Community Forums

dpinvidic · 10-16-2015, 10:54 AM

OK...I will get a remote panel. I will play it by ear as to mounting in inside the rig. It is just so hard to come up into the walls to run wiring, nothing is easy in this area.

I plan on a hardwired unit, one less plug connection, but the biggest plus in my view is theft prevention.

Thanks All,

Dan

Jim T. · 10-16-2015, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skippinhead

I have heard that you should install a surge/voltage protector for you motorhome. What are the thoughts of the forum members? I really hate to invest that kind of money for a 50amp protector.

Buy yourself a PI EMS. You're motorhome will love you. Last night in the campground we are currently in, our PI 50ampHW cut off power to our coach when voltage dropped too low. Campground only provides 30amp service. Probably saved some of our appliance's circuit boards.

Jim & Shirley & Abbie (Scottie)
2013 Newmar Canyon Star 3911
2005 Dodge Grand Caravan Toad

**Lt Dan** · 10-16-2015, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skippinhead

Is it better to get a permanent mount or a portable unit?

Personal preference, but I think the hard wired permanent is better. One less thing to hook up. It is easy to install, just cut the power cord a foot or so from the transfer switch, wire it in and forget it. As others have said, the Progressive Industries EMS-HW50C is the best. It not only gives over/under voltage and surge protection, it shows a continuous readout of each leg voltage and amperage draw plus the HZ cycle reading and any error codes. The remote display can be mounted anywhere. The PI units also carry a lifetime warranty and I found one on e-bay for about $329 with free shipping.

**Lt Dan** · 10-16-2015, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dpinvidic

OK...I will get a remote panel. I will play it by ear as to mounting in inside the rig. It is just so hard to come up into the walls to run wiring, nothing is easy in this area.
Dan

I had the same quandary. Right now mine is just mounted on the back wall of the electric bay until I can figure out if it's feasible to run the remote cord inside the wall somewhere.

gemini5362 · 10-17-2015, 09:27 AM

Mine is mounted in the back wall of the electical bay where my cord reel is. I agree it might be nice to have it inside but to be honest any problem I have had shows up when I plug in to the pedestal. I like being able to plug in turn on the pedestal circuit breaker then look over at the monitor panel for the progressive system and see if I have any error codes, what the voltage is and how much current i am using. If there are any problems I can turn off the breaker and get a meter to start checking at the pedestal.

Hardwired by far. Easier to use once you have it installed and less likely to be stolen.

The big decision for me and i am still thinking on it is whether or not to get two of them. One to go between the pedestal and the transfer swith and then another one to go between the generator and the transfer switch. Progressive gives you the wiring diagram for going before the transfer switch and not protecting the coach from generator problems or after the switch and protecting from pedestal or generator problems but not protecting the switch. Two units would solve the dilemma

dpinvidic · 10-17-2015, 09:45 AM

Check you install instructions. It shows how to install before or after the transfer switch to cover both.

I currently have the same question, mine is on order.

Dan

l1v3fr33ord1 · 10-17-2015, 03:24 PM

This is on the Progressive Industries FAQ page:

"Q: Should a Hardwired EMS be installed before or after the transfer switch?
A: A hardwired EMS should be installed prior to the transfer switch. The reason for this is most RV generators already have built-in voltage and frequency protection. If the EMS is installed after the transfer switch, this leaves the transfer switch vulnerable to power problems."

PI provides instructions on either installation, to allow for the "your mileage may vary" factor.

When I installed mine (in this case, ahead of the transfer switch), I put in input and output service loops that allowed me to bring the EMS outside the cabinet in which it was mounted. It was much easier to wire that way, and will be easier to service in the future.

Mark