Community Forums

Les1951 · 05-22-2015, 09:06 AM

After reading the posts on the Class A motor home forum on this site, does anyone have an opinion on the need for these devices on our coach's system.
I believe our panels provide some protection, but how much and what type of protection it is a mystery to me....Any of you electrical guys

...What do you think ?

plasma800 · 05-22-2015, 09:23 AM

ABSOLUTELY! EC50, installed, and even then in between the transfer switch and the genset too.

You could always use the kind that just goes on the end of your power cord. GET ONE TODAY! One surge and you're hating life, especially on that unit!!!!! It's too nice to have it jacked by a storm

To fix what happens after lightening is a total mess. Fridges have to come out, wires have to be traced and checked for burns... oh my goodness, I would never what that to happen to me on such a lovely coach.

HzrdUs · 05-22-2015, 09:28 AM

I have a 2015 Anthem and it has the surge protection built into the transfer switch. This is a must have and if you have an older model it would be highly recommended to purchase an aftermarket one. I also have a Hughes Auto Transformer, which plugs into your park power and then you plug into the transformer. This device will protect all your expensive electronics from to high or to low of voltage. The biggest problem at some parks.

Ourrvtrip · 05-22-2015, 10:32 AM

Mine plugs in to end of shore power cord and I purchased the optional lock box. It tells me exactly the power being supplied by park power. I bought mine after having the items on the rear breaker box (mounted above driver seat in '14 Anthem) work perfectly and the front items (including front A/C) not work at all. Park power had a dead leg and was very weird that most of the coach power worked fine. 220v is weird stuff to me. Now I know the power being supplied on both legs of 220v and it has a delay so A/C's don't try and come on at once along with being protected from power surge. Tommy

garbonz · 05-22-2015, 10:39 AM

YES YES YES. Parks are notorious for some of the most poorly maintained and supplied power systems. He hughes transforers are a good idea, but the PI surge and voltage protectors are absolutely essential. I even use one (30 amp) in my little truck camper, as even small usit have nearly as much electronic gismos as the larger ones.

For 30 amp, this is what I use. and they (PI) makes both 30 and 50 amp portable and hardwire units.

Amazon.com: Progressive Industries PT30C 30 Amp Portable Electrical Management System: Automotive

DeeGee · 05-22-2015, 10:48 AM

So I have an EC50. It's not installed yet because I have not had any time and I'm not really sure what I'm doing. The dealer was no help.

RW8804 · 05-22-2015, 11:36 AM

Get a surge protector. Either a built-in or one at the post. The surge protection on the transfer switch is minimal and if it blows, you'll have to replace an expensive transfer switch. I don't have one, but intend to get a voltage regulator as well. I've often had poor voltage at some parks.

brobox · 05-22-2015, 11:55 AM

Here is a long post of what many of us are using. http://www.irv2.com/forums/f278/need...or-212825.html

The Progressive Industries is guaranteed for life where the other manufactures are throw aways if they take a power hit.

garbonz · 05-22-2015, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeeGee

So I have an EC50. It's not installed yet because I have not had any time and I'm not really sure what I'm doing. The dealer was no help.

It is actually quite easy, if you can tell the three wire colors apart. You will need get access to the main wires somin into the camper and have a short length of wire to put in between the power inlet (somewhere) and the EC50. Depending on your rig that can be really easy or like standing on you head for a couple of hours. I have no room in my TC so went with a portable one, but have installed both the 50 and the 30 amp hardwires and it only takes a couple hours

Les1951 · 05-22-2015, 01:06 PM

Ok..... I am convinced ! A progessive 50amp system is on order...$344 on Amazon...I will let you know how the install goes.
Les

Cruzer · 05-22-2015, 01:26 PM

The TRC transfer switch used by Entegra, as well as most other manufacturers, is the model 41260. This unit does have surge protection built in. However, it only has 240,000 joules of protection, which is minimal. Even worse is that it offer no low or high voltage protection. By far the biggest culprit of damage to electronic components and motors, such as air conditioners, is low voltage. Surges are very rare.

If I had the 41260 I would add a good surge protector with voltage protection. Progressive makes a number of good units which I would choose, most likely the EMS HWE 50C, which I have had in the past.

However, there is another option. During the build of my coach I brought in my own TRC 40250-RVC transfer switch for them to install instead. The 40250 has 360,000 joules of surge protection, which is equal to the Progressive units. It also has low and high voltage protection. Now that I see how compact the cord reel, transfer switch and Aqua-Hot bay is I'm glad I did this because it doesn't take any extra room and is an easy install.

The 40250 has other advantages over the 41260. Both are rated at 50 amps but the 41260 has 45 amp contactors. The 40250 has 60 amp co9ntactors and they are shock mounted. It also is equipped with RV-CAN network protocol, which I will use in an upcoming modification to our Cornerstone once I install the Silverleaf Total Coach system. And it has a handy display that shows you the voltage and amperage on each leg as well as any error codes in the event of a protective shutdown. This panel will be mounted in the4 cabinet over the entry door.

The only downside is cost. The 41260 retails for around $200 while the 40250-RVC retails for around $500. But then you don't have to spend $315 on a Progressive EMS HW 50C either so it's not all that bad.

Just another option - one of two ways to achieve proper electrical system protection.

waterboy10 · 05-22-2015, 02:03 PM

We use the 50AMP progressive portable. It works great and I can use it on another coach if needed.

Deny · 05-22-2015, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Les1951

Ok..... I am convinced ! A progessive 50amp system is on order...$344 on Amazon...I will let you know how the install goes.
Les

$315 at RV upgrades

rbr · 05-22-2015, 08:25 PM

To add to the choir: ABSOLUTELY!

I had a Progressive Industries EMS-HW50C installed while I was taking delivery. Had used one in my Monaco and it saved me from low voltage on two occasions in just two years.