KGDB load management?

[FlyingDiver]

So, yesterday was the first time we've parked in a campground that didn't have 50 amp service. So we're plugged into a 30 amp circuit. I'm using a standard 30 to 50 dogbone, then my SurgeGuard, then into the coach.

I can't get the Multiplex system to let me configure it for 30 amps. It sees power on both legs, so it's stuck on 50.

What am I doing wrong?

joe

[FlyingDiver]

So, yesterday was the first time we've parked in a campground that didn't have 50 amp service. So we're plugged into a 30 amp circuit. I'm using a standard 30 to 50 dogbone, then my SurgeGuard, then into the coach.

I can't get the Multiplex system to let me configure it for 30 amps. It sees power on both legs, so it's stuck on 50.

What am I doing wrong?

joe

[soricobob]

Did you press the AMP "button" until it read 30. By pressing it, on the panel, it should walk itself thru the varying offerings. Maybe you have never done this, as you have always used the 50 amp.

[FlyingDiver]

Ah. It's labeled "50/30/20". I didn't realize that toggled the settings. I was trying to use the little arrowhead buttons at the bottom. To no avail. So it's set to 30 amp, EMS on. I think that's right. How do I prioritize the various loads?

joe

[soricobob]

Your decision is a one time thing; that is, once you have "set" the amp number, it stays that way until you change it. For instance, if you are at an RV park that has a 50 amp service, just toggle on to th 50 amp setting, and leave it on 50 amp. That means, if it truly is 50 amps, you should be able to use anything electric in your coach as you need it. However, sometimes, there are variances, and you have to watch for those. We have been at a 50 amp site, left, and when we returned our a/c and everything else was off. Turned out the 50 amps coming into the coach was about 40 amps, and it tripped the breaker when the demand was higher than that number.
You should not have to prioritize anything in your coach. Your limit is set by the amount of electric available, and you must understand that when your are at a 30 amp site, you will not be able to use all three a/c units. If you are all-electric coach, at a 30 amp site, you need to select more carefully (i.e. turn off the 110 element in favor of the oil water htr., don't leave things running if you are not using them, don't run big "users" at the same time; such as washer/dryer).

[Jetsmania]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">How do I prioritize the various loads? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Hi! I believe it prioritizes on its own. It should shed things as you go over. As Soricobob explained you have to watch whats on. On our MADP you could see the order of priorities. If no one else chimes, in I will ask tomorrow if you can arrange them, or if you are at the mercy of the EMS. Paul

[RVDude]

I believe the EMS module is made by Intellitec. Newer (I think 2007 and up) models of these EMS units will use a 3hr. load average - where the load is averaged over 3hrs. time - and then that average will be factored back to 80% for determining allowed load management. Hence you may find loads being shed before "you think" they should be.

I am not completely sure if the Intellitec EMS controls the shed sequence or if the ePlex clock module does the sequencing. My thinking is it is the ePlex that handles the sequencing as that is the programmable device. If the KA uses the same EMS and ePlex clock module that the EX uses, the "priority" is the order of loads to SHED as demand approaches the set averaged toggle point. Loads are shed (toggled off) and then the resulting impact is measured. If nothing changed (i.e. the shed device was already off) the next item on the list is shed. Again, I think the Intellitec EMS does only the load measuring part sending that data to the ePlex clock (via clocked pulse counts) which does the load control through the ePlex device multiplexers which switch the loads (the little devices with the blinking red LEDs you see all over the guts of the coach including inside the AC fuse box).

Typically the shed sequence is
block heater -&gt; elec water heater -&gt; AC#1 -&gt; AC#2 -&gt;AC#3
but this may differ on a KA especially since your water heater uses 2 elec elements. This is a very logical sequence. It's most of the biggie loads except for the clothes dryer. The water heater and heat pumps can be switched to the Oasis unit (no real AC amp draw) keeping those functions operational even at ultra-low shore amps.

The sequence certainly could be changed by reprogramming the ePlex clock (if that is what does the sequencing). Newmar has the laptop software to reprogram the ePlex, but they have to do it. The ePlex system is entirely software controlled.

Not sure what you would change and why???

There are loads that NOT factored into the total load equation which can cause problems especially at &lt;30amp. The biggie un-factored load is the charger which is controlled separately via the "pwr sh" (power shore) control which will factor the charger back independently of the EMS. I think you'll also find that inverted loads may not be completely factored into the total load equation as well. This might also cause an overload situation - i.e more amp draw than the EMS is set for. Hence the EMS uses the 80% factoring to provide some leeway.

It is important to note that this is NOT an all encompassing management system. Not every load is monitored AND controlled. Hence, it is easily possible to exceed a set 30amps even with all controlled loads shed. Even easier to blow past a set 20amps. So the final EMS control point is you and the loads you choose to run simultaneously. You'll need to trade up again to a Prevost level conversion coach to get a total EMS control system. Total control systems are very expensive.

PS: The ePlex clock and supporting multiplex modules are made by Airpax Products (the Airpax ED&D division www.edd-inc.com made the e-plex) which was bought by Sensata Technologies fall2007.