Installing a hardwired Progressive EMS. Need advice

[DJNCJ]

Originally Posted by Big Bill

I have a 2014 Ckts , I put mine behind the furnace cover to the left of the the fuse panel plenty of room to work the hard part was bending the cables into the ems , I also used the remote display in the basement, it lets me know if the power is alright

Mine is installed in the same spot. Also a 2014 CKTS. The remote readout display is mounted next to my propane detector (eye level when I open the door)

[Macrosill]

One suggestion when mounting the hardwired EMS systems. Mount the housing using some standoffs. This will leave some air space between the unit and whatever it is mounted to. You can buy some 1/2" plastic spacers at the hardware store for less than 1 dollar.

[RacerRalph]

Originally Posted by pjnlorrie

Or....another member wired the unit in using extension cord ends so that if a major surge ever cooked the EMS one could simply unplug the cable ends from the EMS and connect them together.

that's adding quite a few additional individual connections to potentially cause you problems down the road.

[wrvond]

I installed the 30 watt unit in mine. It has a remote unit that plugs into the main box. The remote has a bypass switch in case the EMS fails for some reason.

[Stevemc]

Our 2013 36ckts has the generator prep option so it was pretty easy to wire the EMS in the front compartment next the the transfer switch box.

[Boatdude62]

Like to see some pics .... I’m going to install a 50 amp in my 2013 36 ckts.
Thinking of mounting behind the sliding basement door.

[David17fq]

I finished the install. I chose to mount it above the sliding door for the central vac.

[Boatdude62]

Originally Posted by David17fq

I finished the install. I chose to mount it above the sliding door for the central vac.

Looks good. Where did you wire into camper system?

Did you use quick connect plugs or straight wire ?

Thanks

[David17fq]

I disconnected the wire at the breaker panel that runs from the outside plug to the breaker panel and used it for the input. I added a new piece of wire from the output to the breaker panel. I did not use any plugs to provide a quick disconnect. I carry a set of heavy duty electrical screw lugs and high voltage electrical tape that would allow me to eliminate the EMS in case of failure. It is my opinion that if the EMS is preventing electrical flow, I would not bypass it, I'd move to another source of electricity (or new campground).

[Boatdude62]

That’s a good point. I’m thinking of using plugs for my install. I use an inverter type generator when we travel sometimes. I’m thinking of mount same place as you.

[Polesetter]

I just put one in my 2018 Hathaway 36CK2 I put it behind the main fuse panel, there is plenty of room behind the panel if you remove the trash can drawer you have quite a bit of room to work in there. I added a 6 foot piece of wire so if I had to work on it I can just pull out the main fuse panel and have access to the EMS. I remove the wires from the main 50 amp breaker and connected it to the EMS then out of the EMS back to the 50 amp fuse breaker.

[MikeRP]

Hi everyone, I had a buddy of mine with an American Heritage Motorhome who had a major issue with a hard wired surge protector. During an upset condition at a campground the surge protector did its job but it caught on fire and he was able to get it put out with minor damage because he happened to be right there. So he went to a pole mount unit after that incident. So that’s probably what I will do too. Anyone else ever experience a problem with these units?

[BandJCarm]

While it would be great to have one permanently installed, there have been enough cases of excessive conditions causing them to catch on fire that I will stick with my portable unit. Fear of stealing is nonexistent, at least to me. Fear of forgetting it IS REAL! LOL

There are cons to both ways. One guy I know had his actual 50a cord have a loose ground plug and it caused the full 240v to go into his trailer. The tv and microwave caught on fire and luckily he put it out. He had a portable unit, so the issue was past the EMS system. Then the other side of the coin is those that are inside past the trailer receptacle, and then they catch on fire with a massive voltage surge.

Sometimes bad things happen. You just have to decide which.........but having one outweighs the rare bad occurrences.

[wevitt]

WOW I have never heard of one causing a fire. Does anyone have pictures of it?

[jblack]

I know this is an old post but . . My remote has a bypass button, will this not bypass all of the circuits in the EMS and just send power to the panel? Thanks!

[wevitt]

Originally Posted by jblack

I know this is an old post but . . My remote has a bypass button, will this not bypass all of the circuits in the EMS and just send power to the panel? Thanks!

It does on mine. Had to use it once to get me out of a mind with fluctuating voltage.