I use a Hughes portable EMS, which I do secure with a bike chain and lock. Very happy with it and it replaced my old surge protector which did not guard against low power situations. Informative video.
After over a week of Del Norte County running on "many" mega generators brought in for the "Smith River Complex Fire". The slow process of going back online was not stable.. The Voltage in our park ran up to 133 volts for about 18 hours. Most RVers here were not aware, including guys with $200 protectors. I disconnected and ran my inverter genset until it returned to 123 volts. LOVE my EMS-50. Cheap? NO! But it actually showed me the voltage input. 133!
My favorite purchase other than the Hughes Autoformer is their plug in volt meter. I have one plugged in in my living room and I can see what my voltage is at all times. Every rver should have one. 👍💯
I have a Hughes portable EMS and I really like the Bluetooth connectivity that allows me to monitor the incoming voltage as well as the electrical load that we're placing on our electrical system. I also like the fact that I can reset the EMS from within the RV if it trips due to someone accidentally putting too much load on the system. . .it happens.
Remote connectivity with the EMS unit is a great feature John. And Hughes makes a great product in general. Thanks for mentioning your experience with it!
Can you make one of these videos about the device that protects a house's electrical system when you plug an RV into it? I've heard that you can damage a homes electrical system without one. I think they're programmable so you can adjust what your RV pulls from the home. But I'm not sure.
Was watching a review of a "luxury" Class A the other day, and the hosts ran across a number of build quality issues, which may have seemed minor, misaligned handles on cupboard doors & such, but it made me wonder, if they didn't care enough to get the small stuff right, would I want to trust the big things. This coach was on display at a big RV show, which also says something. More people need to hear what you're saying.
Sad to say but even some of the better quality RV builders are still struggling with quality control these days. Unfortunately, if it is allowed to continue without complaint and pushback, many RV manufacturers may adopt the current state of affairs as the new "normal". And that is unacceptable. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the subject with us!
Thanks for another great video Duane. I purchased a 30A 11:00 Progressive EMS for my travel trailer and it was nearly $300. I take no chances when it comes to electrical faults. QUESTION: Can I plug my 30A EMS into a 50A circuit with an adapter and have it still work correctly? I would assume use because I won’t be drawing that much current. TIA
I'm not an electrical expert but as long as you have the adapter plugged into the power pedestal first, I can't see how there could be a problem with that. But it might be a good idea to check with the manufacturer of your 30 amp EMS on that situation just to be sure.
Thanks. Always enjoy your helpful informative videos. I have a Country Coach with built in EMS. Is it advisable to also use an external EMS or less expensive surge protector?
I am aware of the Soft Start add-on for RV ACs to help ease the power required on startup. But as far as I know, there isn't any surge protector with that capability built into it.
@@RickandDarcirvadventures As far as I know, there shouldn't be any issue with that. The EMS simply monitors the line and responds to unwelcome power problems that could not only damage your ACs, but also the Soft Start for the AC as well.
Surge Protector EMS units will work to protect anything in the electric line where they are installed. But they will have a 30 amp or 50 amp plug so you'll need to make sure that the inverter generator has an outlet that matches your EMS plug.
I’m connecting to a portable generator. I plugged in my surge protector and showed an open ground. What do I need to do to be safe to connect to my 30 amp RV
Yes, it can work just fine but you will have to use a dogbone adapter between the EMS and the power receptacle to step it down to 30 amps. And it will only protect the part of the system that is receiving power from the 30 amp plug.
I have used my EMS surge protector that way on the few occasions when it was necessary and had no problems. But you may want to check the Watchdog's documentation to make sure that it will work for you too. Thanks for watching!
That's an interesting question. Frankly, I had never thought about using a surge protector on a rental unit. But it might be a good idea to check the rental contract and see if you could be liable for electrical damage to the RV that occurs if you didn't use a surge protector of some type. Other than that, it still might be a good idea to use one just to make sure that any electronics you bring along with you are protected from electrical abnormalities while camping. I hope that helps.
Thank you for the reply. Another point in favor of using a surge protector is simply protecting our trip in case of a lightning strike or faulty power supply. We're still working and have to schedule our time off along with the rental RV. A damaged electrical system could end the trip in a hurry. I think I have just decided. Thanks again for your video and thoughtful reply!
I think you are asking whether a 50 amp EMS unit can be used on both 30 amp and 50 amp power pedestals. If so, here is a good article that explains how that can be done - www.rvtravel.com/surge-protector-for-30-or-50-amp-outlets/
I use a Hughes portable EMS, which I do secure with a bike chain and lock. Very happy with it and it replaced my old surge protector which did not guard against low power situations. Informative video.
A Hughes EMS is a great choice Robert. Thanks for telling us about your experience with it so far!
Your videos are so informative. I have learned so much. Thank you.
So glad that you have been enjoying my videos. I always like to hear that kind of positive feedback!
After over a week of Del Norte County running on "many" mega generators brought in for the "Smith River Complex Fire". The slow process of going back online was not stable.. The Voltage in our park ran up to 133 volts for about 18 hours. Most RVers here were not aware, including guys with $200 protectors. I disconnected and ran my inverter genset until it returned to 123 volts. LOVE my EMS-50. Cheap? NO! But it actually showed me the voltage input. 133!
That's interesting. Thanks for sharing that experience here!
My favorite purchase other than the Hughes Autoformer is their plug in volt meter. I have one plugged in in my living room and I can see what my voltage is at all times. Every rver should have one. 👍💯
Thanks for that suggestion Jason. Have safe and happy travels!
I have a Hughes portable EMS and I really like the Bluetooth connectivity that allows me to monitor the incoming voltage as well as the electrical load that we're placing on our electrical system.
I also like the fact that I can reset the EMS from within the RV if it trips due to someone accidentally putting too much load on the system. . .it happens.
Remote connectivity with the EMS unit is a great feature John. And Hughes makes a great product in general. Thanks for mentioning your experience with it!
Can you make one of these videos about the device that protects a house's electrical system when you plug an RV into it? I've heard that you can damage a homes electrical system without one. I think they're programmable so you can adjust what your RV pulls from the home. But I'm not sure.
I'll see what I can do. Thanks for making the suggestion!
Thank you 🤗
You’re welcome 😊 Thanks for watching!
Was watching a review of a "luxury" Class A the other day, and the hosts ran across a number of build quality issues, which may have seemed minor, misaligned handles on cupboard doors & such, but it made me wonder, if they didn't care enough to get the small stuff right, would I want to trust the big things. This coach was on display at a big RV show, which also says something. More people need to hear what you're saying.
Sad to say but even some of the better quality RV builders are still struggling with quality control these days. Unfortunately, if it is allowed to continue without complaint and pushback, many RV manufacturers may adopt the current state of affairs as the new "normal". And that is unacceptable. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the subject with us!
Thanks for another great video Duane. I purchased a 30A 11:00 Progressive EMS for my travel trailer and it was nearly $300. I take no chances when it comes to electrical faults. QUESTION: Can I plug my 30A EMS into a 50A circuit with an adapter and have it still work correctly? I would assume use because I won’t be drawing that much current. TIA
I'm not an electrical expert but as long as you have the adapter plugged into the power pedestal first, I can't see how there could be a problem with that. But it might be a good idea to check with the manufacturer of your 30 amp EMS on that situation just to be sure.
@@RVInspectionAndCare Thank you.
Thanks. Always enjoy your helpful informative videos. I have a Country Coach with built in EMS. Is it advisable to also use an external EMS or less expensive surge protector?
Hi Rod. Just one EMS unit per RV is all that is needed. And a hard-wired EMS should do the job just fine. Thanks for watching!
Have you had a chance to look at that surge protector that soft start makes so when you are plugged in your ac won’t have that initial surge?
I am aware of the Soft Start add-on for RV ACs to help ease the power required on startup. But as far as I know, there isn't any surge protector with that capability built into it.
@@RVInspectionAndCare can you combine it with a EMS?
@@RickandDarcirvadventures As far as I know, there shouldn't be any issue with that. The EMS simply monitors the line and responds to unwelcome power problems that could not only damage your ACs, but also the Soft Start for the AC as well.
Could I use this at home with my portable inverter generator to run a fridge and maybe a window air conditioner?
Thanks for your time!
Surge Protector EMS units will work to protect anything in the electric line where they are installed. But they will have a 30 amp or 50 amp plug so you'll need to make sure that the inverter generator has an outlet that matches your EMS plug.
I’m connecting to a portable generator. I plugged in my surge protector and showed an open ground. What do I need to do to be safe to connect to my 30 amp RV
Hi Herb. This may help you find a solution to your problem - thecampingnerd.com/rv-surge-protector-generator-open-ground/
Does my 50 amp EMS do what is needed when I am connected to 30 Amps?
Yes, it can work just fine but you will have to use a dogbone adapter between the EMS and the power receptacle to step it down to 30 amps. And it will only protect the part of the system that is receiving power from the 30 amp plug.
Is it OK to use my power watchdog 50amp and use a dogbone to bring it down to my class B 30amp?
I have used my EMS surge protector that way on the few occasions when it was necessary and had no problems. But you may want to check the Watchdog's documentation to make sure that it will work for you too. Thanks for watching!
Will the EMS work on a generator.
Honestly, I'm not sure. It would be best to contact the EMS maker you are considering and ask them about that.
Well thanks for that, I never knew there was something called an EMS, I thought they were all the same.
I'm glad the video was helpful Mike. Thanks for watching and leaving some positive feedback!
We will be renting an RV (class C, 30 amp) this September. Do you recommend renters use a surge protector and which type? Thanks!!
That's an interesting question. Frankly, I had never thought about using a surge protector on a rental unit. But it might be a good idea to check the rental contract and see if you could be liable for electrical damage to the RV that occurs if you didn't use a surge protector of some type. Other than that, it still might be a good idea to use one just to make sure that any electronics you bring along with you are protected from electrical abnormalities while camping. I hope that helps.
Thank you for the reply. Another point in favor of using a surge protector is simply protecting our trip in case of a lightning strike or faulty power supply. We're still working and have to schedule our time off along with the rental RV. A damaged electrical system could end the trip in a hurry. I think I have just decided. Thanks again for your video and thoughtful reply!
i need a 50amp to 30amp surge protection combo, are any of these available as ems as a combo?
I think you are asking whether a 50 amp EMS unit can be used on both 30 amp and 50 amp power pedestals. If so, here is a good article that explains how that can be done - www.rvtravel.com/surge-protector-for-30-or-50-amp-outlets/