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Old 04-02-2013, 03:31 PM   #1
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Using 50 amp extension cord ?

I considering buying a 15' 50 amp RV extension cord to I can keep my Progressive Industries EMS-PT50C surge guard unit inside my electrical bay.
Any problem with always using the 15' extension cord in addition to my stock shore cord?
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Old 04-02-2013, 03:34 PM   #2
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I don't think it's a problem. I did the same as you know but I made a 3' extension cord.
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Old 04-02-2013, 03:40 PM   #3
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Each connection (plug and recepticle) adds some resistance to the circuit, but if they are tight and of good quality there should be little chance of a problem. When I am running heavy loads - usually both A/C units in hot weather -I test the connections for overheating by touching them once in awhile.
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Old 04-02-2013, 03:45 PM   #4
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i bought two locks that just fit around the cord and put one on the surge protector above the cord end and one on the 50 amp cord before the cord end the put a short piece of chain between the two locks, that way they will have to cut the end off to get the surge protector.
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Old 04-03-2013, 03:43 PM   #5
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I use a 15 ft 50A extension for a couple weeks a year when visiting family and parking in their driveway. No problems at all. But for your purposes, I would make up a short extension. It's not hard to do. You can buy the male and females end connectors and an RV dealer might even have some extra cord lying around. Or buy a short length of 6 gauges, 3 conductor (plus ground) power cable at a electrical supply store.
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Old 04-03-2013, 03:55 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Camper Ken View Post
I considering buying a 15' 50 amp RV extension cord to I can keep my Progressive Industries EMS-PT50C surge guard unit inside my electrical bay.
Any problem with always using the 15' extension cord in addition to my stock shore cord?

I've done this for 3 years now without issue, plugged in 90% of the time.
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Old 04-03-2013, 05:38 PM   #7
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As a thought would it be possible to open up that device, disconnect the wires, and then wire it in line using your present power cord?
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Old 04-03-2013, 06:41 PM   #8
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You just dont want to leave your cord coiled up, if its in a nice neat coil it will act as a coil and limit your current ie; amps
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Old 04-03-2013, 07:20 PM   #9
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You just dont want to leave your cord coiled up, if its in a nice neat coil it will act as a coil and limit your current ie; amps
That was my I learned something new today moment. I did not know that, but it makes sense.

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Old 04-04-2013, 12:51 AM   #10
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Good ideas from several folks. I cut my VERY long shore cord, added the appropriate male/female ends (Camco brand with handles), put the surge guard in between and mounted it in the electical compartment. I have about 15" of the original shore cord between the surge guard and my main coach plug-in receptacle. The rest of the shore cord after the surge guard serves the same purpose it always has. Works super for me, keeps the unit out of the weather and keeps honest people....honest. Working with that serious 50 amp wiring to connect the male/female ends was a bit tedious and somewhat challenging; but, other than that, no problem after 2 years.
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Old 04-04-2013, 06:41 AM   #11
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You just dont want to leave your cord coiled up, if its in a nice neat coil it will act as a coil and limit your current ie; amps

Actually, that's not quite the problem ... a marginally adequate (not sufficiently sized) extension cord "may" tend to overheat if left tightly coiled due to lack of heat dissipation. The risk of overheating a correctly sized (gauge, quality, and length) cord with clean/tight connections is not a concern.

This was caused by a severe overload and a very tight wrap on the drum ... not by the cord acting as a "choke" ... the heat of the overload could not dissipate fast enough from the inner wraps.

Overheated Extension Cord - ECN Electrical Forums
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Old 04-04-2013, 06:55 AM   #12
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Question, are you guys putting this surge guard in your coach in addition to the big black box in the electrical bay that says surge guard ? If so, why the redundancies. I have an all electric coach and if I need one of these I surely get it. Just not sure about its purpose. Thanks
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Old 04-04-2013, 07:25 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sparkydog
Question, are you guys putting this surge guard in your coach in addition to the big black box in the electrical bay that says surge guard ? If so, why the redundancies. I have an all electric coach and if I need one of these I surely get it. Just not sure about its purpose. Thanks
The term "surge guard" is being used to describe a number of similar but different devices. To further muddy the issue, there is a company named Surge Guard which sells this type of equipment. The box you refer to is most likely a transfer switch manufactured by Surge Guard the company. It may or may not have a " surge or spike" circuit built into it. You man also have an EMS (electric management system) which will manage the 30 amp power when you are limited to 30 amps, by shedding loads so the breaker won't trip.

Most people, who add a devise for electrical protection, are adding a EMS ( electric monitoring system) which does give a high level of surge/ spike protection but it also monitors high/low voltage; frequency, reverse polarity, and the dreaded open or floating neutral. There devices are generally placed between the shore pedestal and the transfer switch. You might check to see what protection you really have. Although surges are talked about the most common problems in campgrounds are with high/low voltage and open or floating neutral. Both can be very damaging.
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