Surge protectors

[Bill]

The topic of surge protectors comes up here on a regular basis. There are many opinions, but the fact of the matter is that there is a lot of hype and myth out there, and not much much in the way of real information (start with the fact that the term "surge" is undefined!)

On Saturday mornings, I always read the RVTravel newsletter. This week, their electrical guru has written a really good article on this topic. Besides talking about different kinds of "surges", he describes the devices known as surge protectors and what they can and cannot do (some of it is scary). He also describes the difference between surge protectors and voltage monitors. As you read, remember that although he uses one manufacturer's products as examples, these are not endorsements and there are other manufacturers out there.

I haven't yet received permission to copy this article (and I would de-commercialize it if I did), but it is a good read in its original location. If you have wondered about these things, check it out.

http://rvtravel.com/noshockzone/surge477.shtml

Bill

[Barb&Tim]

I looked into this a while back to determine my need for a voltage protection device. As i remember, seems that 50A users would seriously need it whereas the 30a/20a users -- not so much. So, I decided not to bother with it.

As far as surge protection -- IMO the absolute best protection is to disconnect power in a lighting storm.


Tim

[scrubjaysnest]

I'll second Tim, at the first hint of a lighting storm everything is shut down and unplugged including the DSL line to the modem.
At the pwoer plant I used to work at we spent many thousands of dollars in high tech and low tech surge protection. It didn't help the units would still trip off during a lighting storm it there was a strike anywhere on the property.

[Barb&Tim]

Hehe, well sometimes one cannot be fast enough. within seconds of my previous post above, a fast moving Tornado came plowing through my area about a mile away from us. Power went on/off about three times then out for 27 hours. Lucky again that i did not lose any electronic devices here -- luckier still that it was a mile away -- and my TM is undamaged

Tim

Glad you guys are OK.

[countrygirl]

Glad you and your TM are okay.

This is great infor posted by Bill and others. I have always wanted one of these surge protectors beause I am not always in my camper when a storm coms through. Most of the time we use it as a base camp and wind up only sleeping in it. It is still on my wish list.

[scrubjaysnest]

Glad to see the worst of that mess on the news missed you. We could actually get one of our 3 stations today so got a little news.....I so love digital tv