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sweetandsour · 04-09-2016, 07:08 AM

Looking for input from others that have " been there, done that." I ordered a progressive ems hw50c to install in my 16 anthem. Looking at Lowe's for wire I found a stove cord. Very flexible so it would be easy to work with. It is 6 awg on the hot wires but the 2 ground wires are 8 awg. Would this be okay to use or should I be looking for a different type wire. Thanks in advance for any advice anyone can offer.

Steve

Smitty3509 · 04-09-2016, 07:27 AM

I went through the same thought process. In the end I ordered a 15 foot rv extension cord from Amazon with 3 number 6 and one 8. That is what your 50' cord is now, you will have a continuous load on this wire, yes, it will only be a short run, but why chance it? In a true 220v operation, most of the load is handled with the red and black wires. Not the case in an rv, we run two 120v, which use the white wire as one leg for everything.

Gary.Jones · 04-09-2016, 07:37 AM

I found it easy to use standard romex style house wiring to wire in my Progressive. It is big and just a little difficult to get it to run where you want, but overall, not a problem. The stiffness I felt was a good thing as the run was short and there are wire anchors on both sides and so it really holds the wire nicely in place. Also, on my 2015, mounted the Progressive right behind the power hose reel and on the wall toward the wet bay and the readout next to the hose wheel switch. Works great!! The only times I look at the Progressive is when I first slip on the 50A power at the post and the read out is handy in the bay.

Gary

Old Scout · 04-09-2016, 07:37 AM

Not an electrician but as mentioned, think the neutral is often a reduced size in 50 amp cable--assuming load is balanced and phased on the the two hot legs. RV cable is recommended for its flex and durablity. Depending on location of install, 50 amp residential will work just as well. I prefer rv cable because of the flex, but the fine wires that make up each conductor in RV cable are a pain to get into the connector lugs.
PS--of course "balanced and phased" assumes both your rig and pedestal at the Camp Grounds are wired correctly...

brobox · 04-09-2016, 07:40 AM

There was a poster a while back that used 220 appliance cord and I thought it was a great idea. I had just used stiff romex and purchased the connectors that the appliance cord already has connected. If I had not just finished my installation I would have used the appliance cord. I don't thing the 8 ga ground is going to make any difference.

DeeGee · 04-09-2016, 12:43 PM

I bought 8/4 cable at HD, sold by the foot. See here. The link says it is not sold in stores, but the wire rack with all the different sizes had a nice big spool. I bought 4 feet.

Old Scout · 04-09-2016, 07:51 PM

Probably ok for 4 feet or less [maybe] but thought we were talking about 6 gauge wire for 50 amp service???????

Gary.Jones · 04-09-2016, 08:25 PM

The progressive manual clearly indicates the required size.

Gary

DeeGee · 04-09-2016, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Scout

Probably ok for 4 feet or less [maybe] but thought we were talking about 6 gauge wire for 50 amp service???????

Memory is hazy - might have been 6/4. In fact, now that I search for it I remember that is what I bought, as it has 600 volt in the description. And the price is more like what I paid.

6/4 cable at HD

hawkeye1995 · 04-10-2016, 12:15 AM

SweetandSour, there are excellent videos on youtube that show the installation of the EMS-HW50C. I just cut the original cord at a good location, close to where I was going to mount. It is very simple to install. The hardest part was getting the two amp readers on the wire, so the lid would close. Other than that, it is a piece of cake. Just type in in model number in youtube and watch the videos. Good luck.

brobox · 04-10-2016, 04:36 AM

The only drawback to using the Progressive method of cutting a section out of the power cord....is there will come a time that the 2 foot cut off the power cord will be needed.

My home shore power is one of those, I need every inch of power cord to reach my 50 amp plug. The electrical bay in the Anthem is further forward than my precious MH.

Gary.Jones · 04-10-2016, 07:26 AM

The electric power cord on the reel in my Anthem would be no easier to work with than the standard romex that I used. This is not that big of a deal and Chuck is right.... I have found several RV parks where I needed every inch of power cord on the reel to get to the power pole (think being designed for 32 footers, not for 45') and I sure don't want to have to carry a spare 50' power cord in the basement!!

Gary

757driver · 04-10-2016, 07:40 AM

I cut my cord in back of the power reel (no reduction of length) and wired the Progressive EMS between there and the transfer switch.

brobox · 04-10-2016, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 757driver

I cut my cord in back of the power reel (no reduction of length) and wired the Progressive EMS between there and the transfer switch.

I wonder if some models have more slack that others? I looked at mine and there wasn't enough to reach, it would have been nice. Sure worth looking at for others.

As for power cord length, the TS electrical compartment was the last compartment on the P/S making reaching my 50 amp plug in the garage easy. The Entegra electrical compartment is in front of 2 axles, and the wet bay. I am now within 6 inches of my roof to reach the 50 amp plug with the power cord all the way out of the reel.