Surge Protector in a 2016 29.5?

Aero_Dave · 04-06-2016, 11:22 AM

Anyone Hard-Wire a Progressive Industries HW30C in a 2016 29.5 yet? Just looking for a good place to install it. Haven't had a chance to poke around the new rig yet for a good installation spot. I'm guessing that maybe behind the converter? This is one of my Mods, high-up on my list of things to do.

Thanks,
Dave...

Camping_J · 04-06-2016, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aero_Dave

Anyone Hard-Wire a Progressive Industries HW30C in a 2016 29.5 yet? Just looking for a good place to install it. Haven't had a chance to poke around the new rig yet for a good installation spot. I'm guessing that maybe behind the converter? This is one of my Mods, high-up on my list of things to do.

Thanks,
Dave...

Mine is installed to the floor in front of my water heater tank behind the removable panel that will soon be on hinges (not sure why it isn't). The display box is ran to the paneling where the CO2 detector is located. The converter is under the stove from what I was told. I had the dealer hook it up for me as part of my deal when I purchased.

I can post some pictures after I get home if you need.

Aero_Dave · 04-06-2016, 12:22 PM

Jason, sure picture would be great. I just have a few reservations about putting my Electrical surge protector next to my Water tank! They don't play nice together, if they ever decided too ;-)

Dave...

Camping_J · 04-06-2016, 01:17 PM

I thought the same thing when I seen where they mounted it but in all honesty if the water heater ever decided it wanted to leak there is only a piece of paneling screwed to the floor separating the converter from the water tank. So if it did leak I think there would be an issue either way.

But I will get pictures and get them on here tomorrow for you to look at.

oz97tj · 04-06-2016, 04:38 PM

Hmmm, good thread. I have my EMS sitting waiting for me to install it this weekend. I've been thinking about where to install it too.

Camping_J · 04-07-2016, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aero_Dave

Jason, sure picture would be great. I just have a few reservations about putting my Electrical surge protector next to my Water tank! They don't play nice together, if they ever decided too ;-)

Dave...

So last night when I got home it was raining and snowing so I didn't want to put the slide out and then back in the weather if I didn't have to so maybe tonight if it is nicer out I will put the slide out so I can get by the fridge and pull the panel off by the water heater and get a pic of where the surge protector is actually mounted but here is a pic of the remote display for now.

Aero_Dave · 04-07-2016, 06:16 AM

Thanks Jason. I like where the remote is located, looks like a good spot!

Dave...

SkyBound · 04-07-2016, 07:03 AM

What's the switch for on the remote display?

Camping_J · 04-07-2016, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkyBound

What's the switch for on the remote display?

From my understanding it is a bypass. That way if some of the electronics in the surge protector fail you can bypass it and still have power. Or I would think if you were hooked up to a generator that was giving you an error you could bypass the surge protector as well.

oz97tj · 04-07-2016, 07:10 AM

So in a video I saw, and in your pic, the display looks very bright. Is it a distraction at all? I'm concerned with the brightness and the scrolling info it would create a sort of flashing effect that would be a distraction at night.

Because of this, I'm thinking I may just mount the display in the rear basement so when I plug in I can see what the display says. I don't figure I need to info constantly in front of me. You see any reason why I should not do so and put it in the living area?

Camping_J · 04-07-2016, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oz97tj

So in a video I saw, and in your pic, the display looks very bright. Is it a distraction at all? I'm concerned with the brightness and the scrolling info it would create a sort of flashing effect that would be a distraction at night.

Because of this, I'm thinking I may just mount the display in the rear basement so when I plug in I can see what the display says. I don't figure I need to info constantly in front of me. You see any reason why I should not do so and put it in the living area?

To be honest I haven't slept in the camper yet to know if it will bother me or not. I do know that we will have our door shut to the bedroom at night so I don't think that will bother us and if the kids decide to get up to go to the bathroom there me be enough glow from that for them to see without turning on a light.

I don't see an issue with putting the display in the basement except if your watching tv or chilling at night and the power surge cuts off the power you will have to go out to the basement to see the code and what the issue is. I also feel running the wire to the basement will be kind of a pain, knowing that the converter is under stove.

RedHorse1 · 04-07-2016, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camping_J

From my understanding it is a bypass. That way if some of the electronics in the surge protector fail you can bypass it and still have power. Or I would think if you were hooked up to a generator that was giving you an error you could bypass the surge protector as well.

Yes, Camping is correct. I couldn't find any explanation in the manual when I installed my 40 amp. I noted they had a hotline so I called on a Sunday afternoon and left a v-mail asking about it. They returned my call less than an hour later!
When "down" the EMS is engaged, when "up" it is by-passed and the display reads "off".

oz97tj · 04-07-2016, 07:26 AM

Yeah I thought about that but if power goes out there is a good chance I'll be going out anyway. As for wire routing, I need to look how the Power comes into the 5er. My thought is where it plugs into the exterior or the camper I could find a place to stick it back there. Not sure though.

I had the concerns of water being an issue if mounted where yours is but that would likely be a stretch too. I hope to get some time this weekend to figure out how the Power cord gets from the rear drivers side to the middle passenger side...

Aero_Dave · 04-07-2016, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oz97tj

So in a video I saw, and in your pic, the display looks very bright. Is it a distraction at all? I'm concerned with the brightness and the scrolling info it would create a sort of flashing effect that would be a distraction at night.

Because of this, I'm thinking I may just mount the display in the rear basement so when I plug in I can see what the display says. I don't figure I need to info constantly in front of me. You see any reason why I should not do so and put it in the living area?

I may do the same thing. Just remember when you 1st hook power up, the Surge Protector will take like 2 minutes & 16 seconds Before I will let power into the camper, while it checks the incoming circuit.
Or I may just find a place inside where the display is not facing anyone while on the couch, dinning table or from bedroom views.

Dave...

steelweels · 04-07-2016, 08:26 AM

Why does a person need to be able to see the display while hooking up? If you've got a problem the EMS will protect you and then you can go look at the display wherever it is. Or am I missing something?

RedHorse1 · 04-07-2016, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steelweels

Why does a person need to be able to see the display while hooking up? If you've got a problem the EMS will protect you and then you can go look at the display wherever it is. Or am I missing something?

It's probably just me but I turn the breakers off at my panel and on the post before connecting the power cord. Flip the post breakers on and watch the display to see if the EMS is liking the power and then flip on the house breakers.
I put the display just below the power panel and I can access both by reaching in the doorway.
As I'm entering the coach I usually stop and watch the display go thru a complete cycle and look for an "E" or "PE" code.

Levinehikeski · 04-07-2016, 08:53 AM

^you aren't missing anything, the display will only tell you what caused the trip. I didn't get the remote display version due to the fact that I didn't want to see the light of the display while sleeping, (I have a popup). Plus I ended up saving over $60 buying the non remote display version. I mounted mine right next to the converter under my dinette seat. I the chance I want to see the code, I have to left a cushion and a piece of plywood. The convenience of mounting it where you can see it while hooking up didn't warrant me spending the extra money. Plus I will initially use a multimeter to check my pedestal (30amp +15/20 amp receptacles)

oz97tj · 04-07-2016, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steelweels

Why does a person need to be able to see the display while hooking up? If you've got a problem the EMS will protect you and then you can go look at the display wherever it is. Or am I missing something?

The perk is if power doesn't come on you can see why. There are other options, like mentioned of checking the pedestal other ways first, but the EMS we are all discussing does it all for you.

In theory things should maintain a steady level as well. This will show you if it's jumping around a small amount. Not really an issue but may indicate an issue at some point as well even though it's technically within range at that time.

Either way, you don't need to watch the display all the time. One could argue you don't need a display at all as the EMS will protect you. that's why there is this discussion questioning the pros and cons of putting it in the living quarters vs tucking it away.

Inthewind · 04-08-2016, 06:50 AM

Great thread/info. I'm getting ready to take delivery of an Eagle 317RLOK with a 50amp service. I guess the only difference is between the HW50C and the LCHW50 is the remote display?
Thanks!

oz97tj · 04-09-2016, 07:16 AM

Ma Natura hasn't gotten the memo is April 9. It's currently 25 degrees out. If it doesn' warm up some iI'm not so sure I'll be out installing my EMS today.

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