Southwire Surge Guard 44290
#10 in 50 ampFull review
A high capacity 50 amp surge protector with more diagnostics than its price suggests. For coaches that don’t need voltage cutoff.
Amazon $77.99$77.99
The Southwire Surge Guard 44290 is the better RV surge protector overall, rated 3.4 to 3.3. The Southwire Surge Guard 44290 leads on price. The Progressive Industries EMS-HW50C wins on protection and monitoring. The Southwire Surge Guard 44290 costs $111 less ($77.99 vs $188.99).
Progressive Industries EMS-HW50C
#11 in 50 ampFull review
The standard hardwired EMS for 50 amp coaches at under $200. Best for owners who are happy to install it once and forget it.
Amazon $188.99$188.99
Prices were last checked November 2, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Southwire Surge Guard 44290 for price ($77.99 vs $188.99).
- Choose the Progressive Industries EMS-HW50C for protection (high and low voltage cutoff, miswiring detection vs surge only) and monitoring (volts and amps display vs indicator lights only).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every 50 amp RV surge protector; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Southwire Surge Guard 44290 | Progressive Industries EMS-HW50C |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.4/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Protection 35% | 0 surge only | 70 high and low voltage cutoff, miswiring detection |
| Surge rating 10% | 100 4,200 joules | 93 3,580 joules |
| Monitoring 10% | 0 indicator lights only | 50 volts and amps display |
| Price 20% | 100 $77.99 | 70 $188.99 |
| Warranty 25% | 100 lifetime warranty | 0 warranty not published, scored as none |
Specifications
| Southwire Surge Guard 44290 | Progressive Industries EMS-HW50C | |
|---|---|---|
| Protection | ||
| Service | 50 A | 50 A |
| Type | Surge only | EMS |
| Surge rating | 4,200 J | 3,580 J |
| Miswiring detection | - | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Portable | Hardwired |
| Display | No | Yes |
| App | No | No |
| Lock | Yes | - |
| Warranty | Lifetime | - |
| Released | - | 2010-03-02 |