High voltage

[jloco]

What exactly are the effects of high voltage? I have a progressive ems connected at my seasonal site. When the guy next door shows up and turns on his power, AC, etc.. my ems will cut power to my rig and display a ‘PE3’ high voltage. I know the threshold is 132 volts before power is cut.. it eventually recovers and restores power. This could take a few minutes to several minutes.
I’ve reported the issue to CG management and they’re going to have a look.
Any ideas why the guys pedestal next door would cause my voltage to spike?
Also an internet search talks a lot about low voltage damage, but not much is said about the effects of high voltage on an RV’s electrical appliances.
Thanks in advance!

[JFlightRisk]

A high voltage spike or surge will damage or completely destroy the electrical components in an RV. It only takes nanoseconds for this to be terminal to printed circuits in the refrigerator, air conditioner, power converter, etc. The damage will be done before you can say 'Oh, darn'.

Low voltage is just as damaging, which is why we never plug into anywhere without our EMS. The high and low voltages are silent, and expensive if not protected against.

[DonaandDon]

Grounding problems are not that uncommon with older sites.

High voltage will fry your controller before your breakers will trip.

Low voltage will smoke your AC's first or high usage items. Normally, you will see a loss of your TV reception as an indicator.

[WeRJuliian]

Originally Posted by jloco

Any ideas why the guys pedestal next door would cause my voltage to spike?

Many CG supplies involve long lengths of wire between the post and the main distribution. Your post and the one next door probably share the same cable.

If he drops a big load on the line (AC, for example), the voltage will, initially, drop, but then there will be a "backswing" effect which will create a voltage surge, then probably another drop and surge, while things settle. (In my youth, we used to say that the line was "ringing") *

By that time, your EMS has done its job and cut the line - so take comfort that it's working properly!


*Yes, a drastic over-simplification, I know, but the OP asked for "ideas", not EE 1.01 :-)

[smithmdsmith]

Originally Posted by WeRJuliian

*Yes, a drastic over-simplification, I know, but the OP asked for "ideas", not EE 1.01 :-)

Thanks for this explanation! it's exactly what this non-EE-understanding camper has been looking for!