Progressive EMS 50AMP's Hard to Install?

[SailorSam20500]

While I have a 30 amp setup, I'll explain how I installed my unit.
I detached the main power lead in the load center and pulled the wire out. That gave me LOTS of slack in the wire to the extent that I was able to connect that wire to the EMS while out from under the cupboard. I had previously stopped at Lowes and picked up 4 feet of new wire. So I also connected that to the EMS. Then took the ends of the new wire and fed them into the load center and reconnected.

Still thinking about going thru the effort of putting plugs on both sides of the EMS, I'm worried about the connectors oxidizing and causing issues down the road.

[wicked1]

Stupid Question, what type of Electric cable do I need to buy from Lowes or HD to install my 50 AMP Progressive EMS? Not sure what gauge wires I need for 50AMP

[padcarroll]

No stupid questions here. I used 6 gauge which is rated for 55 amps. You will want to get 6-4 stranded wire. The 4 indicates that there are 4 wires in the cable which is what you will need for the RV.

[wicked1]

Originally Posted by padcarroll

No stupid questions here. I used 6 gauge which is rated for 55 amps. You will want to get 6-4 stranded wire. The 4 indicates that there are 4 wires in the cable which is what you will need for the RV.

Thanks, crap Lowe's doesn't carry 6-4 only 6-3

[SailorSam20500]

Originally Posted by wicked1

Thanks, crap Lowe's doesn't carry 6-4 only 6-3

Yes they do, if you think outside the box (currently available at my local Lowes). Use one of these and just cut the plug off....

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Utilitech-6...n-Cord/3165699

[wicked1]

Originally Posted by SailorSam20500

Yes they do, if you think outside the box (currently available at my local Lowes). Use one of these and just cut the plug off....

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Utilitech-6...n-Cord/3165699

We will see what the local electric supply house has, but that is a good idea in case they won't sell me a 4 foot piece of 6-4

[325BH]

It is called 6/3 with ground. Total number of conductors is 4: red, black, white and bare ground.

You should not use an appliance cord to connect your EMS. You should use the "6/3 with ground " Romex. That is what your camper is using to the breaker box.

[wicked1]

Originally Posted by 325BH

It is called 6/3 with ground. Total number of conductors is 4: red, black, white and bare ground.

You should not use an appliance cord to connect your RMS. You should use the "6/3 with ground " Romex.

Ok someone on here said 6-4

So if I get 6-3 that is enough for a neutral, ground and 2 hots?

[325BH]

Originally Posted by wicked1

Ok someone on here said 6-4

So if I get 6-3 that is enough for a neutral, ground and 2 hots?

Correct. Is is called 6/3 because only three conductors is 6 gauge (the two hots and neutral). The ground is smaller -- which is correct.

6/3 with ground will be an exact match to your existing wiring.

[wicked1]

Originally Posted by 325BH

Correct. Is is called 6/3 because only three conductors is 6 gauge (the two hots and neutral). The ground is smaller -- which is correct.

6/3 with ground will be an exact match to your existing wiring.

Oh thanks for clearing that up, off to HD tomorrow morning, I have 3 weeks to get all the stuff installed.

While I am buying cable does anyone know the gauge used for the 12 volt stuff like in the ceilings? I might have to splice in my new Maxxair if I can't find the lines that are supposedly up in the kitchen ceiling. I already put a second AC unit in the bedroom, those lines were there from PR

[Iwannacamp]

Here is a link for gauge/amp/length chart.

https://www.google.com/search?q=wire...for%2012v%20dc

Guess??? 14ga

[crunchman12001]

Originally Posted by wicked1

Oh thanks for clearing that up, off to HD tomorrow morning, I have 3 weeks to get all the stuff installed.

While I am buying cable does anyone know the gauge used for the 12 volt stuff like in the ceilings? I might have to splice in my new Maxxair if I can't find the lines that are supposedly up in the kitchen ceiling. I already put a second AC unit in the bedroom, those lines were there from PR

When at home Depot buy 2 small ring connectors to hook on the solid ground wire. The ring connectors supplied by PI are for a 6 gauge, thick stranded. (The connectors supplied will not work with Solid 12 gauge wire) You will need to pigtail the grounds (from your trailers wires) with a 12 gauge eye connector to accommodate the ground screws on the PI EMS- HW50C.
See my post here for my install.
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ll-131262.html
If I remember correctly, I used 12 gauge wire for my 12V mods.

[wicked1]

Originally Posted by texasbuckeye

I believe in protecting your Motorhome/Camper. Installed the 50amp on my 2004 Phaeton. As said before, hardest part was dealing with the size of the cable. It's like wrestling a gator ! ! Personally, I wouldn't cut the current cable. Things always happen and I'd rather have a fudge factor and extra cable to work with.

I took your advice and removed the factory cable attached to EMS, then bought a 2 foot section from Lowe's to go from EMS to Fuse Panel. This way if something happens to EMS I can still reconnect old cable just in case. It was like wrestling an Anaconda that 50 amp cable but managed to get it done and everything worked when I connected 50 amp power cord.

[wicked1]

Finally got it installed after wrestling with the 6awg Anaconda wire, ugh

I ran the Factory cable into the EMS pulled it out of Fuse Panel didn't want to cut it. I bought a 6-3 6awg from Lowe's and that came out of EMS into Fuse Panel.

The concept is easy even if you are not mechanically inclined, but trying to work with the damn Anaconda 6awg that takes patience but it is all done and working. Turned everything on one by one and near to see how much voltage and amps it shows you for each line. I was even able to run both AC units, lights, Microwave, water Pump and still had free AMPS left.