Community Forums

scharfm · 07-20-2016, 04:48 PM

I'm looking at some protection for my electrical system in my MH and looking for some user feedback.

It seems that minimally I want portable surge protection. But do I really need an EMS?

For those of you with EMS, how often do you encounter an unacceptably low voltage? Thanks in advance.

**CLIFFTALL** · 07-20-2016, 04:50 PM

I've had a few instances of low voltage. It only takes one to do more damage than the cost of protection.

rk911 · 07-20-2016, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scharfm

I'm looking at some protection for my electrical system in my MH and looking for some user feedback.

It seems that minimally I want portable surge protection. But do I really need an EMS?

For those of you with EMS, how often do you encounter an unacceptably low voltage? Thanks in advance.

only once since 1986 but I still use a Progressive Industries surge protector. cheap insurance.

vsheetz · 07-20-2016, 04:56 PM

Yes, get an EMS. Not just a surge protector, but a unit that continually qualifies the power parameters and blocks if out of bounds. Campgrounds are prime to have power problems that can damage your RV and equipment. Cheap insurance. The units from Progressive are very good and commonly recommended.

MrMudstud · 07-20-2016, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scharfm

I'm looking at some protection for my electrical system in my MH and looking for some user feedback. It seems that minimally I want portable surge protection. But do I really need an EMS? For those of you with EMS, how often do you encounter an unacceptably low voltage? Thanks in advance.

Not only the money it cost, but the cost what it may save AND the inconvenience of fixing or replacing the items especially if you are on vacation and are out of reach of your home base.

Spk64 · 07-20-2016, 05:05 PM

Another vote for EMS, so far about once a year I have had it shut down due to low voltage. It's nice to know you are fully protected and can usually see what current draw on each leg and voltage.

Steve

Dr4Film · 07-20-2016, 05:17 PM

I have experienced more Low Voltage situations than any other condition however I use a Power-Master Voltage Booster which takes care of any low voltage situation.

However, what IS more important that the Progressive Industries EMS device will catch are power problems where you have an open neutral or open grounds. Those are potentially VERY dangerous. An open neutral can do thousands of dollars worth of damage to your electrical devices and a open ground will kill you. In fact it did to a young 3 year old little unsuspecting boy.

See news article.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

Jeff and Cheryl · 07-20-2016, 05:25 PM

Another vote for the Progressive Industries PMS system. Have encountered low voltage on several occasions, open ground once and high voltage twice. This is in eight years of about half-time RV'ing. BTW PI will repair the device for the cost of shipping if you have proof that you bought it.

scharfm · 07-20-2016, 05:27 PM

That's why I'm leaning toward the Progressive SPP50XL. It has those features but does not low voltage detection. Sounds like it happens enough to be concerned.

**NLOVNIT** · 07-20-2016, 05:32 PM

Our Progressive EMS has saved us more times than I can count. At least once every season, we manage to stay at a CG with low voltage issues. Have had an open ground issue, spike issue & a couple of miswired pedestals.

Don't cheap out on protection. The consequences will be very expensive to fix.

Lori-

Dr4Film · 07-20-2016, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scharfm

That's why I'm leaning toward the Progressive SPP50XL. It has those features but does not low voltage detection. Sounds like it happens enough to be concerned.

You are missing the BIG picture!

There is a HUGE different between detection and managing. You need to read some more about the differences.

The SSP-50X detects whether the shore power pedestal has an initial problem once you plug the device into the shore power BUT it will not cut off any BAD power to your coach. It will only light up some lights telling you what the BAD condition is THEN you have to be there to see the lights lit up to unplug everything so nothing gets damaged.

What you NEED is one of the EMS devices that will cut off the BAD power to your coach BEFORE any damage can be done to it.

May I suggest that you research these devices thoroughly BEFORE spending you money.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

scharfm · 07-20-2016, 05:47 PM

You all have been a big help. I'm convinced EMS is the way to go. EMS-PT50C looks like the unit to get. Thanks for the insights.

**CLIFFTALL** · 07-20-2016, 05:49 PM

Good move . It will serve you well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by scharfm

You all have been a big help. I'm convinced EMS is the way to go. EMS-PT50C looks like the unit to get. Thanks for the insights.

Dale & Mark Bruss · 07-20-2016, 05:53 PM

In the 10 years we have been on the road,we have encountered more high voltage shutdown than low. It doesn't matter, high or low, either will cause damage

A plain surge suppressor is not worth the money since the incidences of it doing you any good are so limited. A EMS is priceless.