Surge Protector/EMS

[chill960]

I've decided on adding the Progressive Industries EMS Surge Protector. However, I'm struggling with hardwired or portable. My search on this has resulted in no definitive answer.

Here it is:
1. Portable - EMS-PT50C, or
2. Hardwired - EMS-HW50C

I'm going to leave the decision up to those on this forum, who so far, have provided me with great advice. "Vote now, vote often"; I'll decide on Friday.

[armulle]

I installed the hardwired version in my Columbus 365rl. It's nice because you can replace the board in it if it blows. Plus you can switch it off for when I'm using my generator

[grumpy0374]

Definate vote for the hardwired unit. Have one in my Lexi and has already saved me once. Plus, hardwired in means one less item to worry about when you leave for any length of time.
Grumpy

[kenandterry]

Installed the hardwired version as the first option we bought. Can't be "borrowed" by others, and you can't forget to take it with you when you leave.

What's the damage gonna cost to your electronic toys if you don't have one?

[brewjaz]

I'm struggling with the same--hard-wired or portable. I was first going with hard-wired for the reasons given above. BUT later changed my mind to go with the portable because someone on a forum (not sure if it was this one) said as soon as they plugged into the electric they could tell there was a problem--so they unplugged right away and called the CG maintenance. Could it have caused a problem if they plugged into the electric, went into the camper and turned lights and A/C on before checking? I honestly don't know--that's why I'm asking. I also saw there's a gizmo to lock up the portable so it doesn't get stolen.

[brewjaz]

Uh oh--I meant to reply to the thread--now I can't find my post. Did I only reply to you, kenandterry?

EDIT: Forget this post--my other showed up....duh!

[rana]

I agree with the hardwired's, but I'll chime in on the other side of the fence. It may not always suit your needs if you dry camp much, it's nice to have a portable to check multiple camp outlets without having to move your rig, and if it goes "poof"... it's better to happen outside your rig than tucked inside your internals.

Cost wise.. hardwired seems to run a bit less expensive. Certainly more secure from sticky fingers and you don't have to worry about the weather.

It's really a decision you need to make that will best suit your camping preferences.

I really got a kick out of one poster on a similar thread... to paraphrase.. lifetime warranty! As the feller stands watching his burned out TT being pushed into the landfill with his brand new EMS replacement in hand.

[AquaMan]

Hardwired! If you are thinking of portability, you can add plugs to the ends of the hardware installation and the unit is completely portable or bypassed. This works better if your unit is a 30 amp, as the 50 amp plugs can be expensive.


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[cjd10]

I have the portable. I can bypass it quickly if it should ever have a problem. That's just me. I think either one is a must have. Mine saved me twice on a trip to Texas last spring.

[rattleNsmoke]

Come on dude. If you have 1 oz. of ability you can hardwire the EMS. You don't need a poll to make you decide. It's what your gut tells you what the best is in your situation. If you know what end of a hammer to use, go for it.
Here's a freebie for you.....there are the cheapest by far for EMS. I bought one.
http://www.makariosrv.com/

[TURBS]

Hardwired.

Helped install "2" hardwired units at the rally.
Total install time each?
About an hour.

TURBS

"SABRE OWNERS UNITED"

[AquaMan]

Originally Posted by f1100turbo

Hardwired.

Helped install "2" hardwired units at the rally.
Total install time each?
About an hour.

TURBS

"SABRE OWNERS UNITED"

I can testify to that.


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[davel1971]

hardwired with remote (which I have), you can bypass if necessary just with the flick of a switch on the remote panel you mount in the RV

[DSurette]

Brewjaz, when you plug in the hard wired version it checks all parameters before it allows any current to pass through to the load. If there is a problem it will not allow power to the load. There is also a delay of about 2 1/2 minutes before the relay closes after a power interruption to prevent rapid recycling of the AC compressor.
I installed the 50A version and the only difficulty was the stiffness of the wires. Certainly not a deal breaker but still a little troublesome for me anyways.

[Kaadk]

As I covered in another thread, I went portable because I know I'm eventually going to switch from a 30A trailer to something that's 50A, and I figured I'll get better resale out of a portable unit.

But, if this was an 'end of the line' unit, where I don't see myself swapping rigs shortly, than I'd have preferred a hardwired.

[wrapperman]

I vote and installed a hard wired type


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[Mr. Dan]

I vote and ordered the hardwired.

[GABoy]

I vote hard wired. I installed mine and it caught faulty wiring on pedestal of first trip out!



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[360true]

I have a portable. I am able to check the outlet before plugging in. Recently was at a remote campsite where I found three of four power pods had a problem. Is the first thing I doing in my setup process so our is ready to move rig of I must. I do like the idea of cutting the main power cord and with plugs install the portable so it stays inside the power cabinet. Also then can insert a short end of the power cable from the bottom instead of snaking 35' through the porthole. On my list to do!

[fullenw]

i got the portable for 2 reasons: 1. i was in a hurry and wanted to get going on my camp season and 2: i wanted to plug it in at each site and see the readouts prior to plugging in my power.

the device is not heavy and is easy to use. i like it.