Community Forums

Hbruce · 01-24-2021, 08:28 PM

I have a 34’ National Dolphin. I thinking of getting EMS/surge protector(s) 30amp & 50amp. What are your thoughts, hard wire or portable? Is there anything that will handle both 30 & 50amp in one unit?

paul65k · 01-24-2021, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hbruce

I have a 34’ National Dolphin. I thinking of getting EMS/surge protector(s) 30amp & 50amp. What are your thoughts, hard wire or portable? Is there anything that will handle both 30 & 50amp in one unit?

As far as I know all the 50A units will also protect while running on a 30A circuit.

I have had the Progressive industries EMS-50 in 2 units and we have had zero problems, they have caught many issues with pedestals that were sub-standard. We had one issue and after a phone call to support a new part was on the way to us as a replacement...even though the unit was over 10 years old.... the units come with a lifetime warranty

bobmar · 01-24-2021, 08:47 PM

Yes, a 50A will provide protection from a 30A
circuit with the proper dog bone connector.

As for portable vs hardwired it’s personal preference. Portable is always yours, hardwired probably goes with the rig if/when it sells. Portable could grow legs and get stolen, tough for a hardwired unit. Our power bay is kinda tight to fit a hardwired unit so we opted for the portable Progressive Industries EMS-PT50X. You won’t regret either style.

bneiva · 01-24-2021, 10:05 PM

I can show you an itemized bill for $17,000 worth of electrical damage as a result of NOT using a surge protector!

Something to think about when you do buy one though, is this:

If you have the "hard wired" surge protector installed and it goes bad, unless you carry extra plugs and have the ability to by-pass the surge protector, you are going to be without power!

On the other hand, if the "potable" surge protecter goes bad, you can simply remove it and still use your power cord! At a cost of $400-$600 though, you want to make sure you carry a good cable and lock!

vsheetz · 01-24-2021, 10:54 PM

50a will work on 30a or 15/20a residential.

I have a PI hardwired EMS plus a watchdog surge only portable at the pedustal. Belt and suspenders protection. Advantages of both portable and hard wired.

Fyrflie · 01-25-2021, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bneiva

If you have the "hard wired" surge protector installed and it goes bad, unless you carry extra plugs and have the ability to by-pass the surge protector, you are going to be without power!

Progressive Industries makes a very simple to install bypass switch for some of their electrical management systems.

Another feature of my hardwired PI system is that it shows the hZ of the electrical input from the generator. I was able to use that to help diagnose a problem with my generator.

Whatever you choose will be an upgrade to what you have now.

NXR · 01-25-2021, 06:55 PM

Quote:

If you have the "hard wired" surge protector installed and it goes bad, unless you carry extra plugs and have the ability to by-pass the surge protector, you are going to be without power!

The PI hard-wired units with the remote display have a slide switch on the side of the display. That switch energizes the contactor to force it into bypass.

The PI hard-wired ones without the remote display require that you open the lid and move a jumper wire to do the same thing.

I would expect a hard-wired one to be less susceptible to environmental failures since they're not out in the weather, not hanging by the wires, not getting thrown in a box, etc.

I have the Progressive Industries hard-wired one. If I was doing it today, I would buy the Hughes hard-wired one solely because it has a Bluetooth app that can give you a lot more info, including cumulative KWH usage.

Based on a few campgrounds we've been at, I would be very hesitant to run for very long with the unit in bypass. In fact, I refused to go on even one trip until I installed the EMS (and the TPMS).

Ray

NXR · 01-25-2021, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fyrflie

Another feature of my hardwired PI system is that it shows the hZ of the electrical input from the generator. I was able to use that to help diagnose a problem with my generator.

As a point of clarification, normally an EMS does not handle generator power. To do that, the EMS must be installed between the transfer switch and the coach (if you have a transfer switch, which I do).

If you do not have a transfer switch and instead plug the shore power into the generator then it's very easy to accomplish.

I toyed with the idea of doing that for the reason noted but decided that doing so would make the EMS a single-point-of-failure for the entire electrical system.

If the contactor itself failed then I would have no shore power and no generator power. I did not care for that very remote possibility happening.

Ray

momdoc · 01-25-2021, 07:04 PM

We have the 50 amp unit and it works on 50 and 30 amps. Ours is hard wired with a remote unit in the cab area to monitor the unit. This way we do not have to worry about it being stolen off the campsite pedestal.

Chrome · 01-26-2021, 12:10 PM

Hughs AutoFormers have surge protectors that will cut power instantly in the event of extreme overload (lighting). Some will not protect for high and low voltage.
The cheaper unit will only protect from wiring faults.
There is something to learn about these devises.
Do you research and find one that works the way you expect it to.

MSHappyCampers · 01-26-2021, 12:25 PM

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined us!

You definitely need a high-quality AC protection device, not just a surge protector! I would recommend the EMS series from Progressive Industries. They provide protection against any type of AC problems, not just surges. Some prefer the portable version and some the hardwired.

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

Hittntheroad · 01-28-2021, 03:59 PM

Just bought the Hughes EP30 portable. Plugged into the motor home. Really like the Bluetooth to monitor amps, voltage, energy, and watts.

Chrome · 01-29-2021, 03:44 PM

I bought the Hughes EP50, but have not used it yet. (MH is in winter storage)
One thing I did learn when researching "Surge Protectors" is that they are very different in how they work. Some have a surge module that will absorb a major spike. When this happens the unit will have to be serviced.

Hittntheroad · 01-30-2021, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrome

I bought the Hughes EP50, but have not used it yet. (MH is in winter storage)
One thing I did learn when researching "Surge Protectors" is that they are very different in how they work. Some have a surge module that will absorb a major spike. When this happens the unit will have to be serviced.

Yes. This unit has a replaceable module at $22 if the spike is high or happens too many times. They will also replace the unit for free in the first 2 years.

SPECIAL BONUS OFFER – If your surge module is ‘used up’ within the first 2 years of purchase, Hughes Autoformers will mail you one FREE replacement. (One free replacement offer only within the first 2 years of purchase. Proof of purchase required, proof of used up surge module also required)