Power Surge Cord - Page 7

ernest917 · 06-09-2013, 01:13 PM

A transfer switch does exactly what it sounds like it does.... It redirects all the power coming into your rig to the various devices through out your rig.... By placing the surge protector between the transfer switch and the spot where you plug your power cord in, the surge protected checks everything before it allows the power into your rig..

If you don't have a transfer switch , then place your surge protector inside your rig on the rig side of your power plug... (The female end)

BandJCarm · 06-09-2013, 01:36 PM

OK, here's the deal.

I can't find a Transfer Switch, and book doesn't mention it. But I must have that function in the Converter Box (maybe that's the same thing??). Because it does that automatically......just senses where power is from and sends power that way.

However, the converter box is under the reefer on the passenger side of camper. The power cord receptacle is on the driver side behind the slide. I see no way to access either the converter box (without unscrewing and trying to get behind it) or the power cord at any place inside the trailer.

So while I can see the advantage of having it inside, I'm going to consider just getting one for plugging into the cord. However, I'm not camping anytime in next week or more, so I think I will call the dealer's tech and see what he says before I buy one.

So, I'm going to get one........it's just whether I wire it in or plug it in.

VinceU · 06-09-2013, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ernest917

A transfer switch does exactly what it sounds like it does.... It redirects all the power coming into your rig to the various devices through out your rig.... By placing the surge protector between the transfer switch and the spot where you plug your power cord in, the surge protected checks everything before it allows the power into your rig..

If you don't have a transfer switch , then place your surge protector inside your rig on the rig side of your power plug... (The female end)

Just curious, but has anyone ever checked NEC, RVIA or other electrical code requirements for installing these high energy devices inside the confines of a motor home or other RV? I think on the pole they are ok but thought I noted one time, one or the other forbids tranformer mounted inside. Just note they don't fit or option them from the factory? I hink Prevost adds something, not sure of design though.

BarryD0706 · 06-09-2013, 02:16 PM

NO.

A transfer switch is used when you have a generator built into your RV. It's what controls whether your RV is powered from shore power or generator power. If you don't have a built-in generator (not likely that you do) then you DON'T have a transfer switch.

BarryD0706 · 06-09-2013, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VinceU

Just curious, but has anyone ever checked NEC, RVIA or other electrical code requirements for installing these high energy devices inside the confines of a motor home or other RV? I think on the pole they are ok but thought I noted one time, one or the other forbids tranformer mounted inside. Just note they don't fit or option them from the factory? I hink Prevost adds something, not sure of design though.

There is no big transformer inside a PI EMS unit, and yes, they are UL certified for mounting inside the RV. You're thinking about a "Voltage Booster", where I've also heard that they aren't supposed to be mounted inside.

BarryD0706 · 06-09-2013, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BandJCarm

You guys have sold me on getting one. But I feel like a first grader in an Algebra class.

I don't know if I have a "transfer switch" or not. Guess it's time to go read the manual (though from what I've seen so far of it, I'm not impressed). If I have one, not sure where it is. I'd rather have the PI unit inside, but am NO electrician! And not sure why finding a transfer switch keeps me from cutting and wiring.....but I'm all ears.

If you buy the Hardwired unit, you should have your dealer install it. It doesn't sound like you have the skills to do it.

BandJCarm · 06-09-2013, 02:31 PM

You figured me out fast!!!

**Herk7769** · 06-09-2013, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarryD0706

There is no big transformer inside a PI EMS unit, and yes, they are UL certified for mounting inside the RV. You're thinking about a "Voltage Booster", where I've also heard that they aren't supposed to be mounted inside.

Any idea why that would be?

Kaboom · 06-09-2013, 05:43 PM

I Purchased the PI model EMS-PT30C after reading posts on this forum. I bought the plug-in style so I could use it on my shop trailer also. I use a cable lock at the pedastal to keep "Honest People Honest" .

This is the best reason to have the protection: Memorial weekend we had a group camping in two spots with power. Each of the two pedastals had (2) 30amp and (2) 15 amp outlets. We plugged in 4 Rvs to the 30 amp outlets all had some type of protection (3) had PI models. I noticed that the voltage available kept dropping as the weekend went by and the campground filled. We had a refirigerator(converted to keg cooler) pluged into one of the 110 outlets. Beer flowed freely until suday when all of the PI EMS units shut the power down to the RV's. The motor on the Keg o Rater did not fare so well.

. Luckily We still had full ice chests.

**Herk7769** · 06-09-2013, 09:16 PM

Another Ad for the Frank's Electronics Autotransformer.

BarryD0706 · 06-10-2013, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaboom

...
I noticed that the voltage available kept dropping as the weekend went by and the campground filled.

Was this a state/federal park... or commercial?

If the latter, I hope you reported the problem and told them you won't be back. This kind of problem exists only because paying customers put up with it.

TURBS · 06-10-2013, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarryD0706

Was this a state/federal park... or commercial?

If the latter, I hope you reported the problem and told them you won't be back. This kind of problem exists only because paying customers put up with it.

Yep!

bend302 · 06-10-2013, 09:37 AM

I have a PI 50A surge protector. Must work OK as I have had no problems related to power surges. However, my microwave failed the last week I was in FL. When I got home, I took it in for service and was told that low voltage likely caused the internal fuse to blow.

Now that I think about it, the Winnebago sharing my power post had a heat pump failure at about the same time. They had the same PI unit that I have.

So, these devices do NOT protect against everything. I kind of wish I had gotten a more sophisticated unit. Should of listened to Herk when he was touting the Frank's unit but the $$ scared me away.

Bill

TURBS · 06-10-2013, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bend302

I have a PI 50A surge protector. Must work OK as I have had no problems related to power surges. However, my microwave failed the last week I was in FL. When I got home, I took it in for service and was told that low voltage likely caused the internal fuse to blow.

Now that I think about it, the Winnebago sharing my power post had a heat pump failure at about the same time. They had the same PI unit that I have.

So, these devices do NOT protect against everything. I kind of wish I had gotten a more sophisticated unit. Should of listened to Herk when he was touting the Frank's unit but the $$ scared me away.

Bill

Do you have a hardwired pi ?
The hard wired unit protects against hi and low voltage.
The portable is surge only.

TURBS · 06-10-2013, 09:56 AM

http://www.progressiveindustries.net/SSP_50.htm

http://www.progressiveindustries.net/ems_hw50c.htm

BarryD0706 · 06-10-2013, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f1100turbo

Do you have a hardwired pi ?
The hard wired unit protects against hi and low voltage.
The portable is surge only.

It's an excellent question as to whether they have an EMS or SSP, but your statement is incorrect. There is a portable EMS. See this.

TURBS · 06-10-2013, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarryD0706

It's a good question as to whether they have an EMS or SS, bit your statement is incorrect. See this.

Correct.
I guess I'm assuming he had an ss if low voltage was an issue according to the one I posted a link to.

bend302 · 06-10-2013, 10:32 AM

Unfortunately, I have the PI SS50 portable plug into the post unit. I checked with Progressive to be sure and it is surge only. I did not see the other style that had low voltage protection. I may give that some serious thought.

Thanks

Bill

TURBS · 06-10-2013, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bend302

Unfortunately, I have the PI SS50 portable plug into the post unit. I checked with Progressive to be sure and it is surge only. I did not see the other style that had low voltage protection. I may give that some serious thought.

Thanks

Bill

The one barry linked to is high and low voltage protection and portable.
You surely wouldn't have a problem selling the one u have.

Turbs

rip · 06-10-2013, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bend302

Unfortunately, I have the PI SS50 portable plug into the post unit. I checked with Progressive to be sure and it is surge only. I did not see the other style that had low voltage protection. I may give that some serious thought. Thanks Bill

The difference in average price for Progressive's portable surge ($125) and portable ems/surge ($350) tends people toward the lower price with less protection. I think both can be ordered at Camping World.

The power-return delay feature alone, that Barry helped me set properly on my 30 amp hardwired ems, was worth the extra cost/trouble. I believe it's preset at 136 seconds for the portable unit, while there is also a shorter option for the hardwired unit.

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