EMS HW30C Surge Protector

havnfun · 02-14-2015, 09:03 PM

Been researching Progressive surge protector and have decided to put one in this spring. I'm not a real handyman but viewing youtube videos has me believing that even I could install it....we'll see - lol. Anyway, where do I access the 30A shore line inside to install the EMS? Seems like I need to pop out a black panel under the TV but I'm not sure exactly where that shore power line goes back into the TT. Can you give me some advice on what to look for in a Jay Flight 24FBS?

"Camping Couple"- you done that to yours yet?
Thanks and Happy RVing,
Jeff

Quahog · 02-15-2015, 06:06 AM

Having never been in a 24FBS, this is a complete guess on my part. What I've found it that there is usually a junction box in close proximity to where the shore power cord enters that rear of the unit. Looking at your floorpan, I see there's an access panel under the tub so that may be one place to look. On the other side of that wall, there's the entertainment center and perhaps you will find what you're looking for at the bottom of that. If you open the bottom doors of that cabinet, does the false floor panel raise to give you access?

Your other option is to send Jayco email and ask them to send you the wiring diagrams for your specific unit. Make sure to include the VIN so they can get you what you need.

Good luck!

phipp · 02-15-2015, 07:32 AM

Havnfun,

I have a 2014 248RBS, the access panel below the tub has the junction box for the shore power. The access panel in the entertainment center has the water lines in it for the shower valve.

Good luck, please post pictures of the finished job and let us know how it went.

silverark · 02-15-2015, 06:58 PM

Havnfun; Well my 24fbs access is behind the panel under the refer. You will need to pull out the converter and remove some wiring at the terminals to remove the converter. There is no access under the tub. The cable goes all the way over to the converter under the refer.

Grumpy · 02-15-2015, 07:25 PM

Why not use one on the post? If you ever saw a picture of what happens when they take a hard hit you wouldn't want it inside your unit.

silverark · 02-15-2015, 07:34 PM

Grumpy, I agree, I have not installed one in my 24fbs. But in researching weather to install inside or on the post I found that if it takes a hit from lightning some have had the shore power cable cooked all the way inside the trailer. I'd rather loose it at the post than inside my trailer. Theft of the EMS surge protector is the only concern so I'll lock it to the post.
Below is a quote from another blog.

"Jim Copeland • 10 months ago
Ray I have been using the PI EMPT-50 I think is the model number it plugs into the pedestal. When I purchased it I really did not know much about surge protection but am glad I have what I have. The following is a story from my other forum I follow (open Range owners forum) it is scary but true. Just wanted to share because you have a hard wire model. Something to think about.
I posted this a couple of years back about going with the Surge Guard surge protector that is not hard wired to the rig but is in line up stream from the trailer. Reason being, before purchasing our Open Range, we had a motorhome. We had a hard wired surge protector on board. During a thunderstorm at a campground, the transformer supplying the park was hit by lighting. The surge protector did a great job at protecting most of the components in the motorhome, it did nothing to protect the 50 amp cable or the side of the motor home. Where the 50 amp cord connects to the motor home was melted into a mass of metal and plastic. They had to take a sawsall to cut the receptacle out of the side of the motor home. It cost almost $ 1,000.00 for the fix not including the cost of a new 50 amp cord. From now on, the surge protection stays outside the trailer. D."
_________________
Dennis & Gini: 2009 Chevy 2500 HD LT3 CC A/D Pkg. Towing a 2011 Open Range 345 RLS with all the goodies!
Remember: No Matter Where You Go,,,, There You Are!!!

Grumpy · 02-15-2015, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silverark

I'd rather loose it at the post than inside my trailer. Theft of the EMS surge protector is the only concern so I'll lock it to the post.

I only lock ours if we're going to leave the unit un-occupied for a couple days.

Tunce the traveler · 02-15-2015, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grumpy

Why not use one on the post? If you ever saw a picture of what happens when they take a hard hit you wouldn't want it inside your unit.

Boy, I never thought of that happening, I might consider unplugging if theres a storm moving in.

fielro · 02-15-2015, 08:35 PM

I think I'll get one for the post. Thanks for the insight

edatlanta · 02-16-2015, 04:41 AM

I definitely agree with Grumpy and others. When mother nature or the power company sends something strange down the wires to your rig you definitely want the surge protector outside in case of non-passive failure. I have the EMS-PT50C and will not hook up to power without it even at my home base site. It protected me from a dying transformer there a couple of years back with intermittent high voltage at 3:00am. Why do things always die at 3:00am?

namusmc65 · 02-16-2015, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grumpy

Why not use one on the post? If you ever saw a picture of what happens when they take a hard hit you wouldn't want it inside your unit.

Geez Grumpy, never even thought of that. Wish I had found that out in my research before purchasing. Mine is already installed and thought we were doing what is best for the unit. Now I'm not so sure. So far, it has worked flawlessly.

havnfun · 02-17-2015, 12:13 AM

Well Grumpy. The comments following yours certainly got me thinking about it! If I can prevent that kind of damage by putting it on the pedestal, then I guess I'm all in for that. If it wasn't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all.....if it's going to happen, it will probably be to my trailer.
So I'll be proactive and not install it inside. Any special way to secure to pedestal or just use a cable? Thanks all for your valued input. You have helped me again. What a bunch!!
Happy RVing,
Jeff

Grumpy · 02-17-2015, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by havnfun

Any special way to secure to pedestal or just use a cable?
Happy RVing,
Jeff

If the CG has the newer elec pedestals just close the lid and lock it. Usually a place for a pad lock on one side or the other. If not then a short piece of chain usually works.

Iraqvet05 · 02-17-2015, 03:09 PM

I believe the Progressive pedestal versions have the same protection as the hardwired versions but other brands do not offer under/over voltage brands in their pedestal versions. I have experienced under voltage at a CG and luckily my Progressive shut the power off.

wags999 · 02-17-2015, 04:44 PM

they do make a cover with a lock capability which is used where the protector and your rig plug together. So it can not be detached from your rigs plug without unlocking or physically breaking the cover.. I have used one for years and even though we are hooked up for months and often gone for several days at a time have never had an issue. The locking cover is not fool proof but a lock only keeps honest people honest, the crooks will always get in if they want to bad enough.

WIBadger · 02-17-2015, 04:48 PM

With regards to Grumpy's and Silverark's reason (ie, lightning strikes) for selecting a portable/pedestal EMS over a hardwire installed EMS and follow-up comments:

Quote:

Geez Grumpy, never even thought of that. Wish I had found that out in my research before purchasing. Mine is already installed and thought we were doing what is best for the unit. Now I'm not so sure.

Quote:

So I'll be proactive and not install it inside.

With all due respect, I would not use the lightning strike story(ies) as the primary reason for making such a decision. IMHO, you're more likely to win the powerball lottery than actually experiencing a direct lightning strike. I'm not saying it can't ever happen, but the odds are very, very low (and if it did, sure, it would be best if the EMS was outside the RV). I believe that there are more, every-day, pressing issues to consider.

One issue (which has been mentioned) pertains to theft. Although there are means of locking the EMS at the pedestal, if somebody wants it bad enough, they're gonna take it. Another issue is leaving/forgetting it at the site upon departure (ie, just another item to add to your departure check-list). You'll have another piece of equipment to store and move around. Then of course are the outside elements -- weather and pedestal box heights. And finally, another issue is your DIY comfort zone. If the word "electricity" in and of itself does not scare you and you have a little "DIYer" in you, then these types of projects can be great learning opportunities, not to mention the self-satisfaction you'll feel upon the completion of project (on a 1-10 scale, this is a 2 ... at the most a 3). On the other hand, if electrical connections aren't for you, then the portable/pedestal option may be best for you. Bottomline: If you want to add lightning strikes as an issue, fine, but I'd put it at the bottom of your list.

For those who have a hardwire, installed EMS or are considering the same, no worries. In fact, I would recommend the hardwire installed EMS over the portable/pedestal EMS so as to avoid the foregoing issues. I also like fact that one can monitor the electrical system from inside the TT.

See the following forum links for more info:

EMS Hardwire Install
http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6896

Voltage Regulators
http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/ar...hp/t-2367.html

surge protectors
http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/ar...p/t-11636.html

surge protector
http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/ar...hp/t-3962.html

Either way, an EMS is an excellent mod for your TT. If you decide to do a hardwire install and have questions, many on this forum can provide excellent insight and assistance. Good Luck and Happy Trails.

CDavid · 02-17-2015, 05:53 PM

WIBadger - Thanks. total agree with this post.

edatlanta · 02-18-2015, 05:32 AM

I use a length of chain and lock that I hook to the lock bracket on the EMS and wrap it completely around the pedestal as tight as I can get it and then close the pedestal door down over it. Since it is tight around the pedestal it can't be slipped up and off since the pedestal door is in the way. Sure, the metal tab on the EMS cord could be cut and so could the lock or chain for that matter, but if a thief wants it bad enough to do that - so be it. I'll get another one.

My EMS-PT50C has exactly the same protections as the hard wired version. I have been shut down due to both high and low voltage more than once. Great piece of mind for me and worth every $.

slinger · 02-18-2015, 07:47 AM

Count me as one who left a surge protector behind at a campground.

I read the stories about lightening strikes, but I still installed an internal surge protector. With either internal or external, you are going to need a new one after a lightening strike. The manual says to unplug during a lightening storm ... My guess is they all say that.

The surge protectors protect from much more than just surges. I think the surge protection aspect may be the cheapest parts of the system. That said, I would like to buy an inexpensive "surge-only" protector to put on the pedestal. It would act as the first line of defense for a lightening strike, but it would be cheap enough to not be a concern for losing, getting stolen, or getting destroyed by lightening.

Does such a "surge-only" product exist?

David472 · 02-20-2015, 05:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slinger

Count me as one who left a surge protector behind at a campground.

I read the stories about lightening strikes, but I still installed an internal surge protector. With either internal or external, you are going to need a new one after a lightening strike. The manual says to unplug during a lightening storm ... My guess is they all say that.

The surge protectors protect from much more than just surges. I think the surge protection aspect may be the cheapest parts of the system. That said, I would like to buy an inexpensive "surge-only" protector to put on the pedestal. It would act as the first line of defense for a lightening strike, but it would be cheap enough to not be a concern for losing, getting stolen, or getting destroyed by lightening.

Does such a "surge-only" product exist?

Yes, you can get a basic surge protector. In fact, if you're worried about the above situation where your power cord is vulnerable, and your internally mounted EMS might melt down in a large surge, I recommend adding one of these right at the pedestal.
http://tweetys.com/30-amp---portable...ty-tester.aspx
or.....
http://www.progressiveindustries.net/ssp_50.htm
Eighty bucks for piece of mind. It has only surge protection, but the same degree of protection against surge as the EMS. Your internal EMS would provide all the other protection which you bought it for.
Here is another brand
http://www.trci.net/products/surge-g...urge-protector
or.....
http://www.trci.net/products/surge-g...urge-protector
Note: having both this device and the internal EMS is not any problem at all. You CAN have both.

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