Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 05-26-2018, 08:06 AM   #1
Senior Member
 
Ron045's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 489
PI EMS keeps shutting off power with Low Voltage E04.

I tried a neighbors pedestal and they are a consistent 116 volts. I talked to camp maintenance and he said it's Memorial Day weekend and a few are complaining about low voltage. But if my neighbor is a consistent 116 and mine is 106 dropping to 104 regularly, doesn't that indicate a problem with the pedestal?

The campground is packed and all the ACs are running.
Thanks.
Ron
__________________
Ron & Family
2017 Shamrock 23IKSS (Traded)
No longer active with Forest River Forum.
Ron045 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2018, 08:38 AM   #2
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Payson, AZ
Posts: 3,859
the two pedestals (yours and neighbors) are probably on separate feed loops. it sounds like the loop yours is connected to has pretty heavy usage from all the pedestals on that loop. as usage (amperage) increases the voltage decreases. or possibly longer runs and / or high resistance connections on that loop. so what did the campground say they were going to do to correct it for you and the others?
__________________
2015 cardinal model 3825fl
2015 dodge ram 3500 dually
CHICKDOE is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2018, 08:42 AM   #3
Always Learning
 
ependydad's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Four Corners, FL
Posts: 21,888
The few times I’ve experienced this, the campground basically said, “well that’s too bad”. In one case. I could get by without A/C. In another, I found as long as I ran just 1 high use appliance, I could just barely get by.

My options were to leave, run a generator, or buy an AutoFormer.

Took me a while, but I finally ordered an autoFormer. It doesn’t help you this weekend, but does help you in the future.
__________________
Officially a SOB with a 2022 Jayco Precept 36C
Checkout my site for RVing tips, tricks, and info | Was a Fulltime Family for 5 years, now we're part-timing on long trips
ependydad is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2018, 08:53 AM   #4
Phat Phrog Stunt Team
 
AquaMan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Tipp City, OH
Posts: 7,154
Loose connections or a worn out outlet could also be the culprit. Use an adapter and try another plug (50 or 30h if available.
__________________
2016 Georgetown 364TS
2017 Jeep Rubicon Recon toad
Nights Camped 2019 - 17
AquaMan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2018, 09:45 AM   #5
Senior Member
 
Ron045's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 489
Quote:
Originally Posted by AquaMan View Post
Loose connections or a worn out outlet could also be the culprit. Use an adapter and try another plug (50 or 30h if available.
There are 4 plug ins (4 sites) and they are all 30 amp. But I do like the idea of getting an adapter for 50 amp in the future.
Thank you.
__________________
Ron & Family
2017 Shamrock 23IKSS (Traded)
No longer active with Forest River Forum.
Ron045 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2018, 10:21 AM   #6
Senior Member
 
Ron045's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 489
Ok... Considering going into bypass mode. This is ridiculous... It's shutting off every 2 minutes after starting.

Anyone want to talk me out of it???
__________________
Ron & Family
2017 Shamrock 23IKSS (Traded)
No longer active with Forest River Forum.
Ron045 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2018, 10:24 AM   #7
Senior Member
 
fonzie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Eastern Ontario
Posts: 4,167
If you use your by-pass then don't use use your air conditioning...my opinion.
__________________
Fonzie
2011 Rockwood 8319SS with ProPride 3P hitch/GoodYear Marathons/TST TPMS 507
2019 F350 Ruby Red 6.7l diesel 3.31 axle electronic locker
Yamaha 3000iseb generator:Progressive Ind. EMS-HW30C : Eastern Ontario
Nights Camped: 2014 (18) 2015 (18) 2016 (36) 2017 (32) 2018 (42) 2019 (28) 2020 (35)
fonzie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2018, 10:32 AM   #8
Senior Member
 
fonzie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Eastern Ontario
Posts: 4,167
Have you put your water heater and fridge on propane alone if possible to reduce load and maybe you can run AC with EMS in service?
__________________
Fonzie
2011 Rockwood 8319SS with ProPride 3P hitch/GoodYear Marathons/TST TPMS 507
2019 F350 Ruby Red 6.7l diesel 3.31 axle electronic locker
Yamaha 3000iseb generator:Progressive Ind. EMS-HW30C : Eastern Ontario
Nights Camped: 2014 (18) 2015 (18) 2016 (36) 2017 (32) 2018 (42) 2019 (28) 2020 (35)
fonzie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2018, 10:36 AM   #9
Senior Member
 
NMWildcat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Southern NM
Posts: 9,505
You can always do what most of my camping buddies have done, get rid of the EMS entirely. I was going to invest in one until about four of them told me the EMS caused too many problems between situations like yours and false errors. I'll just keep checking pedestals with a meter
__________________
Scott and Liz - Southern NM
2012 Wildcat Sterling 32RL - w/level up (best option ever)
2007 Chevy 2500HD Duramax
Reese Fifth Airborne Sidewinder
NMWildcat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2018, 12:25 PM   #10
Phat Phrog Stunt Team
 
AquaMan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Tipp City, OH
Posts: 7,154
Quote:
Originally Posted by NMWildcat View Post
You can always do what most of my camping buddies have done, get rid of the EMS entirely. I was going to invest in one until about four of them told me the EMS caused too many problems between situations like yours and false errors. I'll just keep checking pedestals with a meter


You can check a pedestal with a meter and have acceptable voltage, but may drop considerably when under load. I wouldn’t be without one.
__________________
2016 Georgetown 364TS
2017 Jeep Rubicon Recon toad
Nights Camped 2019 - 17
AquaMan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2018, 12:34 PM   #11
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: TEXAS
Posts: 9,097
I wouldn't be without the EMS even though it does cut off with low power.

Putting up with no power is a whole lot better than replacing appliances that burn out.

If you really want to ditch the EMS temporarily in that campground, at least get a surge protector that checks for reverse polarity and open ground.
__________________
2015 Dynamax REV 24TB class C
Reverse_snowbird is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2018, 12:36 PM   #12
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 79
The nice thing about the progressive is that it does have the bypass and the remote readout on the permanent unit. I would certainly NOT get rid of it altogether. It serves multiple purposes including surge protection. I personally don't want to have to replace all my electronics due to a surge that could have been prevented. It also serves to alert you to park power issues, which you can then decide how to address.

Running your A/C on low power is probably not a good idea. Your problem does indicate that this particular park electrical isn't well designed for the loads it incurs. I would consider trying another loop if possible, or another park.

I've had the reverse problem. The progressive has clicked off on a slightly high load that showed several volts lower (and acceptable) on my meter. Progressive told me that it was because their unit measures "True" RMS power. I just went in to bypass, but was comfortable because I had the information to make an informed decision.

That is the reason to keep it. It protects you and allows you to make an informed decision about how to use it.

Surge protectors are very important. I used to work as the buyer for a large electronics retailer and one of my product lines was surge protection. One of my customers had a new APC surge protector that was outlet mounted and fed all of his audio video equipment. A large lightning strike literally blew it off the wall and into a garbage can, where it caught on fire. None of his equipment was damaged. True story and it made me a believer.


Charlie
__________________
[SIGPIC]

2005 Coachmen Sportscoach Encore 380DS
2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited
CharlieS3 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2018, 12:40 PM   #13
Senior Member
 
Ron045's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 489
According to the PI instructions, when you bypass the EMS, the surge protector still works. Maintenance came by and opened a main box that controls 12 sites. He said it was hot. He left it open. The box is now just warm and we have not lost any power. But I'm still in bypass mode.
__________________
Ron & Family
2017 Shamrock 23IKSS (Traded)
No longer active with Forest River Forum.
Ron045 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2018, 12:43 PM   #14
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: TEXAS
Posts: 9,097
Quote:
Originally Posted by CharlieS3 View Post
Your problem does indicate that this particular park electrical isn't well designed for the loads it incurs. I would consider trying another loop if possible, or another park.


Charlie
I agree with everything you said.... but this is Memorial Day Weekend! No way are they going to find another campsite.
__________________
2015 Dynamax REV 24TB class C
Reverse_snowbird is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2018, 12:46 PM   #15
Senior Member
 
Ron045's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 489
Quote:
Originally Posted by Reverse_snowbird View Post
I agree with everything you said.... but this is Memorial Day Weekend! No way are they going to find another campsite.
Right on. We have made a dozen calls within 30 miles. They have to hold back the laughter when we ask for availability.
__________________
Ron & Family
2017 Shamrock 23IKSS (Traded)
No longer active with Forest River Forum.
Ron045 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2018, 12:57 PM   #16
Citrus County, Fl.
 
GL1800Rider's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Hernando, Fl
Posts: 2,368
I had this problem during the Solar Eclipse Rally. Park had a bad feed and after repairing that my voltage was still low. Maintenance replaced the 30 amp breaker and it solved the problem.

I would not suggest bypassing if the power is low enough for the EMS to cut the power. It's doing the job it was designed to do.
__________________
2016 Forester 3011DS
2017 Toyota Corolla SE toad
PREVIOUS: 2015 Flagstaff 832IKBS
99 Terry 31G
GL1800Rider is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2018, 02:51 PM   #17
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 182
Low voltage, the "Camper's Curse"

This is a wide spread problem, and as we get more electrical toys, it gets worse, as some campgrounds haven't been able to keep up with electrical demands. Having said that, we need to find a solution that works. In my own case, being a retired Industrial Electrician, I bring some differing ideas to the figurative table, not all of which will be appropriate in all cases.

First, while I don't have an EMS, I do have a very effective surge suppressor from GE, permanently installed, and have equipped my power cord with a high quality Hubbell twist lock connector on the RV end, mating with a connector mounted with a digital volt meter inside the "cord compartment". All of my extension cords are heavy SOW cord, and likewise equipped with twist lock connectors. (We go to a lot of Bluegrass Festivals, and often have to put out extra cord) The low voltage/high voltage situation isn't a problem any longer, as I installed a constant voltage transformer, gleaned from an industrial surplus yard. It is made by Sola, good for 4KW, and can be wired for either 120 or 240 volts or both. With an input of about 80 to 140 volts, the output is stable at 125 volts, as long as the power source is 60Hz. These devices, also called "ferro-resonant transformers" are widely available, but not cheap. I would definitely go with used again.

I'm also a believer in the Heart Interface type inverter, which offers 2,000 watts of 120 volts, automatically switches to generator or shore power when available, and automatically charges the house batteries at as much as 100 amps, depending on the model, and installer's settings. This is a multi stage charge rate, of course. The original Heart design is now made by Xantrex, and they will service the older Heart units. Vanner also makes a similar type inverter, superior in my opinion to all others, but priced out of my comfort zone!
Photo Lab is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2018, 03:18 PM   #18
Citrus County, Fl.
 
GL1800Rider's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Hernando, Fl
Posts: 2,368
Hmm
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	What he said in that comment up there (1).jpg
Views:	77
Size:	17.1 KB
ID:	173447  
__________________
2016 Forester 3011DS
2017 Toyota Corolla SE toad
PREVIOUS: 2015 Flagstaff 832IKBS
99 Terry 31G
GL1800Rider is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2018, 03:34 PM   #19
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 361
Lowe's voltage is bad for AC, draws more amps - heat. Many campgrounds don't balance their 50 amp service, using same for 30 amp. Autotransformer good resort to satisfy AC.
__________________
DJsFolly
D. J. Schuler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2018, 03:44 PM   #20
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: NJ
Posts: 368
I’d never camp without my Autoformer and PI EMS.
__________________
2019 Jayco Greyhawk 29MV
2019 F-150 3.5 EB SCREW Max Tow - 1797 payload
s1njin is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
power, voltage

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Forest River, Inc. or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:13 AM.