Surge protection is vital to protect computers, other electronics in an RV

When you install a computer system in your RV it should always be accompanied by a surge protector.

Even with a laptop, a storm can easily fry a system if it's plugged into an outlet or even attached by hard wire to an Internet provider.

Power surges are an increase in voltage above the designated level in a flow of electricity. Voltage is a measure of a difference in electric potential energy. Current travels because there is a greater potential energy on one end of the wire than there is on the other end. This is the same principle that makes water under pressure flow out of a hose -- higher pressure on one end of the hose pushes water toward an area of lower pressure. Think of voltage as a measure of electrical pressure.

If the surge or spike is high enough, it can inflict damage to computer or appliances plugged into REV outlets. Even if increased voltage doesn't immediately burn out electronics, it may put extra strain on the components. Many older RV parks are susceptible to power surges because of their original wiring design. Years ago no one ever considered that future rigs would require 50 amps of service to keep all those fancy electronics running.

A standard surge protector passes the electrical current along from the outlet to  electronic devices plugged into the power strip. If the voltage from the outlet spikes the surge protector diverts the extra electricity into the outlet's grounding wire. Protectors have a component called a metal oxide varistor, or MOV, which diverts the extra voltage. A MOV has a piece of metal oxide joined to the power and grounding line by two semiconductors. When voltage is below a certain level, the electrons in the semiconductors flow in such a way as to create a very high resistance. When the voltage exceeds that level, the electrons behave differently, creating a much lower resistance. When the voltage is correct, an MOV does nothing. When voltage is too high, an MOV can conduct a lot of current to eliminate the extra voltage.

Dependable surge protectors can be found at most big box stores and camping supply outlets such as Camping World.