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Old 03-08-2016, 07:54 PM   #1
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Surge Protector with Inverter Generator

I have been reading quite a bit about surge protectors, and I like the Progressive Industries 30amp hard wired unit. Seems like it will do everything a true electrical system protector should.

However, I have also read that you cannot hook your trailer up to an inverter if you have one of these installed, which I'm assuming also means an inverter generator. Something about an open or floating neutral?

Anyways, I want the best of both worlds but don't know how to get it. I want my trailer to be surge protected when hooked up to shore power but also want to be able to plug into an inverter generator when boondocking.

Thoughts?
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Old 03-08-2016, 08:01 PM   #2
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I can't remember the trick to make it work with the inverter genny, someone will chime in soon. It's posted here somewhere.
The surge protector has an optional switch that will bypass the circuitry and disable it.
You can also do it without the switch but it requires opening the unit.
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Old 03-08-2016, 08:18 PM   #3
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Following. I want to get a surge protector but have not started investigating yet. I had no idea that one wouldn't be able to be used with a generator.
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Old 03-08-2016, 09:19 PM   #4
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This link has a video that explains the issue with inverter generators and a simple solution.

Progressive Industries RV Surge and Electrical Protection industry lea


This is how I installed mine in my 27DSLR
StormPOD: MOD - Electrical Management Systems (EMS)
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Old 03-08-2016, 09:28 PM   #5
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You just need to tie the neutral to the ground. A $2 plug and a piece of extra wire and you are done.

May start another thread but I thought I would ask.

Where do I install my hard wired EMS on the new 330RSTS Eagle?
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Old 03-08-2016, 10:00 PM   #6
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You just need to tie the neutral to the ground. A $2 plug and a piece of extra wire and you are done.

May start another thread but I thought I would ask.

Where do I install my hard wired EMS on the new 330RSTS Eagle?
Like Tom did, there must be room behind the converter. Pull it out and have a look.
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Old 03-09-2016, 05:02 AM   #7
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Is that a brand specific problem with the Progressive Industries units?
I have a hard wired 50 amp Surge Guard made by TRC, and have never had a problem using my inverter generator.
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Old 03-09-2016, 05:34 AM   #8
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The hardwired unit has a remote display so essentially it can go anywhere there is room and it's convenient.
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Old 03-09-2016, 06:45 AM   #9
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Not sure about the brand specific part - I would also be interested to know.

As far as the switch to bypass the circuitry, is that a separate component or is that feature part of the standard surge protector?
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Old 03-09-2016, 06:58 AM   #10
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What I have seen is an adapter that plugs into the generator that has the neutral and ground shorted together internally. Your camper 30a connector plugs into that.

There is a thread and many places to read about it. Personally I have no need for it. They can me made or purchased.
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Old 03-09-2016, 06:59 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SkyBound View Post
Not sure about the brand specific part - I would also be interested to know.

As far as the switch to bypass the circuitry, is that a separate component or is that feature part of the standard surge protector?
I know it is needed with the Yamaha generators.
The by pass is a built in feature of the EMS from Progressive.
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Old 03-09-2016, 07:18 AM   #12
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Just had a few mins to do a bit more research on this. The Honda, Yamaha and Champion brand inverter generators have the floating neutral. The EMS will not like this condition, throw an error code and not allow power through to the coach.

There are 2 ways around this from what I gather... first is to use the ground bonding plug insert in one of the 15A sockets which then ground bonds the 30A and you're good to go.

Second is to install the bypass switch (separate device) and just bypass the EMS altogether. Not sure which is best.
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Old 03-09-2016, 07:39 AM   #13
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I have a hardwired 50A unit with remote switch and display. I simply by pass by switching the unit off. The unit is then not protected, but all my breakers are off except the converter 2x's a day to bring the batteries up. My main concern is in a CG where my unit has protected me numerous times and mostly on low voltage.

The ground neutral plug is another way to keep the unit on.

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Old 03-09-2016, 07:46 AM   #14
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Is your protector made by Progressive Industries?
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Old 03-09-2016, 07:45 PM   #15
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This should answer the OPs question.
Generator Ground-Neutral Bonding | No~Shock~Zone
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Old 03-09-2016, 08:37 PM   #16
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Quote:
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Is your protector made by Progressive Industries?
Yes Model EMS-HW50C.
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Old 03-11-2016, 09:16 AM   #17
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I suppose that surge protection isn't really as necessary when hooked up to your own generator, right? I mean, how often do the new inverter generators put out bad power? (too high, too low, spikes, etc.)
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Old 03-11-2016, 09:57 AM   #18
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I have not had an issue the few times I used it with this rig and the EMS. First rig did not have an EMS. I will rig a plug this season and see what the power output is. It's cheap and easy enough to do.

The whole point of the inverter genny is that they provide clean power for sensitive electronics. Though if you have a gas issue it could provide either low or high voltage.
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