Power Pedestal Checker

[us71na]

I've read some horror stories about power pedestals being wired wrong and how you should always check them or buy one of those expensive surge protection adapters. I came up with a simple way to check power before connecting my TT. I purchase a outlet tester and a 30 Amp to 15 Amp adapter plug along with a $10 volt meter from Harbor freight. I can plug the outlet tester into the adapter and check the plug for power, proper polarity and grounding. Then using the volt meter I can check the voltage. Once I'm sure the receptacle is wired correctly and the right voltage is available I hook up the TT power connection. Total investment is less than $30.

[go wild]

Great idea, as most people don't do anything, just plug in and hope for the best.

The only shortcoming with your approach is that you don't have continuous monitoring to check for voltage fluctuations (high or low) or lost ground.

[us71na]

Originally Posted by go wild

Great idea, as most people don't do anything, just plug in and hope for the best.

The only shortcoming with your approach is that you don't have continuous monitoring to check for voltage fluctuations (high or low) or lost ground.

How would you lose the ground if it is there when you hook up?

[Jagiven]

I use the same approach. It does not protect you against an unexpected surge or worst yet a brownout. As for loose connections they happen all the time.

[Threebutchers]

I used to check this...


Now I just plug-in and let the EMS do the work for me.... it checks for proper wiring and voltage - as well as kill the power automatically in the event of low voltage. It also initiates a 2-minute start-up delay on power loss to prevent voltage spikes and potential compressor lock-up of the air conditioner

[norty1]

That's the way I used to do it before the progressive dynamics unit.

[edatlanta]

I use the Progressive Industries EMS-PT50C and I was glad I had it this morning. When my microwave clock is off that is my indication that the power went off. I checked the monitor on my EMS-PT50C and it shut my power off sometime during the night due to high voltage. All was fine this morning, but my electrical devices didn't see that power surge thanks to the EMS unit.

Worth every dime in my opinion.

[tnchuck100]

I also have the EMS-PT30. But I also use the device shown by us71na. I check the pedestal before even backing in to the site. No sense in wasting all the backing expertise only to find the power is improper.

[rbrumfield]

Originally Posted by tnchuck100

I also have the EMS-PT30. But I also use the device shown by us71na. I check the pedestal before even backing in to the site. No sense in wasting all the backing expertise only to find the power is improper.

I use to use the checker/adapter before I got a 50AMP unit. I bought the PI EMS-PT50 and just use it now. Takes a minute or two longer but then I don't have to fiddle around with two different devices that does essentially the same thing initially. Like you, test electric before getting settled in. I also make sure I have water as well.

[Brownie]

I also have the EMS-PT30, but thanks for the tip about testing the post before backing in. A two minute test before backing in makes a lot more sense than finding a faulty post after you've spent a half hour backing in (it takes me a few tries to get it right), leveling, chocking, unhooking, leveling f/b, dropping landing gear, etc. . . .