Progressive Industries vs Hughes Autoformers Power Watchdog Portable Surge Protectors

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Progressive industries vs power watchdog RV power surge protectors sit against a green blue background.

A power surge can happen when you least expect it. If you’re not protected, there’s nothing you can do to stop it. Changes in the voltage powering your RV can seriously damage an RV and its electronics. You should be proactive in protecting your RV to avoid replacing expensive electronics.

Today we’ll be comparing Progressive Industries vs. Power Watchdog when it comes to RV surge protectors. Let’s see which one protects your RV the best. Let’s dive in!

Progressive Industries vs. Power Watchdog Overview

Progressive Industries has made RV surge protectors since 1998. Hughes Autorformers, another familiar face in the industry, has 20+ years of experience. These two established companies create outstanding products.

Both manufacturers offer 30 amp and 50 amp versions of their best surge protectors. They’re easy to plug-and-play, getting up and running in seconds. In addition, they share a similar sized LCD for displaying error codes and voltage readings.

These are two great products! However, as we dive into each device, we’ll start to see some significant differences. So let’s take a closer look at Progressive Industries first!

Progressive Industries Surge Protection Joules 

Progressive Industries offers the EMS-PT50X and the EMS-PT30X inline surge protectors. They’re identical in design but differ in their capabilities. The EMS-PT50X can protect up to 3,580 Joules, while the EMS-PT30X only protects up to 1,790 Joules.

The higher the Joule rating, the more protection a surge protector provides. While the EMS-PT is quality, it does not compete with Power Watchdog when it comes to Joules, as you’ll soon see.

Info Readout on Progressive Industries Surge Protectors

The EMS-PT50X and EMS-PT30X both have a built-in digital display. This display scrolls through the current-voltage information and displays error codes should one arise. You can only check the status of the power source or any error codes through the digital display. 

Average Price

The EMS-PT50X costs $310-$330 and the EMS-PT30X for your RV costs $270-$290. If you’ve already made up your mind that these will work best for you, go ahead and add them to your cart and keep reading.

Other Features of Progressive Industries Surge Protectors

Progressive Industries designed these surge protectors to withstand even the toughest conditions. An all-weather shield assembly and rugged pull handle make this a durable surge protector. It will withstand the beating that RVs often dish out.

The plug-and-play application means once you get it out of the box, it will work in seconds. This design makes protecting your RV incredibly easy. Now let’s take a look at Power Watchdog surge protectors.

A man connecting his surge protector to his fridge.

Power Watchdog Surge Protection Joules

As we previously stated, the Hughes Autoformers Power Watchdog surge protector easily outperforms Progressive Industries when it comes to Joules. The 30 amp PWD30 EPO Power Watchdog unit protects against 2,400 Joules, while the 50 amp PWD50 EPO version protects against 4,800 Joules. There’s no contest when comparing the two units side by side. 

Info Readout on Power Watchdog Surge Protectors

The Power Watchdog has a similar display for error codes as Progressive Industries but takes it a step further. Power Watchdog has a compatible app that connects your phone and surge protector via Bluetooth technology. This allows you to quickly and easily receive alerts or check voltage information from your phone.

If you enjoy using technology to stay connected to what’s going on with your RV, you may love this surge protector!

Average Price

The Power Watchdog surge protectors come with all the bells and whistles. However, they don’t make this unit any cheaper. Expect to pay $250-$270 for the PWD50-EPO and $215-$235 for the PWD30-EPO. Compared to the Progressive Industries version with technology features, this one comes at a lower cost.

Other Features of the Power Watchdog Portable Surge Protectors

This unit will power down to protect your RV if a dangerous event occurs. However, this surge protector doesn’t stop there. You’ll also receive an alert on your phone letting you know the unit avoided the situation. This alert can quickly ease your worries or help you devise a plan.

We also love that this unit allows you to simply order a new surge module if you experience a large electrical surge. Many other brands require replacing the entire unit, which is not only expensive but wasteful. However, if your surge module gets “used up” in the first two years of purchase, they’ll send you a free replacement. 

The Power Watchdog has a heavy-duty case construction and an IP65 rating. With this combination, you’ll feel secure knowing the elements won’t harm your surge protector. It’s easy to see why many RVers choose the Power Watchdog as their surge protector.

Progressive Industries vs. Power Watchdog: Which Is Better? 

Now that we know these are both two quality surge protectors, which one ranks highest? Let’s take a look at the results!

Best Overall: Power Watchdog EPO

Power Watchdog PWD30EPO, Bluetooth Surge Protector with Auto Shutoff, 30 Amp, Portable
  • Replaceable Surge / Spike Module: Should a large spike happen, surge module is completely replacable instead of...
  • Wirelessly Monitor voltage, amperage, and wattage on your smartphone in real time using our free mobile app! Oldest and...

It may not surprise you that the Power Watchdog EPO takes the title as the best overall between the two. The increased Joule protection and Bluetooth connectivity are two features that pushed the Power Watchdog EPO ahead of Progressive Industries.

If you need a new surge protector, Power Watchdog may work best for you. Jump on over and click add to cart before it sells out!

Second Best but Still Great: Progressive Industries

Progressive Industries Portable RV Surge Protector, 30 Amp EMS with Integrated Display, Fault Detection, and All Weather Shield Assembly - EMS-PT30X
  • Maintain electronic safety - This 30 Amp RV Surge Protector by Progressive Industries is a real guard for your RV...
  • Prevents costly damage - With a 30A/120V/3,600W rating, EMS-PT30X can absorb surges of up to 1,790 joules. This surge...

While the Power Watchdog EPO takes the title of best overall, Progressive Industries deserves the second-best rating. This amazing surge protector does a great job protecting RVs and their sensitive electronics. Of course, you won’t have the same connectivity as the Power Watchdog, but if you don’t need to access it on your phone, consider this one.

Time to Buy

It was a tough decision, but the Power Watchdog EPO wins. Both of these surge protectors offer an incredible amount of protection for your RV and the electronics inside. So if you regularly use your RV and connect to a power pedestal, don’t put off getting a surge protector any longer. We’ve shared two great options for you to consider! So which surge protector do you see adding to your cart?

Last update on 2024-03-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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  1. I just got to a new campground and plugged in my progressive SP and the code was E-10 which the manual says need to replace the SP module. After a lot of looking online and two calls to progressive I found out that means replace the whole device. So I did some research and have purchased a watchdog to replace it. The progressive saved me but died in the process. The WD will allow me to replace the true module (not the whole device) for under $40 and it has an app. Watchdog is the clear winner.

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