Electrical Surge Protectors

[Bob Miller]

The best protections against RV power problems is an outlet checker (Home Depot <$7) and verifying that you have good connection. In more years of RV'ing than I care to remember, the most common problem I have encountered when hooking up is loose 15 amp outlets, some where the plug won't even stay in place. To counter that I carry a 15 to 30 amp adapter and always use the 30 amp outlet when it is available. The 20 amp breaker in my Intellipower panel still protects my rig. BTW: If you still have a molded plug on your power cable, if it even gets warm during use, it's time to change to a new "dead front" plug. Molded plugs are notorious for developing loose internal connections over time. Loose connections inside = heat and spikes.

[GeorgeR]

Originally Posted by Bob Miller

The best protections against RV power problems is an outlet checker (Home Depot <$7) and verifying that you have good connection. In more years of RV'ing than I care to remember, the most common problem I have encountered when hooking up is loose 15 amp outlets, some where the plug won't even stay in place. To counter that I carry a 15 to 30 amp adapter and always use the 30 amp outlet when it is available. The 20 amp breaker in my Intellipower panel still protects my rig. BTW: If you still have a molded plug on your power cable, if it even gets warm during use, it's time to change to a new "dead front" plug. Molded plugs are notorious for developing loose internal connections over time. Loose connections inside = heat and spikes.

I agree that checking what is within you control with outlet checker, loose wiring or bad extension cords is prudent. SPD helps with issues which are outside your control for example your neighbors have something wrong with their wiring sending spikes around or overall health of the campground power.
George.