power outage sensor

[gwncanuck66]

Was sitting outside in our campsite listening to music on the outdoor speakers and contemplating life. DW was inside reading a book and had the lights on. Life was good until a neighbour told us that the campground power had been out for awhile. Checked the battery and sure enough, only one light showing on the meter. The lights and music run on DC so how to know right away if the AC power has tripped unless you are running something that is plugged into a receptacle? Fortunately, the power resumed several hours later and we suffered no lasting inconveniences.
So, I searched on Amazon and found an inexpensive plug-in warning sensor that beeps repeatedly when the AC power is lost. Now, we keep this plugged into a receptacle that we don't use much so that we won't get caught again. I mentioned to our dealer that this should be standard equipment for all RV's. Maybe it is on the higher end models but not in our modest model.

[norty1]

Your fridge should have switched to gas but only lights, no audible. We have an ac light over the sink that will let us know.

[michael.g]

Our microwave clock is the only clock we have in the main living area, for that reason. If the power goes out, we lose the clock on the microwave.

-Michael

[gwncanuck66]

Hi Norty1

Yes, the fridge automatically switched to gas so that was good. It still drew a small amount of power for the interior light and thermostat but there seemed to be enough battery power left to keep those devices going. We quickly switched the hot water tank from AC to gas so really, until the power resumed, we only lost the water pump and for the short period involved that was no big deal. We'll probably bring our generator along next time, just for insurance.

[gwncanuck66]

Hi michael.g

That's what people were telling us, "check the microwave clock". But unless you have a reason to look at it or happen to notice that the clock display was out you wouldn't know. In our camper the microwave does not face the sofa (where DW was sitting) and I was outside. I like the idea of having an audible sensor.

[JFlightRisk]

Originally Posted by gwncanuck66

Hi michael.g

That's what people were telling us, "check the microwave clock". But unless you have a reason to look at it or happen to notice that the clock display was out you wouldn't know. In our camper the microwave does not face the sofa (where DW was sitting) and I was outside. I like the idea of having an audible sensor.

This is kind of 'tongue in cheek', but I'm surprised there weren't others in the area checking their power cords and pedestal, wondering what happened to THEIR power. Someone should've come over and asked you if yours was out, too.

The audible is a good idea.

[2naEagle]

There are some things out there that will monitor the RV for you.
https://www.marcellpro.com/
https://rvpetsafety.com/
https://rvwhisper.com/monitor-station/

The Hughes Power Watchdog will monitor power on your smartphone. If you do not have a EMS you need one.
https://hughesautoformers.com/power-...ge-protectors/

[SloPoke]

We have encountered this a few times in the past...

We elected to install a couple of medium capacity UPS units in our Seneca. Our primary reason is for power protection of our computers, monitors and Satellite Antenna and Dish-Network receivers that run on 120vAC.

We also moved our IP-network and many of our computer monitors to be 12v powered from the house batteries. What we have left running on 120vAC is 100% running on APC UPS units (except AC units, Microwave and Power Converter). The rest of our sensitive electronic components are protected 24x7x365 from over/under/outage/other hazards and have earned their reputation over and over as we travel across the USA.

When we switch from Generator to Utility power, we never have to turn our computers, monitors and TV / Dish Network off, they continue to run on the UPS power until we re-connect the Generator or Utility power and the transfer switch delay completes it's cycle.

Our UPS protects us from over/under voltage, sends an audible warning the instant we have an electrical supply variation and will instantly switch to backup power when those events do happen.