USB-C Power Strip】 All-in-one power strip provides 6 widely spaced outlets, 2 USB-A ports, and 1 USB-C port, charging 9 devices simultaneously.
- 【Compact for Travel】 The 3-Side design makes our power strip only 1/3 the size and mass of others. It's compact and lightweight as a travel essential.
- 【Overload Protection】 The built-in circuit breaker cuts the power off when it exceeds the rated power to prevent overcurrent and overheating.
- 【Wall Mount Power Strip】 There are two mounting holes on the back of the power strip, which can be used to easily install the power strip on the wall.
- 【Extension Cord with Multiple Outlets】 9 in 1 design, which can charge 9 devices at the same time. 6 AC outlets(15A/1875W Max) are separated without blocking each other, accept the standard N American 2 or 3 prong flat pin plug. Suitable for most appliances like phones, laptops, hairdryers and more. A must have accessories for college dorm room, home, office, bedroom, kitchen and etc.
- 【5 Ft Ultra Thin Flat Plug Extension Cord】With only 0.35 inch ultra thin plug and 45° right angle design, flat wall plug is much thinner than traditional plugs, and can be easily closed to the wall, hidden behind furniture, bed or refrigerator, saving space for your home. extension cord is made of pure copper, which has better current carrying capacity(15A). Not easy to deform, durable and more safety.
- 【Power Strip with USB C Fast Charging Ports】Added extra 2 USB C ports for your devices, the USB C port can charge up to 5V/3A. Suitable for phones and tablets, deeply loved by users. USB A ports can charge up to 5V/2.4A Max. all USB Ports Output is 5V/3A, 15W max which is 30% faster than other power strip.
- 【Cruise Accessories Must Haves & Travel Ready 】The slim cruise power strip with NO surge protection, it's absolutely a must have travel and cruise ship accessories as Cruise lines require that power strips DO NOT have Surge Protector. Compact and lightweight, easy to carry and best for travel.
- 【Multiple Safety Protection & After Service】We have FCC, RoHS, ETL certificates. The USB C power strip has overload protection, over-voltage protection, short circuit protection, over-current protection and overheat protection. Environmentally friendly fireproof PC shell with flame retardant at 1382℉ make it more durable and longer lifetime. HANYCONY worry-free 12-month warranty and friendly customer service.
- A COLLEGE DORM MUST HAVE: Our bedside shelf for bed is made of an Eco-Hard Recyclable Plastic. This CableCatch Model features a T-shaped cable catch organizer to hold multiple cables at one time, furniture grade finishes, and a 2.8" clamp. With a beautiful modern matte finish, this floating nightstand is the perfect dorm room essential for small space living.
- VERSATILE DESIGN OPTIONS: The BedShelfie bedside shelf comes in 7 stylish models, including the Minimalist (13.75 x 9.5''), Original (13.75 x 9.5'') , Essential bed caddy with cup holder (17 x 11.6''), and Plus (19.25 x 11.5''), which clamp or clip on bed frames with a rail. The Slide bedside shelf model is perfect for box spring beds and platform beds as an attachable under mattress table. The Plus hanging nightstand model is large enough to carry up a 16'' Macbook Pro Laptop!
- ORIGINAL, TRIED & TRUE DESIGN: Launched from Kickstarter and designed in Los Angeles, the Bedshelfie bedside shelf has been featured on top publications such as Apartment Therapy, BuzzFeed, and Real Simple. Our original bed shelfie bed shelf organizer table helps small space dwellers make the most out of their space, from those in tiny bedrooms to college students in need of a top bunk bedside table. It is the preferred choice for bed side organization and storage.
- EFFORTLESS NO-TOOL INSTALLATION: Our intuitive design eliminates the need for complex instruction manuals. The BedShelfie caddy tray is incredibly versatile, serving as a headboard shelf, sofa tray, changing table, or cord organizer. It is particularly popular with city dwellers, as one of dorm room essentials for college students, a room decor, a teen room nightstand or a kids side table. Safely holding up to 35lbs, this floating nightstand can hold a 13-inch MacBook, phone, water, and more!
- BUILT TO LAST FOR A LIFETIME: We stand behind every Bedshelfie bedside shelf we make, and our exceptional customer service is available for the life of your Bedshelfie. The Bedshelfie bed side table / night stand comes in Bamboo (Natural, Black, White, and Gray) and Eco-Hard Recyclable Plastic (Black and White) and is designed to last for years to come. Make the Bedshelfie bedside table a staple in your home.
- Portable RV Surge Protector: GEARGO RV Surge Protector 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 Protector 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 SERVICE. We provide 36 months warranty and after-sale customer service support to make you 100% satisfied. If you are not sure whether this is a 30A or 50A surge protector, please let us know!
- 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.
- 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.
- ELECTRONIC SAFETY MAINTAINED: Ensure the safety of your Progressive Industries surge protector electronics with the 50 Amp RV surge protector by Progressive Industries. Its RV electric surge protector management system shields appliances from voltage fluctuations and surges, providing peace of mind during your travels.
- COST-EFFECTIVE RV SURGE PROTECTOR: Rated at 50A/120-240V/12,000W, the EMS-PT50X can absorb surges up to 3,580 joules., safeguarding your RV accessories from costly damage.
- ROBUST FAULT DETECTION DEVICE: Equipped with advanced fault detection capabilities, including over/under voltage, reverse polarity, and surge failure. Trust in its comprehensive protection for your RV's electrical system.
- DESIGNED FOR RV OUTDOOR SURGE PROTECTOR USE: Built to withstand the RV outdoor surge protector environments, this heavy-duty surge protector features an All Weather Shield assembly, thermal protection, and durable Lexan housing. Its usability in low-visibility conditions ensures reliable performance wherever you travel.
- USA-ENGINEERED HIGH-QUALITY SURGE PROTECTOR: Manufactured by Progressive Industries in the USA, this surge protector W/ portable power strip & fault detection reflects a commitment to excellence and durability.
- ELECTRONIC SAFETY MAINTAINED: Ensure the safety of your Progressive Industries surge protector electronics with the 30 Amp RV surge protector by Progressive Industries. Its RV electric surge protector management system shields appliances from voltage fluctuations and surges, providing peace of mind during your travels.
- COST-EFFECTIVE RV SURGE PROTECTOR: Rated at 30A/120V/3,600W, the EMS-PT30X can absorb surges up to 1,790 joules, safeguarding your RV accessories from costly damage.
- ROBUST FAULT DETECTION DEVICE: Equipped with advanced fault detection capabilities, including over/under voltage, reverse polarity, and surge failure. Trust in its comprehensive protection for your RV's electrical system.
- DESIGNED FOR RV OUTDOOR SURGE PROTECTOR USE: Built to withstand the RV outdoor surge protector environments, this heavy-duty surge protector features an All Weather Shield assembly, thermal protection, and durable Lexan housing. Its usability in low-visibility conditions ensures reliable performance wherever you travel.
- USA-ENGINEERED HIGH-QUALITY SURGE PROTECTOR: Manufactured by Progressive Industries in the USA, this surge protector W/ portable power strip & fault detection reflects a commitment to excellence and durability.
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