Southwire 34930 Surge Guard 30A Review 2023

RV Surge Protectors: What To Consider When Buying One

If you’re planning to purchase an RV surge protector, you need to consider several factors.

You may still need to do some further research before you choose one of the best RV surge protectors despite our review of a few of them.

Following are some pointers that can help narrow your search to the most relevant models if this is your situation.

Amp Rating

In order to choose a good protector, you need to know how much power your RV requires.

In general, 30A and 50A models are the most popular. In the event that you have multiple electrical appliances in your RV that may be used simultaneously, the higher amp protector will be less likely to overheat or cause other electrical power problems.

Joules Rating

Another important specification is the Joules rating. Your RV will be protected from more excessive surges if your joules rating is higher.

To avoid malfunctions, you should choose a protector with a high joule rating, since this will dissipate the heat and electricity more effectively.

LED/LCD Display

• Shore power should be monitored and reported with detail. Information will vary depending on the unit.
• Most models have an LED-based power source indicator that helps to determine whether it is safe to use that power source.
• Some go much further by displaying real-time current and amp draw, as well as indicating the nature of any current problems that may occur.
• Even surge protectors like the Watchdog reviewed above can provide information via a downloadable app that is downloaded to your mobile phone.
• Should the power go out, this protector will also send a text alert message.

Portable or Hardwire

Many RV owners prefer plug-and-play portable options because they are more convenient.

You can use an RV power supply (they are convenient, durable, weatherproof, and easy to setup) by connecting the shore power and RV power supply together.

It is necessary to fully install the hardwire units in the RV. In addition to providing better security (no more thefts or damage from bad weather), they often offer high levels of surge protection.

Of course, the drawback of these is that they require professional installation if your skillset does not match theirs.

Noise Emissions

Despite what you might think, some surge protectors are quite loud. In a quiet RV park or near a shore power outlet, the constant hum of the unit can be a nuisance at night.

You will have to read reviews to determine whether customers have reported any noise issues with the unit given that manufacturers do not specify the noise level.

Price Point

A good RV surge protector does not require you to spend a huge amount of money, as our budget pick above demonstrates.

It is important to purchase a unit that is safe for your RV and will meet your projected power consumption.

If you want a unit for a reasonable price, check the specification (and reviews) to ensure that you will not be disappointed.

My Southwire surge needs to be reset. How do I do it?

It is necessary to manually clear the fault by switching the unit ON/OFF/ON. Be sure that the incoming lines of the generator are at the correct voltage level. It can prevent your RV from overheating if it falls outside of the 100-135V range. The incoming voltage must be adjusted to within acceptable limits per the generator’s documentation.

The surge protector has reversed polarity. What does that mean?

While the hot and neutral are reversed, the voltage remains the same at 120 volts (more or less). A voltage meter can be charged between the neutral and ground terminals to determine if there is zero voltage.

When the polarity of an appliance is reversed, are they damaged?

When the polarity is reversed, some electronic devices and appliances may suffer damage. The electrical circuit on an appliance or electronic device with reverse polarity may cause damage. Due to this, an electric shock or overheating may occur.