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Old 08-01-2022, 08:09 PM   #1
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THOR #3923
Electrical Management System (EMS) - Surge Protection suggestions

Hi everyone...

I'd like to get an EMS (Electrical Management System) for my coach and would like to get some input.

First of all, I know the difference between an EMS and Surge...however, there are some "smart" Surge protectors that are worth considering.

I have read some of the POSTs on the forum where some people hardwired them into their coach and some people just attach them to the pole/line feed (dongle). I don't want this POST to be about the differences between hardwired and dongle style; you won't convince me that one is better than the other. The only difference I see is one is a hassle to install, and the other isn't.

For this reason, I'm planning on going with the dongle style as they are easy to install and if it goes out, I'm not having to deal with removing wires. Plus, this is the "gate keeper" to the voltage and if it were to short out or even burn up, I'll be glad that I didn't hardwire it in my coach. Plus, with the dongle, as soon as I connect it up, I can see what the voltages are and the status any time.

My coach is 30-amp, yet most RV parks are 50-amp. So, do I get a 30-amp EMS or a 50-amp? I would think that a 50-amp would work just fine on a 30-amp coach as both are monitoring the voltage.

On the side of my house, I have a 30-amp electrical outlet with 3 prongs and the coach has a completely different connector.

If I were to get a 50-amp EMS, what does one do if the RV park only has 30-amp outlets? I guess one could use an adapter.

I have different cables/adapters for either 30 or 50-amp, but it would seem to me that the easiest thing would be to find an EMS that plugs right into the coach connector...if they make such a thing.

If you have a dongle style...what did you buy and why?
Do they all have start delays?

Thoughts anyone?

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Old 08-01-2022, 08:36 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jusplainwacky View Post
Hi everyone...

I'd like to get an EMS (Electrical Management System) for my coach and would like to get some input.

First of all, I know the difference between an EMS and Surge...however, there are some "smart" Surge protectors that are worth considering.

I have read some of the POSTs on the forum where some people hardwired them into their coach and some people just attach them to the pole/line feed (dongle). I don't want this POST to be about the differences between hardwired and dongle style; you won't convince me that one is better than the other. The only difference I see is one is a hassle to install, and the other isn't.

For this reason, I'm planning on going with the dongle style as they are easy to install and if it goes out, I'm not having to deal with removing wires. Plus, this is the "gate keeper" to the voltage and if it were to short out or even burn up, I'll be glad that I didn't hardwire it in my coach. Plus, with the dongle, as soon as I connect it up, I can see what the voltages are and the status any time.

My coach is 30-amp, yet most RV parks are 50-amp. So, do I get a 30-amp EMS or a 50-amp? I would think that a 50-amp would work just fine on a 30-amp coach as both are monitoring the voltage.

On the side of my house, I have a 30-amp electrical outlet with 3 prongs and the coach has a completely different connector.

If I were to get a 50-amp EMS, what does one do if the RV park only has 30-amp outlets? I guess one could use an adapter.

I have different cables/adapters for either 30 or 50-amp, but it would seem to me that the easiest thing would be to find an EMS that plugs right into the coach connector...if they make such a thing.

If you have a dongle style...what did you buy and why?
Do they all have start delays?

Thoughts anyone?
If you have a 30 amp coach get the 30 amp EMS & a 50 to 30 amp quality dog bone adapter for that very rare occasion that 30 is not available.
The 50 amp EMS will have 2 line voltages displayed with most likely 1 reading 0 & just causing confusion, where your 30 will only have 1 line voltage that should within specs.
Plugging your 30 amp coach into a 50 amp plug does not/will not give any more power to your coach, just makes 1 unnecessary piece to plug in to reduce it back to 30 amps.
Typically most parks that offer power will all have 30 amp plugs at the pedestal, 50 amp ones not nearly as common especially in state/national/older/smaller parks.
Also by "dongle" I assume you are referring to the portable EMS? Never ever heard anything portable called "dongle"!
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Old 08-01-2022, 09:16 PM   #3
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Originally Posted by Travelin' Texans View Post
Plugging your 30 amp coach into a 50 amp plug does not/will not give any more power to your coach, just makes 1 unnecessary piece to plug in to reduce it back to 30 amps.
Typically most parks that offer power will all have 30 amp plugs at the pedestal, 50 amp ones not nearly as common especially in state/national/older/smaller parks.
Also by "dongle" I assume you are referring to the portable EMS? Never ever heard anything portable called "dongle"!
Just for those reading this...I understand what you meant to say, but the fact is; a 50-amp outlet will give you more available power than a 30-amp; now if you have a 30-amp coach and draw more than what it is designed for, well, get out the marshmallows (well, actually you'd just blow the circuit breaker for your RV spot. Case in point...some people add a second air conditioner and instead of converting over to a 50-amp coach, they will install two connectors on the coach...a 30-amp and a 20-amp...thus giving you more power.

The "dongle" is another name for a portable EMS.
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Old 08-01-2022, 10:33 PM   #4
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Get a 30 Amp EMS/Surge or lose the overcurrent protection for your SP cord.
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Old 08-01-2022, 11:10 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by 16ACE27 View Post
Get a 30 Amp EMS/Surge or lose the overcurrent protection for your SP cord.
I'm not sure why you mean "lose the overcurrent protection SP cord"...I don't have any SP, unless Thor puts one in the coach.

That was my thought (getting a 30amp), but then I was thinking, there are times when the current can spike (such as starting the AC and Microwave at the same time)...so my thinking was perhaps I should go with a 50-amp to give me some head room and not stress the electronics.
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Old 08-01-2022, 11:22 PM   #6
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In this instance SP = Shore Power not surge protector.

Go with the 30 amp as designed for your system as it's unlikely that you will find a 50 amp connector but no 30 amp at the pedestal.
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Old 08-02-2022, 12:28 AM   #7
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Originally Posted by Trophy1200 View Post
In this instance SP = Shore Power not surge protector.

Go with the 30 amp as designed for your system as it's unlikely that you will find a 50 amp connector but no 30 amp at the pedestal.
Ahhh!! I'm glad you clarified that.

I do have a 50amp to 30amp short adapter cable.
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Old 08-02-2022, 12:32 AM   #8
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Ahhh!! I'm glad you clarified that.

I do have a 50amp to 30amp short adapter cable.
Which is what removes your SP cable overcurrent protection.
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Old 08-02-2022, 02:02 AM   #9
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THOR #3923
Thanks for the info, but I'm hoping to get some recommendations when it comes to portable EMS unit.
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Old 08-02-2022, 02:08 AM   #10
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Ems

I have the Bulldog 50A plug in EMS with bluetooth connection to my phone.

Very happy with it, able to monitor voltages and loads on each leg of the supply without going outside. Easy to connect and disconnect, has security ring to allow you to secure it to the pedestal so those people with light fingers can't easily walk away with it.

Have a look at the 30A portable and installed models and see if they suit your needs/expectations.
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Old 08-02-2022, 04:07 AM   #11
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Originally Posted by Trophy1200 View Post
I have the Bulldog 50A plug in EMS with bluetooth connection to my phone.

Very happy with it, able to monitor voltages and loads on each leg of the supply without going outside. Easy to connect and disconnect, has security ring to allow you to secure it to the pedestal so those people with light fingers can't easily walk away with it.

Have a look at the 30A portable and installed models and see if they suit your needs/expectations.
Do you mean the "Power Watch Dog"? I can't find a "Bulldog".
I thought the Bluetooth was a gimmick, but you bring up a good point.
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Old 08-02-2022, 04:37 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jusplainwacky View Post
Just for those reading this...I understand what you meant to say, but the fact is; a 50-amp outlet will give you more available power than a 30-amp; now if you have a 30-amp coach and draw more than what it is designed for, well, get out the marshmallows (well, actually you'd just blow the circuit breaker for your RV spot. Case in point...some people add a second air conditioner and instead of converting over to a 50-amp coach, they will install two connectors on the coach...a 30-amp and a 20-amp...thus giving you more power.

The "dongle" is another name for a portable EMS.
I'll reword that then!
There's absolutely NO benefit to your 30 amp coach using the 50 amp plug at any pedestal with a 50 amp EMS.
If you overload your 30 amp system plugged into a 50 amp with or without the EMS you could possibly damage your shore cord due to the 50 amp breakers not sensing the overload & not tripping.
If you have a 30 amp coach get the 30 amp EMS.......
If you have a 50 amp coach get the 50 amp EMS.
It's as simple as that!
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Old 08-02-2022, 04:37 AM   #13
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Originally Posted by Jusplainwacky View Post
Do you mean the "Power Watch Dog"? I can't find a "Bulldog".
I thought the Bluetooth was a gimmick, but you bring up a good point.
Yes, that’s the one. Bulldog changes from white to red on the face of the unit when there’s a fault condition.
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Old 08-02-2022, 04:50 AM   #14
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THOR #3923
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Originally Posted by Trophy1200 View Post
Yes, that’s the one. Bulldog changes from white to red on the face of the unit when there’s a fault condition.
Clever! Maybe it should have been called "MAD DOG"
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Old 08-02-2022, 10:39 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jusplainwacky View Post
Thanks for the info, but I'm hoping to get some recommendations when it comes to portable EMS unit.
A true EMS cannot be added at the pedestal. A true EMS has relays installed in the path of high current devices like air conditioners, electric water heaters, clothes dryers, and when the overall coach current draw approaches the maximum current draw the EMS will start opening relays to shed devices. The first device to go is usually the the 2nd or 3rd air conditioner. Our coach is a 30 amp coach and has the factory installed EMS because it has two air conditioners. The only devices that are shed on our coach are the air conditioners. It sheds the rear AC first and then the front if necessary.

The world's best EMS is you. Know the loads and manage what you use. Toast the bread before making the coffee, etc.
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Old 08-02-2022, 11:33 AM   #16
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I second what Bob says!
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Old 08-02-2022, 11:42 PM   #17
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I have the Progressive industries EMS-PT 30X So far I’ve been happy with it.
https://www.progressiveindustries.net/ems-pt30x
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Old 08-02-2022, 11:50 PM   #18
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I have the Progressive industries EMS-PT 30X So far I’ve been happy with it.
https://www.progressiveindustries.net/ems-pt30x
From what I am reading progressive is a quality unit.

One of the advantages of having a portable which I didn't about, was that if the shore power in your spot doesn't measure up, you can take the device and check other locations; not so convenient if all you have is a hard-wired unit.
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Old 08-03-2022, 12:20 AM   #19
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Originally Posted by Jusplainwacky View Post
From what I am reading progressive is a quality unit.

One of the advantages of having a portable which I didn't about, was that if the shore power in your spot doesn't measure up, you can take the device and check other locations; not so convenient if all you have is a hard-wired unit.
I always test the shore power pedestal with my multi meter before I hook anything up. I’ve had to move spots at one rv park and another changed the 30 amp breaker
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Old 08-03-2022, 12:44 AM   #20
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Originally Posted by Jusplainwacky View Post
From what I am reading progressive is a quality unit.

One of the advantages of having a portable which I didn't about, was that if the shore power in your spot doesn't measure up, you can take the device and check other locations; not so convenient if all you have is a hard-wired unit.
So true and I did just that at a park this trip. Found two pedestals with neutral issues.
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