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Old 05-19-2022, 12:46 PM   #1
Mike3387
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New Electrical Issue

When we bought our unit (3810MS) four years ago, I immediately installed a hardwired surge protector. We park it in the back yard when not in use and it's plugged in (15 amp) when not in use. I've never had any problems until now. We had it out (first trip of the year) last weekend and I accidentally left the hot water tank in winterize mode (bonehead move, I know), probably fried the element because there's no hot water on the electrical side, gas is fine. Anyway, returned home, tried to plug the unit in but it will not accept power. Surge protector reads line 1-130v and line 2-133v (my multimeter 124.5v/125v). There are times when it will pop the house breaker when trying to connect. I'm about ready to contact Progressive Ind. to see about a warranty claim but I really don't want to take my unit to the dealer for a new surge protector. Progressive says (on their website) they will only send a replacement unit to an authorized dealer. I've tried different cords, different outlets. Any ideas on where else to troubleshoot?
 
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Old 05-19-2022, 12:55 PM   #2
Daryles
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Have you already disconnected (or replaced) the bad water heater element?
If not, Is it possible its shorted internally causing the EMS to trip?
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Old 05-19-2022, 01:05 PM   #3
Mike3387
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Not yet

I have a new element on order. Should be here tomorrow. I thought that might be the issue, but that went out the first day and we were camping for three more days after that. I'd count my blessings if that's the case, easy fix.
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Old 05-19-2022, 03:19 PM   #4
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Mike,

Do you have a genny you can test the rig power with vice plugging it in at home? I assume you had good power while out on your trip.
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Old 05-20-2022, 04:21 AM   #5
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You can also try turning off all the breakers inside and apply shore power. If all is good, try turning each one on until one trips. Might help narrow down the problem.
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Old 05-22-2022, 05:27 AM   #6
Mike3387
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Problem remains

Replaced the hot water tank heating element, so that's a non-issue now. Checked power readings with my meter into the surge protector box. All lines are reading 124.2 +/- .2v. The surge protector readout shows 130-133v and not letting me connect power nor does the bypass function work. I've decided to do a warranty claim and hopefully be able to have them repair/replace my unit. Having a surge protector makes really good sense to me despite all of my RV friends that we associate with don't currently have/use a surge protector. For you folks that suggested some troubleshooting ideas, thank you. They helped me narrow down/rule out other possibilities.
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Old 05-22-2022, 05:46 AM   #7
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What model surge protector do you have?
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Old 05-22-2022, 06:50 AM   #8
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Contrary to other opinions I've read, this is why I use an external surge protector/EMS. It's easy to bypass by simply not plugging it in.
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Old 05-22-2022, 07:44 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RMcNeal View Post
Contrary to other opinions I've read, this is why I use an external surge protector/EMS. It's easy to bypass by simply not plugging it in.
Mine, and I think most new ones, have a bypass switch. I guess it could go bad and not work, but I have used it at least in test mode to see if it worked.
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Old 05-22-2022, 08:10 AM   #10
Mike3387
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The hard wired 50 amp. I had considered the portable version, however, being new using a surge protector, I didn't want to stress about it walking off. Having now gone camping in a lot of different camping locations, 95% of the time, it's a needless worry. The other 5% of the time, at those locations, I could just simply not use it.
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Old 05-22-2022, 08:18 AM   #11
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For everyone there is a solution right for them. Recently some posts have had damage caused by the poser supply arcing at the RV connection. A post mounted EMS will not save your unit from that situation. We installed the Hughes EPO Watchdog hardwired unit. One of the nice features is it has a user replaceable surge module that allows you to quickly replace if it does its job. Hope your new unit arrives and fixes your issue.
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Old 05-22-2022, 01:47 PM   #12
Mike3387
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Problem Solved

After removing the surge protector and reconnecting power, I realized the heat pump was left on from our last outing, overloading the 15A house circuit. I turned the heat pump off, reinstalled the surge protector and everything works like normal (when plugged into the house). I've been considering adding a 50A line for the RV, but the price of 70 ft of copper wire is my main concern. Might have to bite the bullet and get it done. Thanks again for your help.
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Old 05-22-2022, 03:07 PM   #13
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Mike,

Thanks for following up.
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Old 05-22-2022, 03:20 PM   #14
RMcNeal
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Quote:
Originally Posted by twindman View Post
Mine, and I think most new ones, have a bypass switch. I guess it could go bad and not work, but I have used it at least in test mode to see if it worked.
That's good to know. I wasn't aware they had a bypass.
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