EMS Install

[Lamokadave]

Purchased a Huges Bulldog hardwired EMS and debating if I should install before or after the transfer switch in our 2021 Omni XG32. Is there any real need to protect the coach from the genny? Im assuming the genny would be built with necessary protections but not certain.

[waynetaylor55]

Genny usually has its own protections. I put mine just from shore power in case something happens to it, that won’t effect power coming from genny.

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Lamokadave

Purchased a Huges Bulldog hardwired EMS and debating if I should install before or after the transfer switch in our 2021 Omni XG32. Is there any real need to protect the coach from the genny? Im assuming the genny would be built with necessary protections but not certain.

Do you mean Hughes Power Watchdog Surge Protector? I don't see "Bulldog" or EMS on their website and a surge protector and EMS are not the same thing.

I also don't know of a built-in surge protector on the generator. They do have out of range frequency and voltage shutdowns, and an overcurrent breaker, but not surge protection AFAIK.

Even if they did, there would be no harm and absolute benefit from installing the surge protector between the ATS and the power center. Have you seen a generator with a dirty carb surge in speed as the governor tries to maintain 60 Hz? That can't be good for any AC load.

[Lamokadave]

You are correct about the name. In fact I really screwed the pouch on this order as I was certain I was ordering a hardwire unit but actually ordered the pedestal
plug in. I think it went south when I saw an option to order a used and save $30.
What I actually received was what appears to be a never used device in a package with very minor external damage.
Anyway it's a higher joule surge suppressor with a sacrificial and replaceable board plus does everything ( from what I can tell) EMS does. I also like that fact that it'll bluetooth information to your phone plus keep a history of disruptions.
https://hughesautoformers.com/product/pwd50/

[16ACE27]

Unfortunately, EMS in the RV world can stand for either:

Electrical Management System - A surge protector that also senses abnormal supply conditions and isolated the RV from the power source.

Energy Management System - An integrated system that detects power in and total load and can "shed" loads as required to prevent overloading the electrical source. It may or may not also have surge protection capabilities.


You have the Electrical Management System in the product you purchased.

[Lamokadave]

I wrote a long winded response before but for some reason it didn't save.
Anyway I really screwed the pooch and actually ordered the pedestal model vs HW. I also attached a link to the device description which did speak to the EMS functions, but it appears you researched yourself. We decided to keep what I got as it seemed to be a great deal sub $190. We paid more 4 yrs ago for the PD 30A EMS. The status BT to my phone is a great bonus

[LarryD]

have the same one, pretty happy with it. There's. a metal ring on it so you can bike lock it to the pedestal for some peace of mind. I spoke to them, they're releasing an app update in the next few months that will let you keep a historical record of usage so yo ucan track load over time. Very excited for that.

[Campnjoe]

I also have one of these. Love it.

[chunker21]

It's not about saving money, it's about having the proper electrical protection. I have the EMS, pedestal mount in this one hardwired in others, rather than a surge protector. In my Raptor TH I hardwired it after the transfer switch because IF the generator were to malfunction, I wanted to protect the electronics in the trailer. For the Omni I got the Progressive Industries EMS pedestal version so in this case the electrical system isn't protected from generator faults. An EMS costs more that a surge protector but does far more. Having to replace the electrical components because the surge protector allowed the fault to fry things will far exceed the price difference between the two. But freedom to choose your level of protection.

The advantage with a pedestal mount is I can plug it into the pedestal and check for faults before going through all the set up just to find a ground fault then having to move. Had that happen with the Raptor built in a couple of times and kind of a PITA to break down and move.

[taylorbob1]

After reading about and posting links from RV owners who experienced over-voltage surges from Onan Generators (albeit an uncommon occurrence), I chose to mount my Progressive Dynamics hardwired EMS between the Thor ATS and the Converter.

Sure, it takes an extra minute for start-up after plug-in to Shore Power or Genny…
- But now any voltage drop or surge from the pedestal or genny is fully protected

Many are now installing it this same way.

That’s my story & I’m stickin’ to it!

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by taylorbob1

After reading about and posting links from RV owners who experienced over-voltage surges from Onan Generators (albeit an uncommon occurrence), I chose to mount my Progressive Dynamics hardwired EMS between the Thor ATS and the Converter.

Sure, it takes an extra minute for start-up after plug-in to Shore Power or Genny…
- But now any voltage drop or surge from the pedestal or genny is fully protected

Many are now installing it this same way.

That’s my story & I’m stickin’ to it!

That's the way mine is installed as well. It was actually easier to do it this way as Thor had made the connecting cable between the ATS and the Power Center about twice as long as it needed to be.