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Old 08-23-2011, 04:55 AM   #1
campboy
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Surge protectors

Have been looking at surge protectors, some of our club members use the Smartsurge which is the best price for a 30 amp but but lacks many features (naturaly). The new Highways magazine has a article about same and I noticed that none of the portable units are UL listed, which is odd these days. Would sure like some input on this matter.
thanks dave
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Old 08-23-2011, 12:36 PM   #2
Bob Landry
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Power surges are only one of the power issues that can result in some expensive repairs. I personally think that if you don't want to spend the $$$ for a device that's going to protect your electronics against most of what can happen at a power pedestal, just put the money in your repairs account and go camping.

Don't forget, magazine articles and reviews are often little more than paid advertising.
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Old 08-23-2011, 01:36 PM   #3
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They're an insurance policy. The one I use has a time delay, so if you get a quick loss of power which comes right back the delay will allow the AC compressor to stabilize before restarting. Cost of surge guard approx 350, cost of new AC 700 to 800. For me cheap insurance, just like extended warranties.
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Old 08-23-2011, 02:02 PM   #4
campboy
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surge protectors

I think my point was missed. I am not cheap. It was an example of what I have seen and was concerned about the lack of the UL listing on an electrical device.
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Old 08-23-2011, 03:42 PM   #5
jq1031
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Try www.rvupgradestore.com, they have a 30 AMP surge protector for $78 and $99 for 50 AMP. It's basic equiptment but does the job.
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Old 08-23-2011, 07:14 PM   #6
WaitingToRetire
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Quote:
Originally Posted by campboy View Post
Have been looking at surge protectors, some of our club members use the Smartsurge which is the best price for a 30 amp but but lacks many features (naturaly). The new Highways magazine has a article about same and I noticed that none of the portable units are UL listed, which is odd these days. Would sure like some input on this matter.
thanks dave
Well, that doesn't sound right. Maybe the mag just forgot to list the UL on the portables? Can you go somewhere and look at the actual unit? Or cruise over to the Progressive website and take a gander there. 919-462-8280 is their phone number. Call and ask them if it is, and if not, why?

Nevertheless, these seem like a pretty popular model; given that more than a few are in use, we haven't really heard of a rash of RVs burning up because of faulty units. They seem like a quality device and I know several who are satisfied with others in their product line. If I got a satisfactory answer when I called them and talked to them, UL certification in this instance wouldn't stop me from using this product.

My thoughts.
Chad
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Old 08-24-2011, 08:22 AM   #7
campboy
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Surge Protectors

Chad, thanks for the thoughtful response.
Makes sense.
dave
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Old 08-24-2011, 12:43 PM   #8
jq1031
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Quote:
Originally Posted by campboy View Post
Have been looking at surge protectors, some of our club members use the Smartsurge which is the best price for a 30 amp but but lacks many features (naturaly). The new Highways magazine has a article about same and I noticed that none of the portable units are UL listed, which is odd these days. Would sure like some input on this matter.
thanks dave
Dave, another thought regarding a portable SP. They are easy targets for someone to steal. The expensive ones are always chained to something as they will disappear if not protected. The portable ones are almost impossible to secure so the less you spend the better off you'll be if it walks. I cought someone in the act a few years ago as my neighbors dog started barking just before the lights went out & I looked out & saw the thief (who ran). The less you spend the better! Just my opinion!
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