Power Management August 22, 2019, 12:16:16 pm I've heard mentioned on this forum that having a hard-wired EMS is a wise way to protect your LD. I believe this is the one that many of you use:Progressive Industries EMS-HW30CAre these units something that someone with limited electrical knowledge (me) can install themselves or is this a job better left to a pro?
Re: Power Management Reply #1 – August 22, 2019, 12:22:23 pm That's the one. IMO, if one has "limited electrical knowledge", professional installation is the way to go! 1 Likes
Re: Power Management Reply #2 – August 22, 2019, 03:03:37 pm Gregg, with the right tools you can do anything.Sometimes, like my installation of the EMS, the correct tool was a checkbook. Joel 2 Likes
Re: Power Management Reply #3 – August 22, 2019, 04:08:35 pm I always like to do things myself, whenever possible, but I also know my comfort zone. For a professional install, is a RV service center the way to go, or perhaps a regular electrician?
Re: Power Management Reply #4 – August 22, 2019, 04:12:40 pm From the Progressive Industries installation guide:"Progressive Industries recommends you have a certified electrician perform the installation of the EMS unit." 1 Likes
Re: Power Management Reply #5 – August 22, 2019, 04:22:10 pm My 2 cents - they (everything to do with electrical) all say what Joan quotes. Other industries say the same (qualified installers). But in real life they can deny a claim by saying your licenses qualified installer must not have installed it right (I have seen this). I suggest checking what their warrantee is for (replace EMS or what got damaged) and consider your options.Difficulty:Have you ever replaced an outlet or switch before? What about a light fixture? Several of these and feel comfortable with that? It is no more difficult than those tasks. As others say YMMV. JaneSent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone 1 Likes
Re: Power Management Reply #6 – August 22, 2019, 04:54:29 pm I believe that some operations, installations, repairs, services, etc. can be relatively simple, perhaps even accomplished correctly from studying an installation manual or a competently done You Tube or other instructional video. However, some jobs require broader, supporting knowledge and experience, the right tools, and the ability to troubleshoot and resolve potential glitches as the job progresses; to me, if one has to ask if a job is a DIY or better done by a pro, the question has answered itself. As ever, YMMV. 1 Likes
Re: Power Management Reply #7 – August 22, 2019, 05:28:00 pm Joan - good point - if someone asks likely they have not worked with it before.Electricity needs to be respected!!JaneSent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
Re: Power Management Reply #8 – August 22, 2019, 05:29:37 pm I read the instillation instructions off their web site and if you follow the diagrams, the hardest part of the project wouldbe finding someplace convenient to mount it. Everything else is fairly straight forward. Always remember, everything an electrician ever forgot comes, back in a flash... Jon 1 Likes
Re: Power Management Reply #9 – August 22, 2019, 06:44:52 pm Greg, my two cents, and why. The installation involves changing wires in the ATS if you do not connect the generator, and involves changing wires in the breaker box and the ATS if you do include the generator. Positioning the EMS and mounting it is challenging, but not dangerous. Making the electrical connections seems to me, having done it several times, to be substantially more involved than changing an outlet or a light switch. The last time I did one of these, a few months ago, was to change my setup from protecting just shore power to protecting both shore power and the generator. Even though I knew all the steps before I touched a thing, it took me several hours, and I rechecked all my connections three times before I closed everything up. In the EMS, direction matters. It is not just black to black, white to white and ground to ground. The incoming black has to be routed THROUGH a sensor in the specified direction. Do it backward or miss that step, and you will have no protection.There was NO doubt in my mind that I knew what I was doing. I bought all the parts ahead of time, and did not have to go back to town for anything. I set out every tool I was going to need. It was still challenging, with the hardest part being getting the strain reliefs in place and that #10 wire in and locked down. Admittedly part of the time it took was due to my fingers not working too well these days, but even discounting that, this is a job that can be straightforward, but a task where one can easily make a very expensive mistake.Thus, my recommendation is to have someone knowledgable do the job for you unless you are totally comfortable working with 120v, 30 amp wiring inside the breaker box and ATS. That is, TOTALLY.Ken F in WY 4 Likes
Re: Power Management Reply #10 – August 22, 2019, 07:36:31 pm Ken, et al., Since this would be going in a brand new coach with a value in excess of $100K, you have convinced me to turn the job over to a certified electrician. Well worth the expense, I think. Thank you, everyone, for your advice!PS: I would want to be there “helping” of course! 😉 1 Likes
Re: Power Management Reply #11 – August 22, 2019, 08:28:16 pm Quote from: Jane and Scott - August 22, 2019, 04:22:10 pmDifficulty:Have you ever replaced an outlet or switch before? What about a light fixture? Several of these and feel comfortable with that? It is no more difficult than those tasks. Installing a hardwired EMS-HW30C RV Surge & Electrical Protector is a lot more complicated, especially if wired to protect the rig from both shore power and the generator, I don't recommend a DIY installation unless you are familiar with A/C high voltage. Too many ways for an amateur to screw things up or get killed.It requires moving the transfer switch's output from the Power Center to the surge protector and then running a new piece of Romex back to the Power Center. After mounting and wiring the the surge protector, a small cable, for the remote readout, needs to be run to a spot where the fob it is easily visible in daily use .Most installations took 2-3 hours, with a bit of experience. A receptacle or light switch is less than a ten minute job in comparison.The Lazy Daze Companion: Surge ProtectorsLarry 1 Likes
Re: Power Management Reply #12 – August 22, 2019, 09:55:18 pm "Installing a hardwired EMS-HW30C RV Surge & Electrical Protector is a lot more complicated,..."Years ago when Tim Pease (Extra Mile RV) was still in the business I had him install my HW30C while camped at the KOA near the Pomona Co. Fairgrounds. He didn't blink at the task and it has worked faithfully ever since. Sadly he seems to have dropped out of sight!
Re: Power Management Reply #13 – August 23, 2019, 10:35:48 am I picked up my EMS at Quartzite this January. When I got home I looked into where it would have to go, and closed it up again.Quality Solar in Fremont upgraded the Solar in February and I added that to the work order. A chequebook is a great labor-saving, and safety device IMOJoel 4 Likes
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