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
- 【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.
- Desk power strip surge protector - ETL listed, this massive outlet expansion features 13 AC outlets and 4 usb charging ports(17w total usb output), which provide power and charging for up to 17 devices from a single wall outlet. Max. power: 1875w (125v~15a)
- 13 widely spaced AC outlets - Extra space in-between(38mm vs. 30mm on other power strips) can provide room for large plug adapters without blocking adjacent outlets. Easily plug in your PC, monitor, printer, TV, android box, echo & more
- Power strip flat plug - Made of 14AWG pure copper, the 5-foot extension cord is heavy-duty and has better current carrying capacity (15a). The low-profile space-saving 45° angled flat plug doesn’t block the bottom receptacle
- Wall mountable design - 4 screw-mounting tabs allow you to securely install this surge protector power strip in various applications, including the entertainment center, behind the TV, dorm room, guest room, garage, desktop, under desk/counters, workbenches, etc
- Safety assurance - It’s ETL listed, and made of the top-grade ul94 v-0 flame-retardant material. With 4000j surge protection, it safeguards your TV, computers, phones & office equipment from potentially damaging power disturbances, creating peace of mind
- Keep outdoor cord connection secure and protected. Large size (12.5 x 8.5 x 5 inch) and 6 cable entry ports, protect outdoor power strip, timer outlet plug, extension cord, large adapter.
- With the 4 clips, top lid, and rubber gaskets, this outdoor extension cord cover box is IP54 waterproof. Perfect to seal 12/14/16 gauge cord, braided cable and flat wire.
- Made with heavy-duty reinforced PP material to withstand rain, snow, water, dust, dirt and more, continuously protecting outdoor connections from electrical hazard.
- Easy to use, place the connection into the safety seal enclosure and clip the cord with the clamps. Simple to hang the box on any walls with the dual mounting holes.
- Ideal for a wide range of outdoor & indoor applications including lawn and garden power tools, Christmas holiday lighting, landscape decorations, pool pumps, fountains and more.
- QUICK SETUP AND COLLAPSE- Beech Lane's patent pending 20 ft RV sewer hose support deploys in a matter of seconds and packs away even faster with it's proprietary nesting design. Fits all 3" wide RV sewer hoses. Supports a 20' sewer hose length.
- PATENTED NESTING SUPPORT PACKS DOWN FOR SMALLER STORAGE SIZE THAN COMPETITION- Storage space is at a premium in your RV, this design doesn’t waste an inch of it. The patent pending links nest inside the larger support panels to reduce the storage size of this support, making it over 30% smaller when collapsed then competition.
- DESIGNED AND TESTED IN THE USA TO ENSURE PROPER HOSE DRAINAGE - American engineers prototyped, tested, and refined this patent pending RV sewer hose support to outperform the competition.
- DURABLE RUST PROOF NYLON HINGE PINS- Nylon hinge pins provide years of outdoor use with no risk of rust.
- STABILIZING CLIP ON ACCESSORY FEET ARE NOT INCLUDED BUT CAN BE PURCHASED SEPARATELY- The support is compatible with BL-202-2014 clip-on accessory feet that prevent the support from tipping in high winds and sloping grounds. Purchase separately if needed.
- BEECH LANE LIFETIME MANUFACTURER WARRANTY
- 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.
- Portable Surge Protection: The GEARGO 50A RV Surge Protector offers 9500 Joules of surge protection and features an adapter circuit analysis instrument to identify faulty power and detect connection errors.
- Circuit Analyzer: Prior to connecting your RV, use the 50A RV Circuit Analyzer Diagnostic Chart to test the quality of your power and identify most wiring faults, including Correct Wiring, Open Ground, Open Neutral, Reverse Polarity, hot/Ground Reversed, and No Power.
- Safety Features: The GEARGO RV Surge Protector is FCC tested and made of V-1 flame-retardant materials, with an IP68 waterproof design and protective cover to safeguard against rain, wind, and sandstorm.
- User-Friendly Design: The RV Surge Protector is designed for ease-of-use, with ergonomic power grip handles for safe and easy plug-and-unplug, and a right-angle male connector to minimize damage to your power source.
- 3-Year Warranty: GEARGO aim is to provide HIGH-QUALITY PRODUCT & COMPLAINT-FREE CUSTOMER SERVICE
- Maintain electronic safety - This 30 Amp RV Surge Protector by Progressive Industries is a real guard for your RV electronics. Its built-in Electrical Management System helps to protect your RV appliances against voltage fluctuations and power surges.
- Prevents costly damage - With a 30A/120V/3,600W rating, EMS-PT30X can absorb surges of up to 1,790 joules. This surge protector prevents severe and expensive damage to RV accessories and equipment attached to your motorized or towable RV.
- Powerful fault detection - As a 30 amp surge protector for RV, EMS-PT30X can protect against over/under voltage, open ground/neutral, reverse polarity, miswired pedestal, accidental 240V, and surge failure; as well as A/C frequency protection.
- For the outdoors - This heavy duty surge protector can withstand harsh conditions through its All Weather Shield assembly, integrated display, thermal protection, and tough Lexan housing. This unit is also usable during low-visibility situations.
- Proudly designed in the USA - Progressive Industries engineers and manufactures a wide range of high-quality electrical solutions designed for harsh environments. Protect your RV accessories and appliances from severe and costly damage today.
- 【9500 Joules】GEARGO Upgraded RV Surge Protector protects your RV by recognizing power failures and provides up to 9500 joules of surge protection. It protects your RV from high/low voltage and weather-related power surges
- 【30AMP RV Circuit Analyzer】 Using a surge protector before connecting the RV will verify that the power is wired correctly and that there are no problems with the power supply, and will also help detect most wiring fault problems. The surge protector will show these causes of faults: correct wiring, open ground, open neutral, reverse polarity, reverse heat/ground, and no power
- 【Safe and Reliable】 Flame-retardant materials, and IP68 waterproofing make the surge protector weatherproof, and the rugged enclosure reduces the risk of fires caused by circuit problems
- 【Easy to use】The plugs use ergonomic principles, the use of right-angle male plugs to achieve easy plugging and unplugging, the connection between the power supply and the interface is more convenient
- 【3-Year Warranty】 Geargo are committed to ensuring our customer experience by providing high-quality product and customer service. We have great confidence in our products and our three-year warranty is our sincerity!
- ✔ SURGE PROTECTION - Absorbs high-voltage spikes up to 2100 Joules and protects the RV electrical equipment from dangerous high/low voltage, electrical disturbances, and sudden power surges due to thunderstorms.
- ✔ CIRCUIT ANALYZER - 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 provides fault indication for the following wiring faults: Correct Wiring, Open Ground, Open Neutral, Reverse Polarity, Hot/Ground Reversed, No Power.
- ✔ ULTRA-SAFE EQUIPMENT - Carmtek 30 Amp RV Surge Protector is built from flame-retardant material making it extra safe to use. Specially designed for Outdoor Use the 30 Amp Surge Protector is Weather Resistant and Thermally Protected.
- ✔ 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.
- ✔ TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS - Surge Protection: 2100J, Ratings: 30A / 125V / 3750W / 50/60Hz, Plug Type: 30-Amp male (NEMA TT-30P) / 30-Amp female (NEMA TT-30R), Operating Temperatures: -35C to +110C.
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