Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
RV Trip Planning Discussions

Go Back   iRV2 Forums > RV SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES FORUMS > Gear and Product Discussions
Click Here to Login
Join iRV2 Today

Mission Statement: Supporting thoughtful exchange of knowledge, values and experience among RV enthusiasts.
Reply
  This discussion is proudly sponsored by:
Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on iRV2
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 01-03-2020, 12:08 PM   #1
Senior Member
 
TriMoot's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Melbourne Beach, FL
Posts: 1,945
Blog Entries: 2
Progressive Industries EMS-PT30X Tech Support

So I wanted to share my experience with everyone here in regards to Progressive Industries (PI) and their tech support.

I could give you the short version, but since it's Friday and things are slow here at work, I'll give you the less short version.

So normally when we camp we would always break camp most every day if what we wanted to explore was further away than our legs could take us, either walking or riding bikes. So even if we had full hookups we rarely left the RV plugged in.

This past summer was different in that we pulled a toad for the 1st time and I knew we'd be leaving the RV in the campground all day while we explored up and down the coast of Oregon.

So I ordered the Progress Industries EMS-PT30x in July so that we would have peace of mind while we were off exploring, knowing that if there were any power surges this would protect us. This isn't cheap, but looking at the bigger picture, it's certainly worth the price for peace of mind...and stupid mistakes! (no..not sharing THAT!)

We've been living in the RV off and on since July of last year and are currently camped here in Spokane, WA (Valleyford actually). It's been a mild winter so far, but we are using electrical heaters as well as propane.

I did a far amount of testing so I'd know generally how much amperage we'd be using for all our devices so we wouldn't overload our 30 AMP pedestal.

Yesterday evening I got a call from my wife while I was at work that we had no power. Since this has happened before I called our landlord to ask if there was a power issue, this time he said no.

*Side note...don't you just love RV's? What would happen if you had no power at the S&B house? No heat, no lights, no happy wife... But with an RV, we still had heat and lights! LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!

Back to the story: I went home and verified no power. How? Looked at the microwave. No clock.

Went outside and lifted off the garbage pail we had covering the pedestal and there the EMS-PT30x glowed, cycling through it's routine, Error code = 0, voltage = 120v, amps = 0... Huh...no amperage...well that makes sense since we had no power. Removed the PT30x and plugged in the RV directly to the pedestal...power!

When I looked at the EMS plugin, there was evidence of an arc (see picture below). I then removed the plug from the pedestal and looked at the each blade of the plug and I noticed one had a bit of corrosion. Not a ton, but a small amount. Hmm, I wonder if that was the culprit. (Unfortunately, I didn't take a picture of it, but I will!)

So plugged the RV back in, put the garbage pail back on the pedestal and went inside and called PI tech support. Since it was after hours I left a message. I also left a message on customer service line.

This morning I hadn't heard from them so I was poking around on the web and saw where you can submit a warranty form, which I did. Here's the link (Make sure you have no popup blockers on or the form won't show....also, it takes about 3 to 5 seconds for the form to load)

I then called TS and since it was normal business hours I actually talked with someone. Very nice gentleman and knowledgeable. I told him my story and he said while he couldn't 100% verify that PI would send out a new one, he said most likely they would. He said he would personally talk to the person who makes that decision (he was right next to him) as I wanted to get a replacement as quick as possible even if I just had to pay for it myself.

I told him if it's my fault then no problem, I would certainly just buy a new one, but I didn't think the small amount of corrosion would be enough to cause this. However....this morning while getting ready for work, I turned on the TV so I could catch the weather report and while I was watching, the TV turned off....hmmm...that's not right. I looked over at the microwave and it was flashing telling me to set the clock. Hmm..didn't I just set that last night?

So....I'm thinking it probably IS my issue and not the surge protector...shoot! When I get off work I'm going to chop off the 30 AMP plug on the RV cord and put on a new one. (I'll take a picture before I do that).

Sigh...The thing is, i've noticed the plug was a bit dirty/corroded and in the back of my mind thought, "yeah..maybe I should replace that plug as it's looking a bit dirty and the rubber sleeve has separated from the plug"...why? WHY DIDN'T I DO IT?! Ugh...lessons.

So when I talked to the TS person he said he thought there wouldn't be a problem getting a replacement and said I don't have to send the unit back, just chop off the plug so no one else would use it.......So far I haven't heard back from them officially....I'll post back as soon as I hear from them.

Now...... I want to open the unit and see what's burnt as the computer side of things appears to still work, ie, cycles through everything and reports its findings.... But...if it was my fault...I feel like telling them not to send a new one, I'll just buy another and keep this for parts. Sigh...who knows...maybe it was partially my fault, but maybe the plug wasn't making good contact with the blade.

I did check the plug this morning and while it was slightly warm, it wasn't hot. But I will be replacing it either tonight or tomorrow morning.

So there ya go...my short (long) story ..and a lesson...if you get that little voice inside your head to do something...then DO SOMETHING! Especially when it comes to maintenance on these old rigs.

EMS-PT30x: The white garbage pail covers the pedestal and surge protector. And here we are all toasty and warm:
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	EMS-Unit-Pic.JPG
Views:	101
Size:	108.8 KB
ID:	271272   Click image for larger version

Name:	faucet-insulated2.JPG
Views:	79
Size:	143.2 KB
ID:	271275  

Click image for larger version

Name:	home-12-11-2019.JPG
Views:	81
Size:	361.9 KB
ID:	271276  
__________________
___________________
2005 Newmar Essex 4502
1997 Suzuki Sidekick JX, Spokane, WA (Hoping to replace this soon)
1997 RexAir 32' Ford F53 Chassis, Banks system.
TriMoot is offline   Reply With Quote
Join the #1 RV Forum Today - It's Totally Free!

iRV2.com RV Community - Are you about to start a new improvement on your RV or need some help with some maintenance? Do you need advice on what products to buy? Or maybe you can give others some advice? No matter where you fit in you'll find that iRV2 is a great community to join. Best of all it's totally FREE!

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. Please take the time to register and you will gain a lot of great new features including; the ability to participate in discussions, network with other RV owners, see fewer ads, upload photographs, create an RV blog, send private messages and so much, much more!

Old 01-03-2020, 12:13 PM   #2
Senior Member/RVM #90
 
MSHappyCampers's Avatar


 
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Columbus, MS
Posts: 54,622
Don't you just love Progressive Industry's lifetime warranty!
__________________
Joe & Annette
Sometimes I sits and thinks, sometimes I just sits.....
2002 Monaco Windsor 40PBT, 2013 Honda CRV AWD
MSHappyCampers is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2020, 01:16 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
Old-Biscuit's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 26,689
That melted/burnt slot is the NEUTRAL


Something shorted inside that oulet
__________________
I took my Medication today. HAVE YOU?
Dodge 3500 w/Tractor Motor
US NAVY---USS Decatur DDG-31
Old-Biscuit is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2020, 01:24 PM   #4
Senior Member
 
TriMoot's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Melbourne Beach, FL
Posts: 1,945
Blog Entries: 2
Quote:
Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit View Post
That melted/burnt slot is the NEUTRAL


Something shorted inside that oulet
Old-Biscuit: Do you think it was the EMS unit or perhaps the corrosion on the 30 amp plug of my RV cord?

I'm still going to replace that plug on the RV cord just to be safe.

The surge protector has been doing its job until this point. Occasionally we would have too many things on and the EMS would stop providing power and we'd wait the 136 seconds and the power would return. I would say only 5 times since we've been out there (since August). I don't believe any moisture got in as it's covered with a white bucket but I leave a space so it can breath.

Once I hear from back from PI that they for sure are going to cover it, I'm going to open it up and see what's what.
__________________
___________________
2005 Newmar Essex 4502
1997 Suzuki Sidekick JX, Spokane, WA (Hoping to replace this soon)
1997 RexAir 32' Ford F53 Chassis, Banks system.
TriMoot is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2020, 01:26 PM   #5
Senior Member
 
TriMoot's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Melbourne Beach, FL
Posts: 1,945
Blog Entries: 2
Quote:
Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers View Post
Don't you just love Progressive Industry's lifetime warranty!
I do! BUT...if it is my fault...I'm willing to buy it again. I just wished I had listened to that little voice in my head and cleaned up and/or replaced that plug on the RV cord so there wouldn't be any questions in my head.
__________________
___________________
2005 Newmar Essex 4502
1997 Suzuki Sidekick JX, Spokane, WA (Hoping to replace this soon)
1997 RexAir 32' Ford F53 Chassis, Banks system.
TriMoot is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2020, 01:49 PM   #6
Senior Member
 
Old-Biscuit's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 26,689
Quote:
Originally Posted by TriMoot View Post
Old-Biscuit: Do you think it was the EMS unit or perhaps the corrosion on the 30 amp plug of my RV cord?

I'm still going to replace that plug on the RV cord just to be safe.

The surge protector has been doing its job until this point. Occasionally we would have too many things on and the EMS would stop providing power and we'd wait the 136 seconds and the power would return. I would say only 5 times since we've been out there (since August). I don't believe any moisture got in as it's covered with a white bucket but I leave a space so it can breath.

Once I hear from back from PI that they for sure are going to cover it, I'm going to open it up and see what's what.

That EMS-PT30X does NOT shutdown power if 'too many things on'
It does NOT shutdown diue to AMPS
It DOES shutdown due to Hi or LOW AC Voltage.


5X it has shutdown....most likely due to LOW Voltage. (should have dispayed an ERROR CODE----E4?)


Corrosion .....
Was the prong that was corroded the NEUTRAL on your plug (same as on the EMS outlet?)


Any evidence of arcing on EMS plug prongs (ones that plug into power pedestal)?
Any evidence of arcing/melting on CG Power Pedestall outlet??


Neutral melted/burnt........shorted
__________________
I took my Medication today. HAVE YOU?
Dodge 3500 w/Tractor Motor
US NAVY---USS Decatur DDG-31
Old-Biscuit is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2020, 07:13 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
TriMoot's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Melbourne Beach, FL
Posts: 1,945
Blog Entries: 2
Quote:
Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit View Post
That EMS-PT30X does NOT shutdown power if 'too many things on'
It does NOT shutdown diue to AMPS
It DOES shutdown due to Hi or LOW AC Voltage.


5X it has shutdown....most likely due to LOW Voltage. (should have displayed an ERROR CODE----E4?)


Corrosion .....
Was the prong that was corroded the NEUTRAL on your plug (same as on the EMS outlet?)


Any evidence of arcing on EMS plug prongs (ones that plug into power pedestal)?
Any evidence of arcing/melting on CG Power Pedestal outlet??


Neutral melted/burnt........shorted
Thanks Old-Bisquit, appreciate your help. I'm one of those who never read the fine print...not even the LARGE print.

So it's shutting down due to low voltage...that makes sense as I have seen the voltage as low as 104v and wondered what the bottom limit was. Yes, there wasn't an error code, which is interesting, it always showed E0. It has shown error messages in the past.

All this summer we used EMS and I never saw any evidence of arcing.

On the EMS unit, YES! There was a large like wisp of smoke looking stuff and it looked to have heated up a bit and slightly melted the slot. On the male plug from the RV cord the neutral blade of the plug had corrosion...but to me it didn't look terrible. Well..it looks terrible now compared to the new plug I just put on.

Thanks for the help..I'm posting pics of the old and new plug and the EMS unit. I will NOW be more aware of the plugs and ensure they are clean and corrosion free.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	both-plugs.JPG
Views:	80
Size:	80.1 KB
ID:	271307   Click image for larger version

Name:	new-plug1.JPG
Views:	70
Size:	109.8 KB
ID:	271308  

Click image for larger version

Name:	top-of-new-plug.JPG
Views:	97
Size:	90.5 KB
ID:	271309   Click image for larger version

Name:	zoom-of-plug.PNG
Views:	81
Size:	595.7 KB
ID:	271310  

Click image for larger version

Name:	old-plug-corroded-neutral.JPG
Views:	81
Size:	93.2 KB
ID:	271311  
__________________
___________________
2005 Newmar Essex 4502
1997 Suzuki Sidekick JX, Spokane, WA (Hoping to replace this soon)
1997 RexAir 32' Ford F53 Chassis, Banks system.
TriMoot is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2020, 09:52 PM   #8
Senior Member
 
Old-Biscuit's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 26,689
That EMS-PT30X is toast........not defect


Owner neglect.
__________________
I took my Medication today. HAVE YOU?
Dodge 3500 w/Tractor Motor
US NAVY---USS Decatur DDG-31
Old-Biscuit is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-04-2020, 08:30 PM   #9
Senior Member
 
TriMoot's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Melbourne Beach, FL
Posts: 1,945
Blog Entries: 2
Old-Biscuit, I think you are right. Since I replaced the old connector I’ve been touching the connector and it’s not even warm. After the surge protector failed I plugged it into the pedestal and kept checking on it throughout the night. Each time I touched it it was warm. Tells me there was probably corrosion still, even though I had cleaned it off with steel wool.

Sigh....lesson learned the hard way.
__________________
___________________
2005 Newmar Essex 4502
1997 Suzuki Sidekick JX, Spokane, WA (Hoping to replace this soon)
1997 RexAir 32' Ford F53 Chassis, Banks system.
TriMoot is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-07-2020, 01:56 PM   #10
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2000
Posts: 4,027
30 amp plugs gavea habit of becoming bad. Usually due to using a 30 to i5 adapter. Or overloading the circuit. Sometimes the molded part melts inside.
__________________
Moisheh
2008 Dynasty 42' Diamond IV
1988 Bluebird PT38
2009 Silverado Toad
moisheh is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-07-2020, 02:11 PM   #11
Senior Member
 
CIDE's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2017
Location: SE Denver-ish
Posts: 341
Quote:
Originally Posted by moisheh View Post
30 amp plugs gavea habit of becoming bad. Usually due to using a 30 to i5 adapter. Or overloading the circuit. Sometimes the molded part melts inside.
What I've found throughout the US and Canada is that the shore power's female terminals wear because of so many insertions causing a loose connection to the RV's plug, burning the RV's plug's male prongs. This isn't what happened here though - the burned male prong presented a loose connection in the EMS's female terminal.
__________________
2005 Fleetwood Jamboree 22B on a Chevy 3500 Express Van 6.0
2018 - 38,295 miles (153% Earth's circumference ), April 15th - Nov. 15th, 47 states including Alaska, 9 Canadian provinces and 2 Territories.
2019 - 25,751 miles (103% Earth's circumference)- 27 states and 6 Canadian provinces.
CIDE is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-08-2020, 06:17 PM   #12
Senior Member
 
Gulf Streamers Club
Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Memphis, TN
Posts: 4,308
If users plug in/ pull out the RV while HOT (items turned ON), the plug/ receptacle contacts ARC during the process and it will leave tiny metal tits that prevent proper future connections, and causes further arcing during use. BEST PRACTICE is to turn off the breaker before plugging/ unplugging, but it is NOT 100% protection from future plug arcing, because previous tits will still affect your plugs contact quality. iF YOU HAVE TITS ON YOUR MALE PRONGS, YOU CAN FILE/ SAND THEM OFF, BUT not so much the receptacle :-(
__________________
(TerryH.) 2000-GS Conquest Limited 6266 Class-C 99-E450SD V10
THenne1713 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-08-2020, 09:07 PM   #13
Senior Member
 
TriMoot's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Melbourne Beach, FL
Posts: 1,945
Blog Entries: 2
Uhm... I think this is a G rated forum....I don’t think you’re allowed to say TITS...unless you meant PITS....[emoji23]
__________________
___________________
2005 Newmar Essex 4502
1997 Suzuki Sidekick JX, Spokane, WA (Hoping to replace this soon)
1997 RexAir 32' Ford F53 Chassis, Banks system.
TriMoot is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-12-2020, 07:14 AM   #14
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Michigan
Posts: 1,010
Quote:
Originally Posted by TriMoot View Post
Uhm... I think this is a G rated forum....I don’t think you’re allowed to say TITS...unless you meant PITS....[emoji23]
You gotta love auto correct...
steve52 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
ems



Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
How secure Progressive EMS PT30X Oregon iRV2.com General Discussion 14 03-31-2019 03:18 PM
RVupgrades.com Weekly RV Accessories Giveaway - Progressive EMS-PT30X Surge Protector RVupgrades.com Vendor Spotlight (Deals, Announcements & More) 0 01-31-2018 04:38 PM
Progressive Industries EMS-LC-HW50 jayhade Newmar Owner's Forum 9 12-31-2008 12:48 PM

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 03:50 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.