Do you lock up your surge protector

[NeilV]

Another one here in the mount it in the electrical bay camp and in my case with the AutoFormer too. Don't have to worry about setting it up, exposing it to the weather or theft that way.

[nova 42qd]

I lock mine up. I have heard of them being stolen. Locks are to keep honest people honest. If its locked up someone is more likely to move on and take the one that isn't.

[DKDaniels]

so the power cable from outside goes to the autoformer then to the watchdog that connects to the rig correct? I have both but no room in my small bay so I'm thinking of cutting my cord and leave maybe 5 ft. so I can store and leave it in my bay. I was worried to leave the autoformer on its side but I see yours is. Not sure why they didn't include a surge protector in the autoformer.

Winnebago Dan 20J

[skitime]

Originally Posted by DKDaniels

so the power cable from outside goes to the autoformer then to the watchdog that connects to the rig correct? I have both but no room in my small bay so I'm thinking of cutting my cord and leave maybe 5 ft. so I can store and leave it in my bay. I was worried to leave the autoformer on its side but I see yours is. Not sure why they didn't include a surge protector in the autoformer.

Winnebago Dan 20J

Correct. The Autoformer is put inline first because the Watchdog Surge Protector has an automatic EPO ( Emergency Power Off ) The EPO will disconnect the power if the AC current gets above 132V or below 104V. Once power conditions are good and stable for 90 seconds, the unit will turn back on automatically. The Autoformer might prevent the shutoff below 104V. The Autoformer will automatically boost voltage if the voltage drops to 113 volts or below, then Autoformer will boost 10%. I can unplug the Autoformer if it is not needed and plug the Watchdog Surge Protector directly to the shore cable.

[SueNKent]

I bought one that I had mounted inside the cabinet where the power cord is. It's inline, has the monitor right there. No need to worry about theft.....

[Wyatt]

Originally Posted by Wayne M

As stated, nothing is 100% safe but the risks of losing it are reduced. Thinking like a thief I'd have a good pair of cable/lock cutters, or a cordless drill with a cut-off wheel. One surge protector by itself is not a great accomplishment for a thief. But if he could get 3 or 4 in an evening - it might be worth it. When I loose pedestal power my inverter automatically takes over. The AC's would not work but it would take more time to realize they were not working than it would to cut the lock/cable/wire, etc.

Again, it is peace of mind and proof to insurance that you took measures to protect your equipment.

It is not the other RV'ers but the drive through on non-gated RV Parks.

Heck, thieves go around taking the copper out of residential AC. They take the chance of not being caught.

Good point. To add to that, if a thief really wants a surge protector, they’ll just keep walking around the campground until they find one NOT locked up. Unlocked, yours will be bait. Do you want to be the weakest link in the chain?

[bruceb]

Originally Posted by NeilV

Another one here in the mount it in the electrical bay camp and in my case with the AutoFormer too. Don't have to worry about setting it up, exposing it to the weather or theft that way.

What is an autoformer?

[skitime]

RV autoformers are used to increase the voltage going into your RV whenever it senses that it is too low. although it’s called an autoformer it’s actually a step-up transformer or a voltage booster.

The above is from this link which has a good discussion on autoformers:

https://thecampingnerd.com/rv-autoformers/