Surge protection - Page 2 - Montana Owners Club

PackerFan · 03-26-2013, 04:21 PM

I also have the Progressive unit although I got the portable one. It has saved us several times from low voltage situations. I wouldn't be without one anymore.

sambam · 03-26-2013, 06:51 PM

What drawbacks do you folks with the portable see? All I can think of is some knucklehead helping himself to it. I know they're weatherproof and dependable. I had one on my TT, but it wasn't as sophisticated as these.

8.1al · 03-27-2013, 09:15 AM

We have had the portable for years and are happy with it but we have to drag it out and then put it away each time we move. If our portable has a problem we have to send it in while with the hardwired you just replace a board

bncinwv · 03-27-2013, 09:39 AM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by sambam

After reading responses and looking at these different models, I've decided like most of you, to go with the hard-wired Progressive Ind. unit. Since this has to be wired in before the transfer box, does anyone know how accessible it is in a 2010 3455SA? I don't have the trailer here, so I can't look around. All I know is that the electrical connection for shore power is in the rear of the trailer. Again, thanks for all your help.

Why does it HAVE to be wired in before the transfer box? Ours is after so I can monitor loads, problems, etc., on shore power and the generator feed.
Bingo

grayghost03 · 03-27-2013, 11:04 AM

If I remember correctly, I think the instruction were for either way, before or after.

sambam · 03-27-2013, 12:16 PM

After reading the instructions on-line, it can go either way. But, since I don't have a generator, I figured I'd do it before the transfer box, if I have one. Isn't the transfer box only there to transfer power from shore to generator? My main concern here is easy access.

bncinwv · 03-27-2013, 12:48 PM

If you never specifically had the option for the generator prep, you will not have an automatic transfer box. I am not sure about the specifics of your rig, but the easiest install would be in line somewhere as close to the main breaker panel box as possible. It would only take one cut to the existing shore line feed to the power center or the addition of a short segment of the same gage wire. There have been many installs on many different models so I am sure there will be some input as to the preferred location for the installation.
Bingo

Tom S. · 03-27-2013, 01:25 PM

Bingo is right on. Wiring the protector in at the circuit breaker / fuse panel protects you from everything before that point. So if a campground worker runs over your cord with a lawn mower, or the power cord inside your trailer gets shorted by a misplaced nail or screw, you're still protected.

And while you have that panel out, take a few minutes to check all the connections to make sure they are nice and tight!

sambam · 03-27-2013, 02:14 PM

Ok, I guess this topic has been beaten to death. I'm sure when I have the unit staring me in the face, I'll figure out whether or not it had a generator prep and where best to do the install. Thanks for the replies.

bncinwv · 03-27-2013, 02:19 PM

No such thing as beating a topic to death on an informative forum such as the MOC. Information is provided based on experience (always remember, experience is usually gained by doing it the wrong way). If you have any additional questions or run into problems, don't be afraid to ask questions. There is a wealth of experience and expertise on the MOC and it is here at your request.
Bingo

mhs4771 · 03-28-2013, 05:40 AM

No matter where you put it, go to Home Depot or an electric supply and buy a short (3 - 5 foot) section of wire (4 conductor/6 gauge). Wire it into the output side of the EMS, then all you have to do is remove the supply side line, wire it into the input side of the EMS and wire in the pigtail from the output of the EMS back into your power panel. Instruction call for cutting the existing wire, but I found the extra length of the pigtail made installation much easier.

Tom S. · 03-28-2013, 06:51 AM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by mhs4771

No matter where you put it, go to Home Depot or an electric supply and buy a short (3 - 5 foot) section of wire (4 conductor/6 gauge). Wire it into the output side of the EMS, then all you have to do is remove the supply side line, wire it into the input side of the EMS and wire in the pigtail from the output of the EMS back into your power panel. Instruction call for cutting the existing wire, but I found the extra length of the pigtail made installation much easier.

You can do that, but on both of our trailers, there was lots of extra wire, so cutting into the original wire wasn't an issue. The installation instructions are listed here: http://www.progressiveindustries.net/

Here's some pictures from my last install.

sambam · 03-28-2013, 07:42 AM

Thanks for the advice, everyone. And special thanks to Bingo and Tom for providing some pix as well. I'm picking the trailer up tomorrow and will have this EMS in place before our first trip, hopefully next weekend.

mhs4771 · 03-28-2013, 12:31 PM

Tom, you were lucky. I had next to no extra cable, and the location of the transfer switch didn't leave room for the EMS to mount under it. So the pigtail gave me extra cable so the EMS could be mounted to the side and a few inches away from the EMS. Each install may be different, even on the same models.

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