Power protection?

[Grizz]

I have a question. My rig came with a Surge Guard ATS, According to the specs/manual it is supposed to do the following:







Surge Guard* 50A – Model 40350-RVC

Automatic Transfer Switch



RVC Compatible with Full RV Power Protection
120/240V, 50A, 60 Hz

• Transfers to generator power automatically when energized after 30 second delay (generator mode). When both shore and generator power are available, generator dominates after a 30 second delay. Once generator shuts down, shore power activates after 3 second delay.
• Total electrical protection from faulty park power
• Provides protection against:
  • Power surges
  • Open ground
  • Open neutral
  • Low (<102V) and high (>132V) voltage
  • Reverse polarity
  • Miswired pedestal
  • High and low frequency

• Multi-mode surge suppression
• RVC communications allows instant display of voltage, current, and fault conditions on an RVC compatible device
• Indicator lights on front of ATS indicate presence of input power for L1 and L2
• Optional remote power monitor LCD Display (Part number 40299 sold separately)
  • Displays voltage and amp draw (RMS)
  • Easy to navigate faults in plain English
• 65A, FLA mechanical interlocking contactors
• UL approved – UL1008 full transfer switch rating
• UL/CUL listed

Do I need/want extra surge/power protection? Like the PI



EMS-PT50X

They both seem to do the same thing?



Or...would a Hughes Autoformer, that seems to do the same thing plus gives you a boost in a low voltage situation be a better option?


Don't know but would like to.

[Long & Winding road]

No, your good to go.... No need to spend extra money.

I installed a Surge Guard (hard wired inside RV) on my RV last winter but I still have the orginal cheaper surge protector that you use at the power pole. So I still plug the cheap one in to see if the pole is Okay before plug the in the RV.

So if you want to have a cheap ($99 or less) to check the pole first that might be something your intested in (but really not needed).

Or if you know what your doing a $15 multi meter will work to check it out as well (lots of youtube instructions on how to use mulit meter).

[Beau388]

Yes the devices are equivalent; however, the Progressive EMS has a lifetime warranty An auto transformer draws more amperage from the pedestal in order to increase the voltage up to 10% or 12 volts. Thus, when the pedestal is supplying 6,000 watts at 105 volts (57.1 amps) to the coach with an auto transformer, a coach with an auto transformer will supply 117 volts and 51.2 amps to the coach but draw 63 amps from the pedestal. Hughes auto transformer has some other functions built-in that are the same as found in an EMS.

[Long & Winding road]

I guess really if your full timing you might see a need for the Hughes but for most of use (IMO) its not needed. Plus they are pricey the last time I looked.

A good quality "built in" surge protector that protects from HI and LOW voltage is all that is needed for 90% of us (IMO).

[Bob Denman]

My RV also has the onboard power protection. I am going to add the Progressive EMS at the pedestal in order to try to catch any problem before it hits the rig!

[Grizz]

Ok Thanks! I can use a multi meter and that's a good idea.



Seems like the installed ATS with power protection is all I need.



As far as the Hughes Autoformer, it is pricey! I can see how it might be useful if a CG has a low voltage situation but me thinks I'll put that on the back burner for now.



Thanks again I'm sure I will have many more questions and I'm really glad you all are here to answer them!

[Grizz]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

My RV also has the onboard power protection. I am going to add the Progressive EMS at the pedestal in order to try to catch any problem before it hits the rig!

I see your point Bob. But I'm thinkin' (probably dangerous!) That the on board power protection does the exact same thing. Stops the problem before it gets to the rig. But I do see the safety factor in having the extra EMS in line. I guess my question is....is it really necessary? The Progressive EMS is about 340.00 the Hughes is about 500.00 so for an extra 160.00 I would get the added power protection and the voltage boost if necessary.

[Bob Denman]

Is it necessary?
Probably not.
Will it help my Missus sleep better at night?
Definitely!

[Beau388]

You are out west. It 100 F degrees and the campground voltage drops to 103 volts. Your EMS cuts power to the coach to protect the A/Cs and you suffer. With an Auto transformer, the voltage at the pedestal is 103 volts but the voltage the EMS sees is 113 volt and the EMS is happy and both A/Cs keep on humming.

[Long & Winding road]

Originally Posted by Beau388

You are out west. It 100 F degrees and the campground voltage drops to 103 volts. Your EMS cuts power to the coach to protect the A/Cs and you suffer. With an Auto transformer, the voltage at the pedestal is 103 volts but the voltage the EMS sees is 113 volt and the EMS is happy and both A/Cs keep on humming.

Good point. I guess its all about how much you use your rig and where you use it at.

Full time or even 6 -7 mo a year + you see lots of high temps and have to have your AC all the time = get the Hughes.

Or Mostly a Weekender like me + I can live without my AC for a few hours if the Surge guard says the voltage is too low and turns it off.

Plus my rig is very small so I dont want to take up any extra room (or add weight) more than nessasary. But a large DP Class A like Grizz has.... it might be something to consider.

[Beau388]

Most Thor plant 750 coaches have room for the auto transformer under the bed with all the other electronics. I know mine does.

[Long & Winding road]

I could make some room under my bed... but its getting filled up with my inverter, surge guard, water accumulator tank, x wires and breaker etc. I have a corner bed.... so by the outside wall I have more room but its not easy to get to.

[Grizz]

Just an update... I bit the bullet and ordered the Hughes AutoFormer. Whats the old saying "Better to have it and not need it then to need it and not have it" I like that one better then, "A fool and his money are soon parted".

[Bob Denman]

Congratulations!
Be sure to let us know how tough the installation is.