What is a Surge Protector?

A surge protector is a device that protects electrical equipment from voltage spikes and power surges. It works by diverting excess voltage to the ground and preventing it from reaching your appliances. Surge protectors are especially important for RVs because they are more susceptible to voltage problems due to the often unpredictable nature of campground electrical systems.

Reasons Why Every RVer Needs a Surge Protector

1. Protects RV Electrical System: A surge protector safeguards your RV's electrical system by regulating the voltage and preventing spikes that can cause damage.
2. Prevents Damage from Power Surges: Power surges can cause significant damage to your appliances, electronics, and other electrical equipment, resulting in costly repairs.
3. Provides Ground Fault Protection: A surge protector can detect ground faults and prevent electric shock by shutting off the power supply.
4. Protects Electronics and Appliances: With sensitive electronics and appliances in your RV, surge protectors provide an additional layer of protection from electrical damage.
5. Essential for Boondocking and Dry Camping: When camping off the grid, power sources can be unpredictable, making a surge protector an essential item for protecting your RV's electrical system.
6. Reduces Risk of Electrical Fires: Electrical fires can be devastating and dangerous, but a surge protector can help prevent them by regulating voltage and preventing power surges.
7. Ensures Safe Electricity at Campgrounds: Campground electrical systems can be unpredictable, and a surge protector can ensure that the electricity you're using is safe and regulated.
8. Inexpensive Compared to Cost of Repairs: The cost of a surge protector is a small price to pay compared to the potentially significant costs of repairing or replacing damaged appliances and electrical systems.
9. Easy to Install and Use: Surge protectors are easy to install and use, requiring only a few simple steps to get up and running.
10. Peace of Mind While on the Road: Knowing that your RV's electrical system and appliances are protected provides peace of mind while traveling on the road.

Types of Surge Protectors:

There are two main types of surge protectors: Portable and Hardwired.

• Portable surge protectors plug into the campground electrical pedestal and connect to your RV's power cord.
• Hardwired surge protectors are installed directly into your RV's electrical system and provide more permanent protection.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Surge Protector:

• Joule rating: This is the amount of energy a surge protector can absorb before it fails. A higher joule rating means better protection.
• Number of outlets: This is how many devices you can plug into the surge protector at once.
• Form factor: Surge protectors come in a variety of form factors, including tower, strip, and wall-wart. Choose the form factor that best suits your needs.
• Features: Some surge protectors have additional features, such as USB ports, surge indicator lights, and EMI/RFI filters. Consider which features are important to you.
• Price: Surge protectors range in price from a few dollars to over $100. Choose a surge protector that fits your budget.

actors to consider when choosing a surge protector: