Hard Wired Surge Protector

[Va John]

Just purchased a new 2017 Puma 373QSI toyhauler. I want to install an hard wired surge protector/EMS and have not been able to find any specific info for the Puma. I would prefer to install the unit behind the breaker panel next to the stove unit. Has anyone made this installation or know of a reason it should not be installed there? This is a 50 amp system.

[kenandterry]

Progressive Industries is the best in the industry for what you're looking for.

progressive industries.net

AND.....something the others don't offer.....lifetime warranty. That speaks volumes for their product line.

Others that know will chime in.

[northstar1960]

Originally Posted by Va John

Just purchased a new 2017 Puma 373QSI toyhauler. I want to install an hard wired surge protector/EMS and have not been able to find any specific info for the Puma. I would prefer to install the unit behind the breaker panel next to the stove unit. Has anyone made this installation or know of a reason it should not be installed there? This is a 50 amp system.

You can mount it where ever you want to , as long as you have the room and not in a wet location

[SailorSam20500]

You have two issues to address:
1. Is there enough room for the box?
2. Can you run the wire for the remote display to where you want to mount it? The cable is similar to telephone line WITH the connector, so you will need a hole of about 1/2 inch.

I initially wanted to mount mine next to the rest of the power switches and thermostat. Discovered there were several support boards behind the paneling I would have to go thru. Found a different spot for the display.

[DanoHB]

I opted for the portable version for a BIG reason. Is this the last RV you will own? Will you keep it forever? If not, go portable. As stated above, it has a lifetime warranty. That warranty on a hard wired unit will end as soon as you sell your rig and leave it in there. Then you have to buy a new one. I will just take mine with me. Bought a lock for it just in case too. Works great.

[Big Vic]

Some have suggested mounting it with 50 amp male and female plugs on each end, rather than just internally hard wired - so that it can be removed easily if selling your rig or the EMS unit needs service. This would allow simple method of returning to stock.

[D. J. Schuler]

What's nice about Progressive Industries is there is an external read out available. The external read out can be mounted somewhere convenient if you want to see what's going on with the power, good to know when plugging in.

[djemgoss]

I put mine right where the shore power comes into the trailer. I wouldn't be with out it!!!

[jtstromsburg]

Originally Posted by Big Vic

Some have suggested mounting it with 50 amp male and female plugs on each end, rather than just internally hard wired - so that it can be removed easily if selling your rig or the EMS unit needs service. This would allow simple method of returning to stock.

Different camper but that's exactly how I mounted mine in my Sabre 34TBOK. I used range plugs/outlets and pulled the unit from my totaled fiver after our accident two years ago. Made it very easy and I just plugged the wires back together to re-complete the circuit in that camper. Two new ends and I was good to go in new camper. I'd highly recommend and PI unit as others said. It's saved us numerous times and the remote display is very helpful, especially when we only have 30a available.

[Sterlingsilver]

My unit is hard wired but I had to make a small wooden stand to mount it up right. It can be mounted in many ways but not on its back because it has drop out relays.

[wahoonc]

I have used both hard mounted and portables. Friend of mine pointed out a huge advantage to the portable... he checks the power posts BEFORE he backs his rig in. He has had more than a few campgrounds with bad power pedestals. By plugging the EMS in first he knows if he will need to move on down to another one before setting up.

PI is the hands down industry leader. Won't use anything but... now.

Aaron

[Iwannacamp]

Mine is in here....



It as a night stand between the recliners.


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[CedarCreekWoody]

I installed a Progressive unit today (30 amp). Installation went smoothly. I wanted mine inside to avoid theft plus I'm a bit anal about electrical things and enjoy checking the readouts frequently. Won't be difficult to remove if I so decide.

Bought mine from Amazon.

[Mr Havercamp]

Originally Posted by Sterlingsilver

My unit is hard wired but I had to make a small wooden stand to mount it up right. It can be mounted in many ways but not on its back because it has drop out relays.

???

That's news to me. Nowhere in a Progressive Industries install manual does it tell you not to mount it on its back. This is the 3rd trailer I have had them on and I mounted all of them flat on the floor in the space behind the converter. Did you find that requirement somewhere in the docs or on the website?

[Mr Havercamp]

Originally Posted by SailorSam20500

You have two issues to address:
1. Is there enough room for the box?
2. Can you run the wire for the remote display to where you want to mount it? The cable is similar to telephone line WITH the connector, so you will need a hole of about 1/2 inch.

I initially wanted to mount mine next to the rest of the power switches and thermostat. Discovered there were several support boards behind the paneling I would have to go thru. Found a different spot for the display.

Similar, as in the plugs are the same, but they do something different in the wiring such as reverse the direction of the connections on the ends. I found out the hard way fishing a 4 conductor phone cable to the remote location as the supplied one was not long enough. It will not work despite the provided cable from P.I. being 4 conductor also. I never had time to dissect the P.I. cable to see exactly why.

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by Big Vic

Some have suggested mounting it with 50 amp male and female plugs on each end, rather than just internally hard wired - so that it can be removed easily if selling your rig or the EMS unit needs service. This would allow simple method of returning to stock.

I took the plug/socket approach. For others considering the same, remember to mount the female socket on the hot side of the supply wire. That way you're never exposed to prongs on an energized plug. Common sense? Yes, but common sense isn't always common.

Also, consider using locking plug/socket pairs so they don't jiggle apart while bouncing down the road.

[Sterlingsilver]

Originally Posted by Mr Havercamp

???

That's news to me. Nowhere in a Progressive Industries install manual does it tell you not to mount it on its back. This is the 3rd trailer I have had them on and I mounted all of them flat on the floor in the space behind the converter. Did you find that requirement somewhere in the docs or on the website?

Sorry, mine is a TRC 34560 Surge Guard.

[Iwannacamp]

FWIW...I didn't use the plugs. I hardwired mine. a few reasons. 1. plugs are expensive. 2. more time for install 3. no immediate thoughts of changing RVs 4. just rewire if/when needed 5. another place for a bad connections 6. changing RVs would mean leaving plugs or removing and rewiring

The only instant thing I see as a benefit is you could remove one the road and be back in action. You could rewire if needed in a short time. This is assuming you know how. JMO

[BBQGUY]

Mounted ours beside the transfer switch on the shore power input side.
No EMS needed for generator.

[CedarCreekWoody]

Originally Posted by BBQGUY

Mounted ours beside the transfer switch on the shore power input side.
No EMS needed for generator.

I'm just speculating here as my TT does not have a generator, but wouldn't it be best to run both inputs through the EMS? Couldnt a generator malfunction and be off in voltage or cycles, enough to cause damage?