Hardwired surge protector

[Gerogesin]

Hi, I have a couple of questions regarding a hardwired surge protector. I am looking at purchasing a surge gaurd 30amp and hardwiring it into my apex 208bhs. My questions are:

1. Can I just run a generator/inverter generator to it? I'm reading that i may have problems due to the isolated ground?

2. Does it still function fine and provide surge protection if I'm plugged into a 50a service with the dogbone? Will it functional fine with a standard household 15a service using the dogbone?

Thanks in advance.

[My17Ram]

Hi and welcome!
Question 1, google “edison plug” and make one yourself. This will allow the EMS to function correctly while on generator power.
2. The EMS doesn’t care what amperage circuit you’re plugged into as long as it’s incoming power is 120 volts.

[Teamfour]

You said surge guard. Do you mean EMS? They are two different things. If a surge guard then you will have no issues with a dog bone or generator. If you mean EMS, then the post just above is spot on.

[Gerogesin]

I'm pretty sure it's just a simple surge protector.

[cavie]

I didn't look it up but at that price, I would say it is an EMS. If it states that it protects against high and low voltage it is an EMS.

[Cypressloser]

Try this site, saves you 100 bucks:
https://www.rvsuperstorecanada.ca/su...a-hardwire-2-2


My understanding is that the surge protector is installed to protect from faulty campground wiring, surges or brownouts not necessarily to protect from faulty generator power - but I've been wrong before.

[cavie]

Originally Posted by Cypressloser

Try this site, saves you 100 bucks:
https://www.rvsuperstorecanada.ca/su...a-hardwire-2-2


My understanding is that the surge protector is installed to protect from faulty campground wiring, surges or brownouts not necessarily to protect from faulty generator power - but I've been wrong before.

That is an EMS. I hate that the company confuses things with that surge guard name. It is more than just a surge protector. I too find no need to use one on your own generator.

[Gerogesin]

That is confusing. I read the free pdf installation instructions that's how I clued in about the compatibility with a generator. The whole point to have one hardwired and to prevent theft. That product cypressloser mentioned is quite expensive! I see some 30a external surge protectors going for 120-130$ but seems like an easy target for theft.

[Cypressloser]

Originally Posted by cavie

That is an EMS. I hate that the company confuses things with that surge guard name. It is more than just a surge protector. I too find no need to use one on your own generator.

Sorry, my bad. I should have said EMS.

[cavie]

Originally Posted by Gerogesin

That is confusing. I read the free pdf installation instructions that's how I clued in about the compatibility with a generator. The whole point to have one hardwired and to prevent theft. That product cypressloser mentioned is quite expensive! I see some 30a external surge protectors going for 120-130$ but seems like an easy target for theft.

The $120 dollar units are not EMS. They are surge protectors only. 2 entirely different things.

[Boomerweps]

Originally Posted by My17Ram

Hi and welcome!
Question 1, google “edison plug” and make one yourself. This will allow the EMS to function correctly while on generator power.
2. The EMS doesn’t care what amperage circuit you’re plugged into as long as it’s incoming power is 120 volts.

As a fairly electrical savvy guy, this use of the term "Edison plug" in this manner is confusing. A normal household 15 amp plug is often called an Edison plug since he designed it (or his company). What the item you are referring to is just a plug that has the neutral/return and the ground bonded. It may be fine with a generator, but is against just about ALL NEC and local codes for fixed electrical systems. Neutral and ground shall only be bonded at the primary service entrance and nowhere else, not even sub panels.

[cavie]

Originally Posted by Boomerweps

As a fairly electrical savvy guy, this use of the term "Edison plug" in this manner is confusing. A normal household 15 amp plug is often called an Edison plug since he designed it (or his company). What the item you are referring to is just a plug that has the neutral/return and the ground bonded. It may be fine with a generator, but is against just about ALL NEC and local codes for fixed electrical systems. Neutral and ground shall only be bonded at the primary service entrance and nowhere else, not even sub panels.

[llr]

but on a generator that would be your primary power so I don't see any issues with ground and common being tied here. with a shore power feed that is different.

[cavie]

Originally Posted by llr

but on a generator that would be your primary power so I don't see any issues with ground and common being tied here. with a shore power feed that is different.

That's the point. It's NOT tied together at the generator. The electronics in the EMS need the ground to be bonded to the neutral. They are tied together at the Shore Power Primary Panel, not at the ped. The Edison plug is needed on the generator only.