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
- Control From Anywhere: Turn electronics on or off from anywhere with your smartphone using the Kasa app (Compatible w/ Android & iOS)
- Voice Control works with amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Microsoft Cortana supported devices for a hands free experience; Operating Temperature: 0 ºC to 40 ºC (32°F to 104°F). Operating Humidity: 5 percent to 90 percent RH, Non condensing
- Flexible Control: UL Certfied to switch upto 15A, for flexible control of a wide range of plug in devices
- Kasa scenes & schedules: Schedule the Smart plug to automatically switch on and off when away or set a scene for controlling many devices with a single button
- Note: Requires a secured 2.4 gigahertz wifi network connection
- 【Multi-function USB Wall Outlet】: 3 USB fast charging ports(1 USB C Port), 3-sided Power Strip, with 6 Adapter Spaced Outlets, and LED night light around the edges. Taking the place of a standard socket, but instead offering you many more plugs. Can be used in any room or public areas indoor. Save space with unique 3D design.NOTE: The UCB-C port doesn't support any other devices which need 14~22V charging voltage.
- 【Wide Space Outlets】: 6 AC outlets built-in 1680 Joules surge protector with 2.1 inches long space in between, larger than standard 1.5-inch socket. Larger spacing makes it easier to use for all kinds of equipment. 3 Smart USB ports (Total 3.4A) can charge your smart device quickly.Ideal room/home/bedroom decor
- 【Smart Night Light】- With Dusk-To-Dawn Sensor, automatically turns on only when ambient lighting becomes insufficient. With touch sensor, three levels of adjustable brightness let you choose the right amount of light for your own needs. You could also choose to turn on/off the nightlight manually.The night light is soft, warm and comfortable, great for bedroom, bathroom, nursery, hallway, kitchen and more
- 【Reliable Surge Protector Circuit】: POWRUI 3 level complementary Surge Protector Circuit which composed of TVS, MOV (metal oxide varistor), GDT (gas discharge tube), with minimum 1680J energy absorbing capacity, could protect your devices much more quickly and reliably than other brand's 1 level MOV(metal oxide varistor) Surge Protection Circuits.
- 【POWRUI After Sale Service】: ETL Certified, Our friendly and reliable customer service will respond to you within 24 hours. You can purchase with confidence, with our 30-day return and 12-month replacement .
- 【 Multi Function USB Outlet】- Securing onto the wall design. Fit duplex outlet perfectly, just plug in to use. You get 5 AC outlet splitter (3 sides) with wide space in between; 4 USB charger ports; using the screw at the middle to secure it onto the wall for duplex outlet, so it is not pulled out when pulling the plugged in devices and loss power. Note: this works on duplex outlet only, other types of outlet like GFCI outlet cannot be secured onto the wall.
- 【The Groove Design on The Back and Wide space 】- 5 AC outlets with 2.1 inches long space in between, larger than standard 1.5-inch socket. Larger spacing makes it easier to use for all kinds of equipment. The groove at the back make it flush against the wall perfectly, good for all Duplex Receptacle Outlet. NOTE: This product can be used on wall outlet with space lager than 1 inches in between ,This product cannot be used on outlets with more than 2 set of parallel sockets
- 【 Smart Charge with USB A & USB C 】- 4 USB ports total 4.8 A, each USB A port features 5V/2.4A Max output. USB C charging port features 5V/3A MAX. Built in smart technology, detecting charging devices and deliver optimal charging speed automatically, compatible with Kindle and most USB devices. NOTE: The UCB-C port is not Quick Charger 3.0, doesn't support any other devices which need 9~22V charging voltage.
- 【 Reliable Surge Protector Circuit 】- 3 level complementary Surge Protector Circuit which composed of TVS, MOV (metal oxide varistor), GDT (gas discharge tube), with minimum 1680J energy absorbing capacity, could protect your devices much more quickly and reliably than other brand’s 1 level MOV(metal oxide varistor) Surge Protection Circuits.
- 【 Our After Sale Service 】- ETL Certified，Our friendly and reliable customer service will respond to you within 24 hours. You can purchase with confidence, with our 30-day return and 12-month replacement .
- ✔ SUPER POWERFUL - Amazing strong, sturdy, and heavy-duty metal magnetic hook with a CNC machined steel base, embedded with a high grade latest generation of ‘magnetic king’ i.e. super Nd-Fe-B, this magnetic hook offers strong pulling force under steel. The magnetic hook is perfect for hanging items on the fridge in the kitchen.
- ✔ HIGH-LEVEL PLATING- We offer 3 layers of coating on the magnet hook metal base, metal hook, and magnet. It provides this magnetic hanger with a shiny, rust-free, and mirror-like finish. Coated magnetic hook particularly exhibits an excellent anti-corrosive properties and scratch resistance. Maintenance-free, no rust!
- ✔ CRUISE ESSENTIALS –After performing a careful inspection of the magnetic hooks machining flow line, defective pieces were checked and picked out in the first place. You can take these excellent magnetic hooks to the cruise for hanging and decorations on the metal wall or metal door in the cruise cabins of your carnival cruise ship. This strong magnet hook is a cruise necessity and one of the cruise accessories must-haves.
- ✔ VERSATILE USE- Neosmuk’s strong neodymium magnetic hooks were endowed with a strong capability for holding various items wherever there is iron or steel. This magnet hook is a perfect magnetic key holder. You can also hang your tools next to the toolbox with this magnetic hook. Our magnetic hooks are great for grill, pot, cup, utensils, and oven.
- ✔ Neosmuk Permanent magnetic hook, strong magnetism lasts forever!
- Multi-functional Outlet Splitter: This Multi Plug Outlet Extender can turn 2 into 5, plus 4 USB Ports; 1680 joules surge protector protect electronics by improving your power quality. Wall plug design, No messy power cable, No desktop space occupation, Perfect solution for dorm room, bedside.
- Smart USB Wall Charger: 5V 4.2A shared rating; USB A port up to 2.4A, USB C port up to 3A MAX. This USB wall charger can detect charged devices and deliver charging speed, compatible with cell phone, camera, laptops, power bank and more USB devices.
- Wall Mountable Design: Just plug the surge protector into a standard grounded duplex wall receptacle and if you want secure it on duplex outlet just need a screw driver to use the screw included then you don't need worry about falling off.
- Safety Guaranteed: With a built-in 1680J surge protector, our electrical multi-outlets with 3 complementary Surge Protection Circuits, TVS(transient voltage suppressor) MOV(metal oxide varistor) GDT(gas discharge tube) combined with fire-resistant casing(fire-resistant 1382℉)- keeping you and your devices completely safe. "Protected" indicator light on to show your devices are protected.
- After Sale Service: ETL Certified，Our friendly and reliable customer service will respond to you within 24 hours. You can purchase with confidence, with our 30-day return and 12-month replacement.
- A SCENT YOU'LL LOVE, BUT MOSQUITOES WILL HATE. Each bug repellent candle outdoor has a mild, plesant scent for us, but acts as a powerful repellent for mosquitoes, making these mosquito repellent outdoor candle a perfect outdoor mosquito repellent for patio, porch, yard and camping
- 35 HOUR BURN TIME. These 9.5 oz bug candles outdoor citronella will burn long enough to last many nights. Place these outdoor candles for bugs in your patio, porch, yard, balcony or around the campsite and enjoy not getting eaten up
- ALL NATURAL INGREDIENTS. Our citranella- mosquito candles outdoor contain only essential oils combined with a soy and beeswax mix. No DEET. No No Petroleum, No Palm Wax, No Parabens. Safe outdoor citronella candles for patio
- 5 PLANT BASED ESSENTIAL OILS. Most insect repellent candles for outdoor only contain citronella, and usually less than 2%. Ours contain 5%. Not only is that more than double, we also use a mix of citronella, rosemary, peppermint, lemongrass and cedarwood oil
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: LOVE IT OR YOUR MONEY BACK. If at any point you decide you are not completely satisfied, just drop us an email and we will refund 100% of the money. Our customer service team is here to help
- 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 brand’s 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 Package & No Other Cheap Things Added in Box. ZIKOPOMI pay all attention on product quality and safety! You will get what the best value paid for.
- Simple to use - start tracking in minutes | Email & text alerts | Geofencing
- Subscription Required. $6.99 a month (prepaid annual) or $12.99 a month (paid monthly) for hourly pings with options for 10-min and 1-min
- REST API | Webhooks | Unlimited cellular data | No contract | No activation or cancellation fees | SIM included
- Computer, Phone, or Tablet | Great for GPS tracking of assets, inventory, and vehicles | Compact Size
- Up to 18 months on a single charge | Change your ping rate to manage battery life | Rechargeable with a cell charger or USB cable
- Durable: Made of a high strength aluminum alloy and solid steel, makes Puroma key storage lock box strong enough to resist crushing, sawing and prying. Vinyl coated shackle can prevent being scratched, and shutter door can protect combination dials.
- Unique Design: The removable shackle is easy to be removed, you can hang it to a doorknob or mount it on the wall. It also is protected from dust, rust, sunlight, rain and snow with its removable rubber cover.
- Resettable Combination: Puroma secure key safe box provides you a 4-digit code with a total of 10,000 combinations for optimal protection. And it is convenient to reset your own combination. Note: You can’t close the key box with the wrong password.
- High Security: Provide keys to brokers, contractors, family members and tenants without placing the keys under the carpet or flower pot. The key keeper with numeric code can save you time and keep your keys safe.
- Wide Usage: Puroma key lock box is suit for indoor or outdoor key storage like doorknob, metal fence, vacation home etc. It is also convenient for cleaner, workmen, elderly, children, Airbnb and house rental to use.
- Converts Electrical Connection Type: Designed to allow you to hookup to your campground's power pedestal, adapting the electrical connection to fit your 30-amp RV.
- High Conductivity: Heavy-duty 50-amp male (NEMA 14-50P) and 30-amp female (NEMA TT-30R) electrical heads. Rated for 125 volts/3750 watts. Constructed with 100% copper, 10/3-gauge wires for superior conductivity.
- Flexible, Safe and Durable Construction: Dogbone adapter cord is extremely flexible. Coated with a heavy-duty flame retardant, heat-resistant PVC sheath that serves as protection from wear and tear, as well as outdoor elements.
- Hassle-Free PowerGrip Plug: The patented PowerGrip handle eliminates frustration by assisting users in safely and conveniently gripping, plugging, and unplugging the male and female ends without straining or damaging the adapter.
- 90-Degree Heads: Help reduce pressure and stress on the adapter and its connection.
- A Certified Product: Product is certified in Canada; includes a 12-month warranty.
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