50a only!

[wiredgeorge]

I use a Progressive EMS-PT30X. If I stay at a campground (has happened in the past) with only a 50A service, do I connect my 50A to 30A Camco adapter cable to the pedestal 50A out and then hang the EMS off the end and connect my RV 30A cord to the EMS?

[Retired Copper]

I don`t know how else to do it unless there is another way that I don`t know about either. I really never even thought about it because I am usually trying to apologizing for sometime that has slipped out. I need that tee shirt.

[Snoking]

Originally Posted by wiredgeorge

I use a Progressive EMS-PT30X. If I stay at a campground (has happened in the past) with only a 50A service, do I connect my 50A to 30A Camco adapter cable to the pedestal 50A out and then hang the EMS off the end and connect my RV 30A cord to the EMS?

Yes, your 50A to 30A Camco adapter taps only one hot leg of the 50A outlet, similar to plugging into a 30A outlet. So the 30A outlet on the adapter is similar to the a standard 30A pedestal with the exception that it is now protected by a 50A breaker vs a 30A breaker, so any overload will have to be handled via the 30A main breaker in the trailer.

Chris

[SummitPond]

Originally Posted by Snoking

... with the exception that it is now protected by a 50A breaker vs a 30A breaker, so any overload will have to be handled via the 30A main breaker in the trailer.
Chris

Wouldn't the EMS cut power if current exceeded 30A more than momentarily? I thought this was the case as it protects against voltage and frequency perturbations.

[wiredgeorge]

Don't believe you can get more than 30A through a 30A plug. The EMS registered the running amps (don't know if that is the correct way to put it) as my RV at the house with only a few low draw items running (extra power converter fan, tv booster amp, kitchen light, etc) draws 6A according to my EMS. The EMS sees amp draw and won't let you go over 30A as it will kick power off (I think this is right).

[Snoking]

Over amp protection is not listed.

EMS-HW50C & HW30C| read more specs




High/Low Voltage Protection:
Whenever A/C power falls below 104 volts, or rises above 132 volts, the EMS automatically shuts down power to the RV. The EMS will monitor the power and once the AC power rises above 104 volts, or below the 132 volt level, the time delay indicator flashes for the present time and then automatically restores power to the RV.



Time Delay for A/C Compressor:

If the AC power is interrupted, or the EMS detects a fault condition, the built-in time delay is activated. There are two settings on the EMS: one is a 136-seconds (02:16) time delay and the other is 15 seconds. Consult your air conditioner manual to see if it has a time delay built in. If so, use the 15 second delay, if not; use the 136-second delay. The factory setting is 15 seconds.



5-Mode Surge Protection (HW50C model):

This feature provides full surge protection L-N, L-G, L-L and N-G. Total Joule rating is 3,580, 88,00A surge current. Response time of <1 Nano second.



3-Mode Surge Protection (HW30C model):

This feature provides full surge protection L-N, L-G and N-G. Total Joule rating is 1,790, 44,00A surge current. Response time of <1 Nano second.


Surge Indicator:

In the event of a power surge and the surge protector circuit is damaged within the EMS, L-N or L-G, the digital display error code will read E-10. This indicates the EMS needs to be serviced.



Reverse Polarity Protection:

If AC power is a reverse polarity condition, the EMS will not allow power to the RV and the error code will read E-1.



Open Neutral Protection:

If AC power has an open neutral condition, the display will not light, and the EMS will not allow power to the RV.



Open Ground Protection:

If AC power has an open ground condition, the EMS will read an error code of E-2 and power will not be allowed to the RV.



AC Frequency Protection:

If AC power frequency deviates +/- 9 hertz from 60 cycles per second, the EMS will shut down power. An error code of E-7 will be displayed when the frequency is high; and an error code will be displayed with the frequency is low.



Accidental 240V Protection:

If 240 volts is detected when plugging in AC power, the EMS will NOT allow power to the RV. If this condition occurs while power is applied to the RV, the EMS shuts off power instantly. This display will read the voltage and E-3 for the error. (NEVER BYPASS THE EMS WHEN THIS OCCURS.)



Display:

Continuously scrolls all the AC power information, including voltage, current, frequency, error codes and previous errors. Each reading is displayed for two (2) seconds.



Previous Error Code:

This feature tells the user what the previous error was and why power was interrupted to the RV. To read a previous error code, put a "P" in front of the "E" code. This is only displayed is an actual error occurs. The error is deleted when power is disconnected from the EMS.



Bypass:

Enclosed blue jumper wire allows the user to bypass the computer circuit in the EMS in the event of computer failure, thus allowing AC power into the RV. This does not disable the surge protection portion of the EMS; however, all other features are disabled.



Microprocessor Controlled:

The computer is driven by a state-of-the-art microprocessor that is programmed with software to drive the entire EMS.



Modular Design:

More info: Nothing about circuit breaker type protection.

EMS-HW50C
Hardwired EMS-HW50C RV Surge & Electrical Protector

​

Electrical Management System (EMS) helps to protect your RV against voltage fluctuations, power surges and incorrectly wired shore power which can cause severe and costly damage to RV appliances and electronics. Feel secure with multi-mode surge, voltage, polarity and lost/open neutral protection. Each unit includes a digital display scrolling continuously through the power source information. A state-of-the-art microprocessor provides peace of mind, day or night, even when you're away from your RV.


Product Features:

Over/Under voltage Protection

Open Ground, Open Neutral & Reverse Polarity Detection

Open Ground, Open Neutral & Reverse Polarity Protection

Accidental 240V Protection

Miswired Pedestal Indication

Surge Failure Indicator

Amperage Meter Display

Previous Error Code

A/C Frequency Protection

Time Delay (136 seconds)

Adjustable Time Delay

Thermally Protected

Built-in Scrolling Digital Display

Remote Display

Field Serviceable

UL Certified and Canadian Approved

Lifetime Warranty

​

Product Specs:

Surge Protection: 5-Mode / 3,580J / 88,000A
Ratings: 50A / 120V/240V / 12,000W
Operating Temperatures: -40C to +105C
Data Cable: 14'
Product Dimensions: 9" W x 5" H x 4" D

​

Tech Specs:
Box Dimensions: 5" W x 9½" H x 4½" D
Boxed Weight: 5 lbs
Mfr. Part #: EMS-HW50C

[sourdough]

I believe Snoking is right. I don't think the EMS will act as a "breaker" (I've not read anything that says it does anyway). When the amperage draw gets too high it depends on either the breaker in the ped or in front of it) or the breaker in the RV - as far as I know. Mine monitors the actual amperage load but I don't believe it will shut off internally if it exceeds 100A between the legs (it is a 50A unit). I would think the 30A would be the same only monitor the one hot leg.

[Snoking]

And that is why when one uses a step down adapter the lower rated shore power cable is not protected very well, and you rely on the circuit breaker in the coach/trailer to trip before you overload the shore power cable.These type adapters most likely would fail a tight enforcement of electrical codes. However no one seems to look at that very carefully.

Chris

[FlyingAroundRV]

In most of the campgrounds we stayed at, the 50A outlet had two circuit breakers. I didn't look to see if they were 30 or 25 amp breakers though.
But as others have said, the Progressive EMS doesn't do load side protection. But the other brand (Surgeguard?) does, I think I saw that in one of the videos.

[Snoking]

Surge Guard*
Bumper to Bumper Power Protection
Southwire’s Surge Guard family of power protection devices
are designed to protect your RV’s electrical system and
sophisticated electronics from the dangers of faulty
electrical power. A variety of Surge Guard products
protect your RV from:
• High/Low voltage
• Miswired pedestals
• Open neutral
• Open ground
• Reverse polarity
• High neutral current
• Surges
• Overheating plug/receptacle

[MerlinB]

Originally Posted by FlyingAroundRV

In most of the campgrounds we stayed at, the 50A outlet had two circuit breakers. I didn't look to see if they were 30 or 25 amp breakers though.
But as others have said, the Progressive EMS doesn't do load side protection. But the other brand (Surgeguard?) does, I think I saw that in one of the videos.

Those two circuit breakers on a 50 amp outlet are going to be 50 amps each.

[FlyingAroundRV]

Originally Posted by MerlinB

Those two circuit breakers on a 50 amp outlet are going to be 50 amps each.

Interesting! I wouldn't have expected that. As I understand it, the 50A service is a two phase (2 source?) to neutral giving a total of 50A, and I assumed that was 25A per phase (source).
BTW, with 3 phase power, the phases add up to 0 at the neutral return because of the phase shifts. I'm not sure how the two lead 50A service works. Are the two leads in phase, 180 out of phase or 120 like in 3 phase?

[SummitPond]

Originally Posted by Snoking

Over amp protection is not listed. ...

Good to know. My memory is getting more selective about what it retains - I'm sure I knew that at one time.

[SummitPond]

Originally Posted by FlyingAroundRV

Interesting! I wouldn't have expected that. As I understand it, the 50A service is a two phase (2 source?) to neutral giving a total of 50A, and I assumed that was 25A per phase (source). ...

Here's a forum link that describes what's going on. Somewhere on the forum, beyond my ability to find it, is a wiring diagram that shows what's going on on the transformer end.

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by FlyingAroundRV

Interesting! I wouldn't have expected that. As I understand it, the 50A service is a two phase (2 source?) to neutral giving a total of 50A, and I assumed that was 25A per phase (source).
BTW, with 3 phase power, the phases add up to 0 at the neutral return because of the phase shifts. I'm not sure how the two lead 50A service works. Are the two leads in phase, 180 out of phase or 120 like in 3 phase?

There is a huge difference between a 30A vs 50A service. It's not like it sounds; 50 vs 30. The 30A is that...30A total service. The 50A service is 2 50A legs totaling 100A service.

[Happy Dad]

Here is a cool explanation.

http://www.myrv.us/electric/Pg/50amp_Service.htm

[FlyingAroundRV]

Originally Posted by sourdough

There is a huge difference between a 30A vs 50A service. It's not like it sounds; 50 vs 30. The 30A is that...30A total service. The 50A service is 2 50A legs totaling 100A service.

Wow! BIG difference!

Originally Posted by Happy Dad

Here is a cool explanation.

http://www.myrv.us/electric/Pg/50amp_Service.htm

Thanks for that. I also found that after I posted. I think that was the explanation that said they're 180 out of phase.

[wiredgeorge]

I guess the takeaway (minus all the interesting electrical stuff) is that the 50A to 30A adapter is capable of carrying much more amperage than a 30A cord. I suspect that means a somewhat more potentially problematic electrical connection even if using a 30A Progressive EMS.

[FlyingAroundRV]

Originally Posted by wiredgeorge

I guess the takeaway (minus all the interesting electrical stuff) is that the 50A to 30A adapter is capable of carrying much more amperage than a 30A cord. I suspect that means a somewhat more potentially problematic electrical connection even if using a 30A Progressive EMS.

And the bonus is how valuable this forum is for newbs like me!