Community Forums

yogus · 10-26-2017, 04:39 PM

The list of electrical items standard show a EMS, however, being completely new to this and still not in possession (we start that process tomorrow

) we're trying to be careful.

Should we purchase a separate surge protector? If so, could someone point us to the model?

Really appreciate all the knowledge you all have and share. I've read lots of surge protector threads and I'm still not clear on what we need to do.

BBelanger · 10-26-2017, 04:46 PM

At a minimum you should have one of the surge guard protectors that you can get at camping worlds, Amazon, etc. Some people feel you need more protection but get something. I like this one that tells you what’s wrong. Very cheap insurance. I have built in protection as an option on my coach but still use that item to tell me there is something wrong before I plug in.

https://smile.amazon.com/Surge-Guard...otector+50+amp

yogus · 10-26-2017, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBelanger

At a minimum you should have one of the surge guard protectors that you can get at camping worlds, Amazon, etc. Some people feel you need more protection but get something. I like this one that tells you what’s wrong. Very cheap insurance. I have built in protection as an option on my coach but still use that item to tell me there is something wrong before I plug in.

https://smile.amazon.com/Surge-Guard...otector+50+amp

Thank you! I looked at some of the surge protectors and they require a lock so they don't get stolen.

This was one of the things we don't see on the list of options though I know it was available. Darn...

BFlinn181 · 10-26-2017, 04:59 PM

The term EMS can sometimes be confusing. Sometimes the term is used to mean a load-shedding electrical management system that makes sure your RV doesn't try to draw more amps than are available. They shut down items that might trip the pedestal circuit breaker.

EMS is also used as the term for a system that incorporates surge protection and won't connect to a pedestal if the wiring is wrong or outside pre-determined parameters. This type of protection is, in my experience, very necessary in hooking up in campgrounds. Modern RVs use more power than in days of old, often overtaxing the power capabilities of the CG electrical system. Low voltage can cause great damage to your electrical systems.

Progressive Industries makes great EMS systems with lifetime warranties. Some other companies only offer one-year warranties. It's the nature of a surge protector to sacrifice itself when protecting from a surge. PI will replace the failed unit, the others, outside of the first year, your only recourse is to buy another one.

BBelanger · 10-26-2017, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yogus

Thank you! I looked at some of the surge protectors and they require a lock so they don't get stolen.

This was one of the things we don't see on the list of options though I know it was available. Darn...

The surge protector was not an option on the DSDP for 2017, first time this year. Not sure about your coach. If someone steals yours, they must need it worse than you do, I would feel sorry for them and buy another.

tyoneonit · 10-26-2017, 05:16 PM

Get the Progressive unit. Saved our coach when a campground got hit by lightning. Burnt out the Progressive unit, but they replaced it under the life time warranty. Also just detected a low voltage situation at an RV park in Tucson (where the manager initially insisted that since no one else was having a problem it had to be issues with our coach, changed his tune when the on duty electrician confirmed that the pedestal was bad).
Cost is but a small price to pay to insure you aren’t stranded somewhere with your coaches electrical system fried.

valentob · 10-26-2017, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tyoneonit

Get the Progressive unit. Saved our coach when a campground got hit by lightning. Burnt out the Progressive unit, but they replaced it under the life time warranty. Also just detected a low voltage situation at an RV park in Tucson (where the manager initially insisted that since no one else was having a problem it had to be issues with our coach, changed his tune when the on duty electrician confirmed that the pedestal was bad).
Cost is but a small price to pay to insure you aren’t stranded somewhere with your coaches electrical system fried.

+1 on Progressive!

We_B_Tripn · 10-26-2017, 05:35 PM

The EMS described in the brochure is for electrical load management, i.e. load shedding. A lot of people and myself included install surge protection, either hardwired or portable, that not only provides surge protection, but also other protections such as over / under voltage, reverse polarity, open ground, etc. or such unit is a Progressive Industries EMS-HW50C (I have this) and hence some of the naming confusion.

BFlinn181 · 10-26-2017, 05:47 PM

I'd recommend a permanently hard-wired EMS. It's out of the weather and stops of all but the most determined thieves and doesn't require a padlock. You can monitor the screen on the EMS, seeing error messages, voltages, Htz, etc. even before it connects. You can also install a remote monitor inside the RV to check electrical conditions, amp use anytime you'd like.

ewlee · 10-26-2017, 05:54 PM

I have a new hard wire Progressive surge protector for sale, pm me if you are interested.

Bushy · 10-26-2017, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BFlinn181

I'd recommend a permanently hard-wired EMS. It's out of the weather and stops of all but the most determined thieves and doesn't require a padlock. You can monitor the screen on the EMS, seeing error messages, voltages, Htz, etc. even before it connects. You can also install a remote monitor inside the RV to check electrical conditions, amp use anytime you'd like.

X2 on this reply. We have a Progressive hardwired into the electrical service bay. Out of sight, effective and secure.

JohnBoyToo · 10-26-2017, 06:03 PM

We got the portable Progressive EMS-50 about 3 rv's ago and and it saved us twice from bad pedestals... it's also a sealed unit so no worries about being outside.

have never had a padlock or even worried about it being stolen... MOST people in rv parks are 'relatively' nice

Any ole Joe · 10-26-2017, 06:31 PM

I also have the hardwired Progressive EMS-50, easy to install... Love it!

HWCJr · 10-26-2017, 08:26 PM

Agreement with the above posts. We too have a 2017 Canyon Star and the dealer hard wired a Progressive Industries EMS HW50C unit in our coach at delivery. No electrical issues to date but $300 well spent for peace of mind.

Harold & Becky
2017 Newmar Canyon Star