|
|
08-12-2021, 06:10 PM
|
#1
|
Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Berlin
, Maryland
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,786
|
New EMS or not
Should I replace my surge protector with an EMS. My surge protector is nine years old. Having just replaced my AC and with this heat wave wondering if I need additional protection
|
|
|
08-12-2021, 09:42 PM
|
#2
|
Rivet Master
2020 23' Flying Cloud
2019 22' Sport
Sebastian
, Florida
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 1,234
|
Holding onto a surge protector that old is like keeping a car that you’ve owned for 15 years. If you fear complexity and are willing to risk the inevitable malfunction and don’t want to know what you are missing in terms of new features... keep the old thing.
Personally, for the price of a new EMS, it seems a no brainer. Even my wife loves the features on our Bluetooth Hughes Watchdog, and she is NOT a tech person.
And you have a good point about the changing demands on our grid system. Brownouts may be more of a concern than surges, especially with all those power-ravenous fifth wheels out there.
__________________
-Don
(That man in that tiny can)
(Same man, Bigger can)
|
|
|
08-12-2021, 10:32 PM
|
#3
|
Rivet Master
2007 22' International CCD
Corona
, California
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,180
|
New EMS or not
Having had an air conditioning unit actually burn out due to prolonged low voltage prior to getting a new EMS/surge protector, I’d say it’s time for an upgrade. Power brownouts are getting common in many RV parks and, for that matter, homes.
The black box on the left in the photo is a permanent mounted EMS/surge protector behind my power center. The orange wiring is the 30-amp 120 volt input from the transfer switch and power ports. Both ports are now SmartPlugs. I added a new one for the generator that lives in the truck bed.
This is a wall-mounted monitor panel and BlueSea Systems manual transfer switch I just got done installing.
This happens to be showing the output of our Champion 3400 watt dual fuel inverter generator powering our air conditioning in July in Texas heat…and plenty of humidity!
__________________
Rich, KE4GNK/AE, Overkill Engineering Dept.
'The Silver HamShack' ('07 International 22FB CCD 75th Anniversary)
Multiple Yaesu Ham Radios inside and many antennae sprouting from roof, ProPride hitch, Prodigy P2 controller.
2012 shortbed CrewMax 4x4 Toyota Tacoma TV with more antennae on it.
|
|
|
08-13-2021, 12:13 AM
|
#4
|
Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Berlin
, Maryland
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,786
|
Thank you so my next question is external or internal system. If internal I would have to have a professional install it. External I could have it here in two days what are your thoughts
|
|
|
08-13-2021, 12:25 AM
|
#5
|
Rivet Master
2007 22' International CCD
Corona
, California
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,180
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by urnmor
Thank you so my next question is external or internal system. If internal I would have to have a professional install it. External I could have it here in two days what are your thoughts
|
Personal opinion is that internal is easier to use, hard to leave behind or get stolen. It protects against me forgetting to plug it in, as well. It also stays dry and out of the weather.
Mine has a lighted LCD indicator and bypass control panel that monitors it remotely. I’m one of those engineer types they talk about. I installed it and lots of other electrical stuff myself. If you’re not sure, do hire a professional.
Yeah, you will hear from folks afraid it could catch fire from a big surge. I have a fire extinguisher mounted two feet away from it under my rear desk, and another near the front door of the Airstream. I’m not worried.
__________________
Rich, KE4GNK/AE, Overkill Engineering Dept.
'The Silver HamShack' ('07 International 22FB CCD 75th Anniversary)
Multiple Yaesu Ham Radios inside and many antennae sprouting from roof, ProPride hitch, Prodigy P2 controller.
2012 shortbed CrewMax 4x4 Toyota Tacoma TV with more antennae on it.
|
|
|
08-13-2021, 05:47 AM
|
#6
|
Rivet Master
2020 23' Flying Cloud
2019 22' Sport
Sebastian
, Florida
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 1,234
|
mkrum’s system has me salivating. My dangler has a paint drip on it, and the indicator lights are always on. Between those two factors nay and yay wrt pilfering, I don’t worry about theft. It’s not worth much to anyone who hasn’t stolen a trailer already.
__________________
-Don
(That man in that tiny can)
(Same man, Bigger can)
|
|
|
08-13-2021, 06:03 AM
|
#7
|
"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,000
|
We are not 'plug-in' Campers. And use a portable.
It has been plugged maybe 6 times in 16 Seasons.
If it fries it is easier to return for repair, it is a PD.
Just our choice...KISS.
Bob
🇺🇸
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
|
|
|
08-13-2021, 07:09 AM
|
#8
|
Rivet Master
1988 25' Excella
1987 32' Excella
Knoxville
, Tennessee
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,101
|
Yes. You should certainly have a EMS. I use a portable one.
|
|
|
08-13-2021, 07:29 AM
|
#9
|
Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Berlin
, Maryland
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,786
|
I will go with the external one it is now between the Huges with Bluetooth or Progressive as they both get con sistenly good reviews both are 30 amps
|
|
|
08-13-2021, 07:41 AM
|
#10
|
4 Rivet Member
2018 25' International
Full-time
, Traveler
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 313
|
We “upgraded” our surge protector to a Progressive Dynamics 30A external. It provides much more information and tons more protection than the old surge protector. I’m not worried about theft, but realize anything could be stolen.
So far it has “saved” us several times…one for bo ground and multiple times for low voltage.
|
|
|
08-13-2021, 08:28 AM
|
#11
|
2 Rivet Member
Spring
, Texas
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 80
|
Just purchased at unitedRv RV Surge Guard - 30 Amp with LCD Display 34931: $248
|
|
|
08-13-2021, 09:14 AM
|
#12
|
Half a Rivet Short
2017 30' Classic
2022 Interstate 24X
Carlisle
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 15,684
|
Hi
You very much want an EMS. I would stick with a name brand. I happen to like Progressive. Huges has a lot of fans as well.
Having an EMS sit out in the rain and slop for months at a time does not seem to do them any good. Having a *really* low poll that puts them in a puddle .... yikes .... I'd go with an internal and a remote display. Being able to *see* what's going on easily is very nice.
Bob
|
|
|
08-13-2021, 09:46 AM
|
#13
|
2 Rivet Member
2004 30' Classic
London
, Ontario
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 93
|
We had our internal EMS (Progressive Industries EMS-HW30C) give its life to save our AS a couple months ago. I applied for and was approved for a warranty replacement, but due to the current electronics parts shortage, we're still waiting for the replacement to arrive.
Not sure if that's any different for an external EMS (for warrantee replacements), but it has been frustrating. We're really vigilant to verify correct post wiring using a plug in tester before connecting to shore power. That doesn't help brown outs, but at least we won't immediately fry anything... We're also really vigilant about putting everything (fridge/water heater) on gas if we're going to run the AC.
__________________
2004 30' Classic
2020 F150 XLT 4x4
WBCCI #1783, Region 2, Ontario Canada Unit
|
|
|
08-13-2021, 09:51 AM
|
#14
|
Rivet Master
2014 25' FB Eddie Bauer
Vero Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 693
|
External for me
I use and like the Progressive external 30 Amp EMS.
I’m amazed how often it says “E0, PE4” which means all is well, but at some point it shut down for low voltage then reset and continued feeding power. Evidently, transient low voltage is more common than I knew, even here at home.
I’ve had two of them fail over about 5 years. Both replaced for free under warranty. Maybe keeping it outside is an issue like Uncle Bob says. If the inside ones fail that often it would be a pain since they have to be mounted and wired. Regardless, I’m happy and sticking with what’s working for me.
|
|
|
08-13-2021, 10:37 AM
|
#15
|
2 Rivet Member
Spring
, Texas
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 80
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by playc
Just purchased at unitedRv RV Surge Guard - 30 Amp with LCD Display 34931: $248
|
It’s Southwire. Is it a good and reliable brand?
https://youtu.be/ydd7XDLBxD0
|
|
|
08-13-2021, 10:41 AM
|
#16
|
Half a Rivet Short
2017 30' Classic
2022 Interstate 24X
Carlisle
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 15,684
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by playc
|
Hi
I'd pay the additional $10 and get the Progressive instead .... that's just me. I've never owned one of the Southwire products.
Bob
|
|
|
08-13-2021, 10:47 AM
|
#17
|
2 Rivet Member
1992 26' Land Yacht
Wickes
, Arkansas
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 70
|
I would definitely agree with Uncle Bob's opinion. I have had the Progressive 30 amp internal unit for a few years and have found it to function perfectly. To me, there is no alternative to having an internal EMS. It is never forgotten to be put into the system and you never forget to pick it up from the post when you are leaving. Also, it is always out of the weather.
__________________
Bob & Dorothy
1992 Land Yacht TT
WBCCI # 4550
Arkansas Razorback Airstream Club
|
|
|
08-13-2021, 11:20 AM
|
#18
|
diesel maniac
Airstream - Other
Tucson
, AZ
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 2,531
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by GammaDog
I use and like the Progressive external 30 Amp EMS.
I’m amazed how often it says “E0, PE4” which means all is well, but at some point it shut down for low voltage then reset and continued feeding power. Evidently, transient low voltage is more common than I knew, even here at home.
I’ve had two of them fail over about 5 years. Both replaced for free under warranty. Maybe keeping it outside is an issue like Uncle Bob says. If the inside ones fail that often it would be a pain since they have to be mounted and wired. Regardless, I’m happy and sticking with what’s working for me.
|
Low voltage seems to be so common I am now considering the Autoformer
__________________
Brian
|
|
|
08-13-2021, 12:01 PM
|
#19
|
2 Rivet Member
2006 30' Classic
1966 20' Globetrotter
Currently Looking...
Dover
, Delaware
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 78
|
I installed the Progressive 30 AMP EMS in my 30 foot classic myself with no problems. I has done a great job and I don’t have to worry about theft or remembering to hook up or taking time to use in rainy weather. PM me if you would like some help or advice. I live n your area.
|
|
|
08-13-2021, 12:18 PM
|
#20
|
4 Rivet Member
Here and There
, West Coast
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 422
|
We have a Progressive Ind. 30 Amp EMS. I played with it a bit using a variac transformer, measuring with a Fluke meter and it was right on with high and low voltage. In a momentary power blip the EMS will delay re-powering the outlet to protect your AC. We selected the outside model after reading in reviews some complained about AC hum noise with the internal model. The case is well built and weather resistant, not a small device. The plug cable has a hardware piece which when used with a padlock and chain may prevent the opportunist thief from taking. Any kind of surge protector is considered unreliable after time. Most common rule is ten years but if used frequently or hit by a strike should be replaced sooner. Internally the parts (primarily the MOV) become unreliable for surge protection. The voltage thresholds are not part of the transient surge protection. The unit is serviceable. Amazon has an okay price. We purchased ours at Camping World. They beat the Amazon price by five percent honoring a military discount.
|
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|