Community Forums

Garandrew47 · 10-19-2018, 10:21 AM

Hi, can anyone suggest a device to check campground power supply. I do have a multi-meter. Thanks

jimcumminsw · 10-19-2018, 10:36 AM

I use a surge protector that analysis the power supply on the pedestal before it will engage the power output to the trailer. Not all are created equal so you must do your homework. Here is a link to a site that has reviewed them and provides information on the surge protector. https://www.rvupgradestore.com/rv-su...uide-a/279.htm

Good Luck.

rkresge · 10-19-2018, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garandrew47

Hi, can anyone suggest a device to check campground power supply. I do have a multi-meter. Thanks

Most RV surge protectors have at least the basics of power testing. My inexpensive surge suppressor checks polarity (not sure about voltage) before I plug in the trailer's 30 amp connector.

You really should have at least a surge protector, if not a full-blown power protection system.

Roger

Bigd9 · 10-19-2018, 10:42 AM

I use the Progressive Industries Smart Surge Protector SSP-50X to check the power post. It looks for Open Ground, Open Neutral & Reverse Polarity. Keep in mind this particular unit does not PROTECT, just detect.

Progressive Industries SSP-50X

Skip426 · 10-19-2018, 10:48 AM

Here are diagrams for testing with a multi meter .

I'll also add my name to those who say to" consider a surge protection device".

twinboat · 10-19-2018, 10:58 AM

The best way to check is plug in a surge guard device, plug in the RV and add a heavy load to the circuit, while monitoring the Volts and amps.

Just reading volts won't show any sub-standard wiring or marginal connections. You need to put a load on the wiring and components.

Fred and Bonnie · 10-19-2018, 01:25 PM

I would not have any product that didn't protect voltage spikes. Yes they are more expensive, however one voltage spike could cost you many hundreds of $$$.

Fred

**NLOVNIT** · 10-19-2018, 01:48 PM

Our Progressive Industries EMS-HW50C has a 2 minute delay on providing power to our coach while it checks the power supply we're plugged into. We also carry a multimeter & an outlet tester, just because.

Lori-

Pepper2 · 10-19-2018, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NLOVNIT

Our Progressive Industries EMS-HW50C has a 2 minute delay on providing power to our coach while it checks the power supply we're plugged into. We also carry a multimeter & an outlet tester, just because.

Lori-

Our MH is 30 amp and we use the Progressive EMS-PT30X. They run between $260-$270. Don't go the cheap route on surge protectors, it could end up costing big time down the road.

egwilly · 10-19-2018, 03:18 PM

Good idea to always check, even if you don't have a Progressive type protection system.

After an episode of a bootleg neutral at one site, I went online and bought one.

Has saved me a couple of times since.

Read about all of this here; www.noshockzone.org

biggcrisp · 10-19-2018, 03:35 PM

Electric outlet testers run $8 - $10 on Amazon. They have 3 lights that indicate ok or problems. Use your dogbone adapter for testing.

bdickson · 10-19-2018, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NLOVNIT

Our Progressive Industries EMS-HW50C has a 2 minute delay on providing power to our coach while it checks the power supply we're plugged into. We also carry a multimeter & an outlet tester, just because.

Lori-

Lori, additionally that 2 minute delay protects the AC units from cycling too quickly in the event of a momentary power outage.

xrated · 10-19-2018, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by biggcrisp

Electric outlet testers run $8 - $10 on Amazon. They have 3 lights that indicate ok or problems. Use your dogbone adapter for testing.

The problem with doing it this way is that when you plug in and everything if fine, that covers that millisecond of time. What about 10 minutes later, an hour later, the next day? Using an EMS, like the one mentioned above (Progressive Industries) will protect you the entire time you are plugged in to the power pedestal camping. If the voltage goes down to a certain point, it will cut the power to the camper. If the voltage goes too high, same thing. It also checks for a properly wired power pedestal.....no ground, reverse polarity, etc. You also have the advantage of seeing the amount of current being used by the trailer at any given time. They aren't cheap, but they will protect the expensive electrical devices in the trailer.