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Topic: Need to Install a Progressive Industries EMS-HW30C Surge Protector i (Read 59 times) previous topic - next topic
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Need to Install a Progressive Industries EMS-HW30C Surge Protector i
Yahoo Message Number: 149877
Hello,

I have a new 2014 LD 27' Mid-bath.
 I have an EMS-HW30C that I would like to install in such a way that I protect against both shore and generator power.  I had seen someone's (Mike C.'s?) message about installing it at the output of the transfer switch.
 The problem is that I became intimidated when I looked in the compartment underneath the bottom of the sink cabinet.  I removed the velcroed panel, and I could see behind the power supply and breaker panel.  It's extremely tight in there.  I can see a bundle of cable, including two orange ones that look like 10 guage romex.  These seem to enter a box that is immediately behind the A/C distribution panel - I can't see, since this is on the other side of the box.
 It seems like the only way to do this would be to remove unfasten the breaker panel assembly and sort of move it aside, so that I could give myself some room to work, and to see what is going on in there.  I really do not want to destroy the electrical system of my new coach!

Does this sound familiar to anyone out there?  Any advice or tips?

Thanks so Much,

Tim
2014 Mid-Bath
2014 Honda CRV toad
Re: Need to Install a Progressive Industries EMS-HW30C Surge Protect
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149879
We had the Progressive unit installed in our 2010 MB at the Quartzsite RV show last January.  A Progressive employee did the installation in about an hour.  We made the arrangements through the Progressive booth in the bigt tent.  Per the recommendation of the employee, the unit was installed to only protect from shore power (not the generator).  The unit has worked flawlessly since installation.
Paul H.
Paul
2010 MB (2011-present)                                                                                        
1994 Multiplan (1997-2010)
Need to Install a Progressive Industries EMS-HW30C Surge Protect
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149882
My response is based on my '08 MB.
 My ATS is screwed to the back of the breaker box.  There are wires that connect between the ATS and the breaker box.  Power leads enter the ATS from the shore and generator.
 To set up the HW30C to protect from both sources, it would be necessary to re-wire the ATS output so that instead of it entering the power panel, it exits the ATS via a new hole and strain relief, connecting to the HW30C.  The output from the HW30C would then have to enter the power panel via a hole and a strain relief.
 If I were to do this, after making sure power was off and I had a "cold" box, I would disconnect the output wires in the ATS and remove the ATS.  If there is an opening  in the wall of the ATS that can be used for a new wire pass-through, I would use it.  If not, I would VERY CAREFULLY cut a hole for a strain relief and #10 AWG wire.  This is essential - you must not allow any metal cuttings to stay in the ATS.  You must get every speck out.  I would plan the location for the HW30C, connect the input and output wires for the HW30C while it is easy to get to, then mount the HW30C.  I would then connect the HW30c input wire to the ATS and run the output wire from the HW30C into the power panel and connect it.  Last, I would re-attach the ATS to the back of the panel and re-mount the panel.
 As to getting to the stuff, here is what I have done when servicing my electrical system (more on this later).  I remove the power panel cover, then unscrew the 4 screws that hold the power panel in place.  The power panel box, with ATS on the back, can then be carefully worked out and rested on the floor in front of the hole where it usually is mounted.  You then have a reasonable amount of room to work on the system.
 Servicing the electrical system - vibration and temperature swings can cause electrical connections to loosen.  If they are not tight, poor connectivity results, with high resistance and heat sufficient to cause a fire.  About once a year I re-torque the connections in the ATS and in the power panel.

Ken F in NM
'08 MB
Re: Need to Install a Progressive Industries EMS-HW30C Surge Protect
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149884
Thanks, Ken!  Your post is a "keeper".

Alex Rutchka, SE #4 '05 MB
Re: Need to Install a Progressive Industries EMS-HW30C Surge Protect
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149885
Here is a quick description of how to install a EMS-HW30C.
This assumes the installer has the knowledge and is familiar with working safely with 120-VAC electrical wiring.

Find a place to mount the EMS near the power panel.
Shut off all 120-VAC power and disconnect the coach battery and pull the fuse on the solar panels Removed the Power Center's cover and then the main body.
I connect to the output of the ATS, so both shore and generator power is monitored. Why not protect both power supplies? The cost is almost the same, so do it! . Find the ATS at the rear of the power center. Find and remove the Romex leading from the ATS to the main breaker, neutral and ground bus bars, inside the Power Center. This is the output from the ATS and must be spliced to a long piece of Romex.    Do maintain the color code, use wire nuts and then tape the connections, to prevent loosening . In the rear of the 120-VAC part of the Power Center, punch out two of the knockouts and install two Romex clamps .
http://www.amazon.com/Romex%C2%AE-Connector-1-2-in/dp/B0003S2MEQ Push the new Romex, from the ATS splice, through one of the Romex clamps and run it to location of the  EMS-HW30C . Run these wires to the "Input" side of the surge protector and make the connections.
Doing it this way locates the ATS splice inside the Power Center's metal box for safety. The splice could be done outside the Power Center if placed inside an approved electrical box.

Using the same contacts, in the Power Center, where the ATS wires were originally connected, install another new piece of Romex,  run it through the remaining Romex clamp and connect it to the "output" of the  EMS-HW30C. Once again, mind the color coding. Get it wrong and either bad things will happen or the surge protector will not work correctly.

Once the connections are made and taped, tighten the Romex clamps and then reinstall the Power Center and permanenetly mount the  EMS-HW30C.
Run the small, telephone-type wire, and the external readout, to a convenient place inside the coach for viewing.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/sets/72157603766438572/

I any of the above is a puzzlement or you do not feel 100% sure you know what you are doing, get a pro to do it. No reason to risk getting hurt.

Larry
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
 
Re: Need to Install a Progressive Industries EMS-HW30C Surge Protect
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149887
Larry & Ken,

Thanks so much for your detailed and clear replies.

I may now have just enough confidence to tackle this myself!

Best Regards,

Tim
2014 Mid-Bath
2014 Honda CRV toad