Progressive Industries EMS-PT30X – 30 Amp RV Surge Protector Review

| Last Updated: September 16, 2022

The Progressive Industries EMS-PT30X has built a name for itself in the RV sphere, and for good reason. It is one of the best selling surge protector that every one seems to be happy with as it continues to protect thousands of travelers every day.

Blowing a fuse is one thing, but blowing all the circuitry in your RV is a headache and real burden on your bank account. Whether you’re a weekend-warrior camper or a full-time RVer, owning a surge protector is a vital investment. And due to popular demand, we have reviewed the Progressive Industries EMS-PT30X - one of the most well-know surge protectors on the market.

In this review, we take an in depth look at this model and explain why it’s a top pick compared to others. Regardless if you’re looking for your first, or your next, this product is one of the best surge protectors around. 

Progressive Industries Portable RV Surge Protector, 30 Amp EMS with Integrated Display, Fault Detection, and All Weather Shield Assembly - EMS-PT30X

Pros

  • Extremely user-friendly
  • Hold up against the weather
  • Durable and constructed to last
  • Backed by anti-theft protection
  • Easy to store and transport
  • Comes with a lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Somewhat spendy

Quick Take of the Progressive Industries EMS-PT30X Surge Protector

Protection: AC frequency, accidental 240V, open ground, open neutral, reverse polarity, high/low voltage, surge indication, time delay for A/C compressor

Warranty: Lifetime (excludes all weather shield assembly components)

Weight: 5 lbs

Surge Protection: 3-Mode / 1,790J / 44,000A

Ratings: 30A / 120V / 3,600W

Operating Temperatures: -40C to +105C

Dimensions: 6" W x 18" H x 6 1/8" D

Display: Continuous digital reading

User Manual

Main Features

With the Progressive Industries EMS-PT30X Surge Protector there are a variety of features waiting to serve every camping trip. While it’s easy to pull the trigger on any 30 amp surge protector, this one has a handful of notable qualities worth mentioning.

Digital Display

On the face of the unit is a digital display, intended to showcase important information for up to two seconds.

Unlike a variety of other unit, this can be a life saver if a problem arises and there aren’t any visible signs of where it came from.

This digital display is great for identifying readings such as AC power information, frequency, voltage, current, and error codes.

Moreover, not only are live error codes reported, but users have the ability to check previous error codes in the event of the code not being seen.

Error Code Reading

One major feature of the Progressive Industries EMS-PT30X is its ability to present error code readings. Once the EMS-PT30X surge protector is hooked up, the digital display will report a number of errors.

This little feature is a great advantage that can save you hundreds, if not thousands. Not to mention the time saved by narrowing down the root of any problems.

To give you an idea of what this looks like, below is a chart of the error and caution codes programmed into the unit.

Error and Caution Codes (Source)

Tons of Protection

As we briefly discussed, the Progressive Industries EMS-PT30X Surge Protector is an insurance policy for any RV owner. Designed to protected against a number of situations, buyers can sleep easy knowing this model is their guardian angel.

To protect your RV from unwanted run-ins, this model is constructed to detect several different errors, and will protect your vehicle against:

  • AC Frequency
  • Accidental 240V
  • Open Ground
  • Open Neutral
  • Reverse Polarity
  • High / Low Voltage
  • Surge Indication

Pros - What We Like

User-friendly

Buyer’s love the Progressive Industries EMS-PT30X Surge Protector because it’s extremely straightforward to use and well suited for all experience levels. Designed as a plug-and-play unit, users can pull up to any RV park, plug it into their RV, then connect the chord to the park’s power supply. It’s that easy!

Weather Resistant

When the engineers at Progressive Industries designed this model, they knew customers demanded something that could withstand harsh environments.

To ensure the EMS-PT30X doesn’t fail when you need it most, it comes with a weather shield and protective outer shell. This is ideal for those who travel year-round and often encounter rain, snow, or fine dust and sand.

Rugged and Durable

In addition to it being weather resistant, the EMS-PT30X surge protector is also extremely rugged and meant to withstand tough wear and tear.

We understand equipment and other supplies often go through a lot while on the road, which makes this product a perfect addition to your RV or camper.

Anti-theft Protection

Another notable aspect we love about this model is its built-in locking bracket that reduces the chance for theft.

With this mechanism, users can easily secure the EMS-PT30X to any power source, making it safely positioned while you enjoy your vacation.  

Transportable

It’s sometimes easy to overlook just how much stuff you travel with. By the time you get set up and unloaded, it can seem as though you’ve been carrying enough supplies to care for a small town.

Luckily, Progressive Industries has ensured that the EMS-PT30X can be easily tucked away in between uses.

Weighing only 5 lbs and measuring 6" W x 18" H x 6 1/8" D, another advantage of this surge protector its ability to easy be transported from place to place.

Excellent Warranty

And who can forget the best pro of all - the amazing warranty backed behind the EMS-PT30X. If you haven’t already noticed, Progressive Industries provides buyers with a lifetime warranty, with the exclusion of all weather shield assembly components.

Progressive Industries Portable RV Surge Protector, 30 Amp EMS with Integrated Display, Fault Detection, and All Weather Shield Assembly - EMS-PT30X

Cons - Drawbacks

Price

While you can’t put a price on protection, you may with the Progressive Industries EMS-PT30X Surge Protector. One of the more notable drawbacks a few buyers have been put off by is the price.

Compared to other 30 Amp surge protectors, this is a little spendy. However, it's a top of the line model and designed to protect your RV from a number of electrical implications.

What is the Progressive Industries EMS-PT30X Best for?

When it comes down to it, the Progressive Industries EMS-PT30X is best for protecting your RV or camper against electrical surges that may cause damage to your appliances or circuitry.

While chances are low, lightning can strike the campground and send a shockwave of unwarranted voltage straight to your RV. In the event of this occurring, surge protectors such as this are there to ensure your electrical components stay intact.

Additionally, while traveling to various campsites, some RV parks may produce unexpected surges. These high or low spikes of voltage can cause harm to items such as your air conditioner, outlets, or fans.

By investing in a surge protector such as the EMS-PT30X, you can continue on with your trip knowing you’re safeguarded from these types of mishaps.

Bottom Line

Taking everything into consideration, the EMS-PT30X surge protector from Progressive Industries is a top pick of ours and excellent value.

While the price may be a bit above average - you get what you pay for. Just as you wouldn’t skip out on boat or car insurance, you should never avoid purchasing a surge protector.

This model is easy to operate, designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, and programmed to protect your RV against a variety of electrical headaches.

If you’ve been longing for a dependable, rugged, high-performing surge protector, then this one is for you.

Progressive Industries EMS-PT30X Surge Protector, How Does it Work?

A surge protector aims to protect your plugged-in appliances in the RV from damaging power fluctuations. When you plan a road trip, you're likely to plug in your appliances and it is difficult to test the quality of the power sources beforehand. 

When it comes to the Progressive Industries EMS-PT30X Surge Protector, it's best used to prevent electrical surges that might cause serious damages to your electrical devices or system. It's designed to ensure your electrical components stay intact in case lightning strikes the campground and shockwaves of unguaranteed voltage occur directly to your RV. This is done by the smart technology it features to protect against high and low voltage fluctuations. 

the Progressive Industries EMS-PT30X Surge Protector


How to Use the EMS-PT30X

If you think using an EMS PT30X will be difficult and have no experience at all, then the below steps will help you to easily learn about how to use them: 

  1. Open the packing and assemble all the parts.

  2. The unit comes with a flip-up locking cover that snaps the lock and the cord goes down on the protector. 

  3. Then there is a locking tab with the connector that allows you to lock a chain through the protector so you can secure it to your pedestals.

  4. On the side, you have a little handle to unplug the cord. You can just grab it with a couple of fingers and yank it out.

  5. The surge is a heavy-duty plastic with LED indicators and codes on the side so you do not have to look for your manual when you run into issues.

  6. Then take it outside to connect it to the pedestal.

  7. Plug your camper into the device and plug it into the pedestal.

  8. After plugging it, the error code will show up as a zero error, indicating normal use.

  9. When it rotates through, it starts producing 120v and shows amps and hertz. It will keep rotating between these while it is working.

If you’re confused, here’s a video attached below to follow the steps visually:

People Also Ask - EMS-PT30X FAQs

The EMS PT30X is one of the best surge protectors in the market. But, there are always more questions you want answered...

How to Lock Progressive Industries Portable Surge Protector EMS-PT30X

To lock the EMS-PT30X, you just have to run the cable through the cable ring or the cable lock all the way through and wrap it around the pedestal (you can run the cable around it twice) and lock it. Then take the key out and you are good to go. 

In case you have a regular lock and chain, just make it through the cable ring and chain and lock it off.

How Do You Bypass a Progressive Industries Surge Protector?

The bypass switch is located on the remote display. This switch allows the users to bypass the EMS if any failure occurs. This further allows the AC power into your campervan. All the features are then disabled. However, this does not disable the surge protection part of the EMS.

Is the EMS PT30X Worth it?

It's totally worth buying the EMS PT30X surge protector. It provides users with many benefits necessary for RVing, such as preventing any damage caused by harmful power fluctuations. It ensures a healthy amount of voltage flows into your RV’s electrical system. If something is wrong with the power outlet, it will detect the problem and when it is not able to resolve it, it will shut down.

Where is the Progressive Industries EMS PT30X Made?

This product is made by Progressive Industries, which is located in the United States. It was started in 1999 by a full-timer RV user, who felt the need to serve other users with high-quality electrical protection.

Is the EMS PT30X Hard to Use?

The EMS PT30X is not hard to use at all. There are a few simple steps needed to be followed in order to operate it. Just simply switch off the electrical system of your RV, open the main circuit panel, connect the wires of the surge protector to the electrical outlet, plug the power strip and then plug your electronic devices into the power strip.

Progressive Industries EMS-PT30X - The Daddy of All Surge Protectors

Investing in a surge protector is a sound insurance policy, regardless of the model. The Progressive Industries EMS-PT30X is an excellent choice, created by an innovative company who continuously strives to exceed customers expectations.

If you end up moving forward and purchasing this unit based off our review, be sure to test it out and visit us again soon, to share your experience.

We’d love to hear how it held up and about your overall experience. Best of luck on your hunt for a new surge protector - stay safe and happy camping!

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