Electrical management

[ptylerp]

I would like to have ideas on electrical management systems. I have the Southwire auto-transfer switch and want to add better electrical management.

I am considering Southwire 40350-RVC Surge Guard RVC (~$650) and Progressive Industries HW50C Hardwired EMS Surge & Electrical Protection- 50 Amps (~$340).

I would wire the Progressive Industries EMS directly ahead of the current ATS.

I had the Progressive EMS on my last 5th wheel RV and was satisfied with it. My real question is would it play nicely with the Southwire ATS.

[Bob Denman]

I have a hard-wired surge protector in my RV, and I put a Progressive EMS out at the pedestal.
While I'd much rather catch a problem out at the pedestal: I'm happy that if anything gets through; I've got some backup!

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by ptylerp

I would like to have ideas on electrical management systems. I have the Southwire auto-transfer switch and want to add better electrical management.

I am considering Southwire 40350-RVC Surge Guard RVC (~$650) and Progressive Industries HW50C Hardwired EMS Surge & Electrical Protection- 50 Amps (~$340).

I would wire the Progressive Industries EMS directly ahead of the current ATS.

I had the Progressive EMS on my last 5th wheel RV and was satisfied with it. My real question is would it play nicely with the Southwire ATS.

So you would only have protection on SP? Why not wire it between the ATS and Power Panel so it is always inline regardless of source?

[Beau388]

Originally Posted by 16ACE27

So you would only have protection on SP? Why not wire it between the ATS and Power Panel so it is always inline regardless of source?

Wired that way, a large surge will destroy the ATS before the Progressive EMS sacrifices itself. The coach would be left with no power until the ATS is replaced along with the capacitor in the EMS.

[taylorbob1]

Originally Posted by Beau388

Wired that way, a large surge will destroy the ATS before the Progressive EMS sacrifices itself. The coach would be left with no power until the ATS is replaced along with the capacitor in the EMS.

But the Onan generators have been known to (on very limited occasions) to generate power surges

Hypothetically...You would then need to have two Surge-EMS systems installed
One for the Incoming shore power, and one for the Onan generator.

Please correct me if I’m wrong.

All Surge/EMS hardwired installations (and instructions) are suggested to be after the ATS

[taylorbob1]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

I have a hard-wired surge protector in my RV, and I put a Progressive EMS out at the pedestal.
While I'd much rather catch a problem out at the pedestal: I'm happy that if anything gets through; I've got some backup!

Mine is hardwired after the ATS, but before the Power Panel/Converter.
That’s how Progressive instructions suggest to do it

They must know something, huh?

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by taylorbob1

But the Onan generators have been known to (on very limited occasions) to generate power surges

Hypothetically...You would then need to have two Surge-EMS systems installed
One for the Incoming shore power, and one for the Onan generator.

Please correct me if I’m wrong.

All Surge/EMS hardwired installations (and instructions) are suggested to be after the ATS

Especially since electromechanical devices like the ATS have little susceptibility to damage from power surges: they're like smart breakers.

[Beau388]

Originally Posted by taylorbob1

But the Onan generators have been known to (on very limited occasions) to generate power surges

Hypothetically...You would then need to have two Surge-EMS systems installed
One for the Incoming shore power, and one for the Onan generator.

Please correct me if I’m wrong.

All Surge/EMS hardwired installations (and instructions) are suggested to be after the ATS

Progressive has always stated the their permanently installed EMS be installed in the power cord before the ATS.


Cut the RV power cord about three (3) inches greater than the distance from the
junction box [ATS] to the desired location of the EMS control box. Then strip back the
outer insulation three (3) inches on input, and three (3) inches on output cable.
See visual references on page 9.

[taylorbob1]

Here's a video of a Forum participant who experienced a Generator over-current power surge.
The surge-guard wired between the ATS and Power Center saved his electrical system

https://youtu.be/xu35A2YwYG8

[Beau388]

Originally Posted by taylorbob1

Here's a video of a Forum participant who experienced a Generator over-current power surge.
The surge-guard wired between the ATS and Power Center saved his electrical system

https://youtu.be/xu35A2YwYG8

I don't dispute that that can happen. I was just stating Progressive Industries recommendations that it be installed in the power cord before the ATS. Southwire Surge Guard sells a smart ATS that protects the coach from power surges from both sources. It is used on the big diesel coaches.