I had a similar experience at a campgound in Winona, MN. Typically the surge suppressor has a two minute period before you hear a pop and it is live. For whatever reason, I would hear the pop but the red light would still be flashing. Since this was just an overnight stay I simply connected to the 30 amp outlet and it was fine. Not sure what the issue was with the 50 amp outlet but I also wouldn't have known without the surge suppressor.