Protect Your RV From Electrical Anomalies- RV EMS & CATV Surge Protector

While knowing these terms and a basic understanding of electricity are good things for all RVers, just protecting your rig’s electrical systems can go a long way toward not having to troubleshoot a problem while you’re camping, or worse.

There are basically three items that can help. First is an RV Energy Management System or EMS. Second, an RV surge protector, and third is a cable TV or CATV surge suppressor.

• An EMS is a sophisticated electronic device, which has the ability to monitor and determine the quality of the 120/240-volt AC current coming into your RV, and open the circuit if it finds one or more anomalies. These include under and over voltage concerns, brownout, or under-amperage, open or hot neutral, open or hot ground, or with a 50-amp system, an open leg. The system will also protect the RV from power surges up to a certain rating, which is different depending on the make and model.
• An RV surge protector is a simpler device. All it does is protect the RV from surges by tripping out when voltage surges. These are less expensive and can protect from more damaging surges, but not necessarily from other power problems.
• A CATV surge protector is a small device that is installed in the RG-6 cable coming into the RV, and is a fusible link that can reduce damage from a power surge.