RV Surge Protectors – Best Review and Buying Guide for 2022
Staring at his newly purchased RV slowly engulfed and eaten away by a raging fire from afar, Gary was devastated.
Being a proud owner of the pre-owned recreation vehicle, he invested a lot of his money into refurnishing the camper with good quality and durable electrical equipment and appliances.
But getting a surge protector for his RV was the last thing on his mind.
Big mistake.
It was a stormy night and Gary and his family were out camping near a lightning-prone area.
As the rain was too heavy and with thunders and flashes of lightning racing across the sky, Gary and his family decided to wait out at a nearby shelter facility.
25 minutes later, they saw quick and bright lightning whipping across the sky, chased by a deafening loud thunder.Â
A split moment later, they heard a very loud explosion.Â
Their RV which was parked 20 meters away, went up in flame.
Gary could not believe his luck.
How could it happen to him of all people??
Gary could have avoided the mishap had he invested in a surge protection device for his RV.Â
And all it takes was one damaging distant lightning bolt to burn away everything he owns.
Why take the risk?
Are RV Surge Protectors Really Worth Getting?
A surge protection device should be one of the most important things you should buy for your RV.
Without a doubt, you may have RV friends who have never experienced any power surge issues but anything could happen.
For example, even plugging in your RV power cord directly to the power pedestal at RV Parks or campgrounds is like playing Russian Roulette.Â
You will never know when or where you will come across one that has a faulty power grid nearby. The faulty grid could trigger a voltage spike and potentially cause detrimental damages to the electrical components and appliances inside your camper.
Below are some reasons why it is highly recommended to get a surge protector for your RV as soon as possible if you have not gotten it already.
4 Key Reasons Why You Should Invest in RV Surge Protectors
Lighting during bad weather – all it takes is a bolt of lightning and a huge power spike to have all of your prized electrical equipment, in-vehicle appliances, or even entertainment system fried.
Mis-wired shore power pedestal – it is inevitable that non-certified electricians are usually hired to wire up the power pedestals at the RV parks or campgrounds.
If one of those electricians doesn’t know what he is doing, all it takes is one mistake on his part to cause instant damages to all the electrical appliances or wiring inside your motor home.
Defective power pedestal at campgrounds – it is definitely not uncommon to chance upon power pedestals that have issues like no neutral, reverse polarity and no ground.
Such issues will again cause unexpected damages to the electrical equipment and built-in appliances inside your entire rig.
Poorly maintained power outlets – some of these power outlets which lack maintenance may cause under-voltage, over-voltage problems that cause your appliances to operate below or above their usual operating voltage allowance.
And when this happens, heat will inevitably build up and will obviously cause catastrophic damages to your RV and all connected electrical appliance within.
RV Surge Protectors – What Are the Real World Benefits You Can Expect?
Powerful Surge and Spikes Protection – whether you are constantly on the road or not, whenever a bad storm turns up, and distant lightning bolts strike, you will feel assured that your prized electrical systems and everyday appliances are well protected.
Mis-wired Pedestal Protection – as I mentioned earlier, it is not uncommon to see a miswired power pedestal setup by improperly trained electricians. Why take the chance when you do not have to?
Protection against Defective Power pedestal – poorly maintained RV parks and campgrounds can be found everywhere hence what are the chances that you will never get a problematic power source that could potentially fry your electrical systems.
‘Necessary Evil’ Investment – RV surge suppression devices are not cheap by any means, yet, it is an obvious choice when you think about how much money it could potentially save you during an unexpected power spike or plugging your RV into a defective power pedestal.
Peace of Mind – No more playing of Russian Roulette whenever you plug into a power pedestal at any campgrounds or RV parks.
Owning one of these RV surge protection units will put your mind at ease and allow you to focus on the more important things when you are out enjoying your outdoor adventures.
Most RV surge protectors are NOT going to provide much protection for your motor-home.
So what’s the core difference between a typical surge protection device and one that comes with a built-in electrical management system (EMS)?
Well, as obvious as it may be, a typically good surge protector protects against power surges, e.g. huge voltage spikes especially from lightning and some basic fault indicators. And that’s about it.
Such devices will NOT protect you from anything else like harmful effects from defective power pedestal (an open ground, open neutral or reverse polarity), miswiring, high and low voltages and so on.
On the other hand, RV surge protectors (Portable & Hardwired) that come built-in with EMS will provide your RV with features (depending on the brand and model you get) like:
- Over/Under Voltage Protection
- Reverse Polarity|Open Ground|Open Neutral Detection
- Reverse Polarity|Open Ground|Open Neutral Protection
- Accidental 240V Protection
- Miswired Pedestal Indication
- Surge Failure Indication
- A/C Frequency Protection
- and more
2022 Buying Guide for Best RV Surge Protectors
After filtering through many brands and models, our team has come out with only a small handful of surge protection models that are truly the best in the market.
Before we go into that, let’s show you our criteria for picking out RV surge protectors that offer the best protection for your RV.
- Built-in EMS functions [A Must-Have]
- Over/Under Voltage Protection [A Must-Have]
- Open Ground, Open Neutral & Reverse Polarity Detection, and Protection [A Must-Have]
- Accidental 240V Protection [A Must-Have]
- Miswired Pedestal Indication [A Must-Have]
- Surge Failure Indicator
- A/C Frequency Protection
- Time Delay [optional]
- Built-in Display [optional]
- Weather Resistant [optional]
- Locking Bracket [optional]
- UL Certified [optional]
- Surge Suppression Joules [Above 1790J]
Most importantly, RV surge protectors should not come with an exorbitant price.
The price range for RV surge protectors should ideally be between $350 to $500 which is considered a great investment. Think about how much it would otherwise cost you if you need to replace all the damaged electronic appliances and equipment inside your RV.
Below is a list of 5 RV surge protectors which consists of both Hardwired and Portable types.
All of them come with various EMS (Electrical Management System) features which are additional layers of protection that guard your motor-home against all sorts of nasty and harmful electrical conditions like what we mentioned above.
We Highly Recommend these 5 Best RV Surge Protectors
5 Best Recommended Models | Model Name | Joules Ratings | LCD Display? | Amp/Voltage | Warranty | Our Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Progressive Industries EMS-PT30X RV Surge Protector | 1790J | No | 30A | 120 Volts | Lifetime Warranty | Read Review |
 | Southwire Surge Guard 34950 RV Surge Protector | 4200J | Yes | 50A | 120/240 Volts | Limited Lifetime Warranty | Read Review |
 | Camco 55306 RV Surge Protector | 4200J | No | 50A | ? | 12 Months Warranty | Read Review |
 | Progressive Industries ‎EMS-HW50C | 3580J | No | 50A | 120/240V | Lifetime Warranty | Read Review |
 | Southwire Surge Guard 35550 RV Surge Protector | 3850J | No | 50A | 120/240V | Limited Lifetime Warranty | Read Review |
1Progressive Industries PT30X RV Surge Protector Review
If you are looking for an RV surge protector that has most, if not all, of the surge protection capabilities of all its competitors in the market, you definitely have to mark down EMS-PT30X from Progressive Industries on your shopping list.
This 1790 joules portable RV surge protection device not only protects your camper against electrical surges but is also able to shield against unexpected voltage fluctuations and incorrectly wired shore power which may severely damage the appliances and electronics inside your RV.
You will also be glad to know that EMS-PT30X comes with some enhanced design features like weather-resistant shield assembly, build-in scrolling digital display as well as a locking bracket that provides peace-of-mind security.
I especially like the rugged pull handle that makes it so much easier to detach the power plug from power posts.
If having robust housing is your thing, you will love the tough Lexan Housing that provides protection for the sensitive electronics inside EMS-PT30X.
This 30 Amp RV surge suppressor comes with a lifetime warranty and is definitely a worthy investment if the asking price does not break your bank.
And of course, if your RV utilizes 50 AMP electrical service, then you may want to consider EMS-PT50X which packs a whopping 3580J worth of surge suppression joules.
EMS-PT30X |
Specification Table |
| Dimensions | ‎18 x 6.25 x 5 inches |
| Net Weight | 4.2 pounds (1.9 kg) |
| LCD Display | No |
| Operating Temperatures | -40c to +105C |
| Amp/Voltage | 30A/120 Volts |
| Joule Ratings | 1790J |
| Response Time | Less than 1 nanosecond |
| Warranty | Lifetime Warranty |
- 1790 Joule Ratings
- Security Locking Bracket
- Weather-resistant Assembly
- Rugged Pull Handle
- Tough Lexan Housing
- 44,000A max current spike
- Less than 1 nanosecond response time
- Over/Under Voltage Protection
- Open Ground, Open Neutral & Reverse Polarity Detection and Protection
- Accidental 240V Protection
- Mis-wired Pedestal Indication
- Surge Failure Indicator
- A/C Frequency Protection
- Time Delay
- Built-in Scrolling Digital Display
- Display of Previous Error Code
- Lifetime Warranty
- The Lifetime Warranty does NOT include heat damage to the male plug or heat damage to the front receptacle
Progressive Industries EMS-PT30X Black Portable RV Surge Protector
- Surge Protection: 3-Mode / 1,790J / 44,000A. Ratings: 30A / 120V / 3,600W. Operating Temperatures: -40C to +105C
- Weather-Resistant/designed for Outdoor Use
- Security Locking Bracket
- Rugged Pull Handle, Tough Lexan Housing, All Weather Shield Assembly
- Lifetime Warranty (excludes All Weather Shield Assembly)
2Southwire Surge Guard 34950 RV Surge Protector Review
When it comes to manufacturing top-notch quality RV surge protectors, Surge Guard (from Southwire) is probably the only brand that is somewhat on par with that of Progressive Industries.
What is unique about Surge Guard 34950 is that it comes with a patent-pending open neutral protection at the RV end to help avoid hazardous touch voltages that may be present.
It also comes included with a new brighter LCD display which is a huge plus in our book, not to mention the commercial-grade brass receptacle.
Alternatively, do consider their 30 amps model if your RV comes with 30 amps electrical service.
Another impressive feature that I particularly like is that it will only take 10 seconds for this Surge Guard protection unit to analyze if there are any nasty electrical conditions from power pedestals out at campgrounds or RV parks.
Most importantly, Surge Guard 34950 also comes with a locking ring to deter away envy eyes and hands (theft).
This EMS surge protector comes with a limited lifetime warranty and you should seriously consider getting it if the price point is not a big deterrent for you.
Surge Guard34950 |
Specification Table |
| Dimensions | ‎23.38 x 5.63 x 5.63 inches |
| Net Weight | 5 pounds (2.26 kg) |
| LCD Display | Yes |
| Trip Time | 7 Seconds |
| Clamping Voltage | <300 VAC |
| Joule Ratings | 4200J |
| Operating Voltage | 120/240 Volts |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty |
- 4200 Joules Ratings
- Over/Under Voltage (Input)
- Open Neutral Protection (Input & RV Side)
- Protection Against Open Ground
- Over Heating Plug/Receptacle Protection
- Reverse Polarity Protection (Input)
- Surge Failure Indicator
- Miswired Pedestal Indication
- Time Delay at Power Up (10 Sec)
- Built-in LCD Display
- Source Power Connection Diagnostics
- Weather Resistant
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
- Maybe a tad heavier compared to other top brands
Southwire Surge Guard – Portable RV Surge Protector with LCD Display | 50A Black | Full Protection
- Continuously monitors and displays:
- Patent-pending RV side open neutral protection (50A only)
- Multi-mode surge suppression
- Automatic reset on power restoration
- Includes anti-theft lock ring on cord
- Commercial-grade brass receptacle
- Convenient Easy-T-Pull™Â plug handles
- Surge protection status LED indicator
3Camco 55306 Power Defender Voltage Surge Protector Review
Despite having a hefty price, this RV surge protector from Camco does come with lots of useful features and protection capabilities.
First off, I really like the Auto-Connect and Disconnect feature which is probably the most significant feature to have since the “life” of your RV depends on it whenever a powerful voltage current comes about.
The Disconnection feature kicks in whenever an abnormally strong voltage current is detected plus the Auto-connect feature will help resume the power source when the normal operational condition returns.
Similar to other top brands and models, this Camco surge protector, too, safeguards your RV against adverse conditions like faults for reverse polarity, wiring issues, and other potentially dangerous power conditions that may cause detrimental damage to your RV electronics and appliances.
These 4200 joules surge protection device for RV has the ability to withstand adverse weather conditions if it is installed in an upright position.
I must also note that Camco PowerGrip 55306 (50 amps) and Camco 55301 (30 amps) do come with a comfortable grip handle that makes plugging and unplugging quick and easy.
Is this RV surge protector worth the asking price?
If you do not have budget constraints, this Camco surge protector is definitely a good investment to have to protect your RV from many potentially hazardous conditions out there as you embark upon your daily outdoor adventures.
Camco 55306 |
Specification Table |
| Dimensions | ‎27.5 x 5.4 x 5.9 inches |
| Net Weight | 6.82 pounds (3.09 kg) |
| LCD Display | No |
| Trip Time | 8 – 10 seconds |
| Clamping Voltage | <300 VAC |
| Joule Ratings | 4200 J |
| Max. Spike Current | 6,500 Amps per MOV |
| Warranty | 12 months |
- 4200 Joules Ratings
- Protects against High (>132 VAC) and Low Voltage (<102 VAC) levels
- Automatic disconnection from dangerous voltage
- Automatic re-connection upon power stabilization
- Diagnostic lights for visual indication of faults like reverse polarity, open neutral and power pedestal wiring issues.
- Integrated surge protection
- Weather Resistant
- 12-month worry-free Warranty
- Camper plug may reach the ground when used on a low power pedestal
- It could be heavy at 3kg for some folks
Camco 50 Amp RV Power Defender Voltage Protector/Monitor with Integrated Surge Protection
- RV Electrical Protection: Protects your RV from dangerous high (>132 VAC) and low (<102 VAC) voltage levels as well as power surges
- Auto Connect/Disconnect Feature: Automatically disconnects from dangerous conditions and reconnects after normal operating conditions have been restored
- Diagnostic LEDs: Provide indication of faults when you connect your electrical cord to the power pedestal.Time Delay for Reset: 140 seconds
- Protects Against Wiring Issues: Protects against faults for reverse polarity, open neutral, and other wiring issues
- Integrated Surge Protection: Up to 4, 200 Joules
- 50-Amp: 50-Amp male (NEMA 14-50P)/50-Amp female (NEMA 14-50R)
- PowerGrip Handles: Contoured grips make plugging and unplugging easier
- Weather-Resistant: Withstands adverse weather conditions when installed in the upright position
4Progressive Industries EMS-HW50C RV Surge Protector Review
If you are like me, who is never looking forward to carrying portable electrical components with me wherever I go, this hardwired RV surge protector which is ultra-light in weight could be for you.
Installation of EMS-HW50C is a one-time effort – you can even do-it-yourself if you are technically trained.
It has all of the EMS features from all of its portable counterparts and best of all, it is not nearly as pricey. 🙂
What really sets it apart from its competitors is that this RV surge suppressor device is UL certified and it meets CSA standards (Canadian Standards Association).
What excites me is its remote display feature which means there is no need to get outside your RV just to read the digital displays during harsh weather conditions.
If you ever plug into a 240V power source unknowingly, you will be glad that EMS-HW50C have you protected.
This 3580 joules hardwired EMS device also comes with a 30 amps model and both models come with a lifetime warranty as well.
| ‎EMS-HW50C |
Specification Table |
| Dimensions | ‎4 x 9 x 5 inches |
| Net Weight | 2.49 pounds (1.12 kg) |
| LCD Display | No |
| Operating Temperatures | -40C to +105C |
| Amp/Voltage | 50A, 120/240V |
| Joule Ratings | 3580 Joules |
| Response Time | < 1 nanosecond |
| Warranty | Lifetime Warranty |
- 3580 Joules Ratings
- Over/Under Voltage Protection
- Open Ground, Open Neutral & Reverse Polarity Detection and Protection
- Accidental 240V Protection
- Mis-wired Pedestal Indication
- Surge Failure Indicator
- A/C Frequency Protection
- Adjustable Time Delay
- Remote Display of
- Display of Previous Error Code
- UL Certified
- Meets CSA Standards
- Lifetime Warranty
- Can be costly if you hire an electrician to help with the setup
Progressive Industries HW50C Hardwired EMS Surge & Electrical Protection
- Surge Protection: 5-Mode / 3,580J / 88,000A. Ratings: 50A / 120V/240V / 12,000W. Operating Temperatures: -40C to +105C. Includes 14′ Data Cable
- Open Ground, Open Neutral and Reverse Polarity detection and protection, Over/Under voltage Protection, Accidental 240V Protection and A/C Frequency Protection
- Miswired pedestal indication and surge failure indicator
- Remote Scrolling Digital Display scrolls continuously through the power source information
- UL Certified and Canadian Approved. Lifetime Warranty
5Southwire Surge Guard 35550 RV Surge Protector Review
If you are not a big fan of RV surge protectors for RV from Progressive Industries, fret not.
Southwire also has an equally powerful EMS feature-packed surge protector for your motor-home.
These 3850J 50 amps surge suppression unit provides round-the-clock protection against all sorts of harmful power sources before they have a chance to cause damages to any electrical appliances and equipment inside your RV.
Just like the models from Progressive Industries, having a hardwired unit within your RV coach will prevent potential damages from unexpected harsh weather conditions.
And since it is hardwired into your RV, this should provide you with peace of mind as it has no chance of being stolen during the night.
Do also note that Surge Guard 35550 is an upgraded version of its previous model 34560. And it also comes with a 30 amps 35530 model too.
| Surge Guard 35550 |
Specification Table |
| Dimensions | ‎12 x 6 x 4 inches |
| Net Weight | 5.5 pounds (2.49 kg) |
| LCD Display | No. |
| Trip Time | 8 – 10 seconds |
| Clamping Voltage | |
| Joule Ratings | 3850 J |
| Operating Voltage | 120/240 Volts |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty |
- 3850 Joules Ratings
- Over/Under Voltage (Input)
- Open Neutral Protection (Input)
- Protection against Open Ground
- Reverse Polarity Protection (Input)
- Surge Failure Indicator
- Miswired Pedestal Indication
- Time Delay at Power Up (128 Sec)
- Remote LCD Display (additional $100)
- UL Listed
- Source Power Connection Diagnostics
- Weather Resistant
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
- Do not have a Bypass feature like EMS-HW50C
- No LCD Display unlike Surge Guard 34950
Surge Guard 35550 50 Amp Hardwire Model
- Automatic reset on power restoration
- Multi-mode surge suppression
- 128 second reset delay protects A/C compressor
- 3850 Joules of power surge protection
- Easy installation
Should I get a Portable or Hardwired Surge Protection Device?
As you may already know, portable RV surge protectors are simply plug-and-play. And there is zero hassles although you will have to plug it into the park pedestal whenever you are.
There are absolutely no requirements for electrical skill and knowledge at all.
Whereas for hardwired type, you may have to either possess electrical skills or pay extra cash for someone to wire it into your RV for you.
And obviously, you would not run the risk of the surge protection device getting stolen.
Hence whichever you choose, it should all boil down to whether you are technically trained or you would rather get the portable ones and have it plugged in wherever you are.
Bottom Line – Which One Should I Really Get?
Progressive Industries and Surge Guard (Southwire) are two of the most popular brands in the U.S. and their customer service is really top-notch. Not to mention the lifetime warranty they provide for most of their products.
I personally would go for one from Progressive Industries if I really have to choose one.
Have you ever calculated the amount of cash you have to fork out should your entire RV get burnt up?
This should include all the expensive furnishings and electrical appliances inside your RV.Progressive Industries
The 5 best RV surge protectors recommended above could potentially save you lots of money when unnecessary damage to your RV is prevented.
What about those unknown 3rd party RV surge protectors you get from shopping malls? Well, they may be cheap but it may cause untold damages to your RV once your luck runs out.
