Electric Generator question for electricians...

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

I have reservation at a campsite in the next few weeks where the electric hookup is only 15amps.

I own a EcoFlow PRO 3600 watt electric generator.
I plan to plug the camper into the EcoFlow's 30 amp outlet whilst simultaneously charging the EcoFlow via the campsite 15amp outlet.

Do you think my surge protector will be necessary, using the campsite power in this way?

I have a giant 50 amp WatchDog. I think, instead of having to by a bunch of different adapter to take the 50amp watchdog down to 15a on each end, I'll get a simple 20 amp surge protector and use that?

 

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

I have reservation at a campsite in the next few weeks where the electric hookup is only 15amps.

I own a EcoFlow PRO 3600 watt electric generator.
I plan to plug the camper into the EcoFlow's 30 amp outlet whilst simultaneously charging the EcoFlow via the campsite 15amp outlet.

Do you think my surge protector will be necessary, using the campsite power in this way?

I have a giant 50 amp WatchDog surge. I think, instead of having to by a bunch of different adapter to take the 50amp watchdog down to 15a on each end, I'll get a simple 20 amp surge protector and use that.

something like this and protect it from any potential wet weather.

 

[Vicr]

Yes, use an EMS if you have one and if all you have is a surge protector use that and then in a an EMS. Electrical systems at campgrounds, RV parks and even RV "resorts" can have issues that can cause damage to anything plugged into the power pedestal or receptacle.

 

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

Yes, use an EMS if you have one and if all you have is a surge protector use that and then in a an EMS. Electrical systems at campgrounds, RV parks and even RV "resorts" can have issues that can cause damage to anything plugged into the power pedestal or receptacle.

So, I’m reading, you’re suggesting I skip the little surge protector and instead get the adapters necessary to use my 50 amp Watchdog EMS.

 

[Kevin Cooper]

Your only connection to a source of voltage surge is the 15 amp receptacle. This device is a surge protector only by opening the contacts within 10 nanoseconds of the time voltage reaches 140 volts. So, it’s an EMS mostly. You can set it to turn off at 104 volts. Your other surge protector, rated in joules absorbs and disapates the surge voltage. If the voltage surge is high enough, it can arc across the switch and get to the Ecoflow.
So, anything is better than nothing to protect the Ecoflow. I say buy it and feel safer.

 

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

Kevin. My Watchdog, I believe, is an EMS and a surge protector? I own it already. I don't own that 20amp appliance surge protector shown in that photo.

Is your suggestion to use both the watchdog and the surge device from that photo?

I appreciate your replies and apologize if I seem 'thick,' but in your reply you say; 'this device' and then 'buy it.' I'm not sure which of the two devices you are referencing in each comment.

Thank you for your help.

 

[Kevin Cooper]

You said you are going to a park that “only” has 15 amps. So, that means you need to have enough dog bones to go from 15 to 50 to 15 to get to the Ecoflow. Then you need what ever the Ecoflow puts out to 50 then to the RV. The other way is, new device to extension cord to Ecoflow and then whatever you need to connect from Ecoflow to RV. If you put your 50 EMS on the output side of the Ecoflow, it isn’t really doing much, if anything. Remember Surge comes from the park electrical system.
You can buy as many parts as you need, but I would set it all up and run it before the trip.

 

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

You said you are going to a park that “only” has 15 amps. So, that means you need to have enough dog bones to go from 15 to 50 to 15 to get to the Ecoflow. Then you need what ever the Ecoflow puts out to 50 then to the RV. The other way is, new device to extension cord to Ecoflow and then whatever you need to connect from Ecoflow to RV. If you put your 50 EMS on the output side of the Ecoflow, it isn’t really doing much, if anything. Remember Surge comes from the park electrical system.
You can buy as many parts as you need, but I would set it all up and run it before the trip.

Okay..now I understand. No, I intended to use my Watchdog (or that other device in photo) at the 15 amp, park plug-in, of course with the proper adapters if using the Watchdog. Then, adapt the lower end of watchdog down to plug in the EcoFlow INPUT. I already have a 50amp to 30amp adapter that I use from the camper to the EcoFlow’s 30 amp outlet.

My original question was basically: use the Watchdog on the pole, sized down with the proper adapters TO the Ecoflow or skip the Watchdog and all the adapters and instead use the device I showed, plugged in at the pole. THANK YOU for sticking with me.

 

[Kevin Cooper]

So, the answer is, if you want to protect the RV only, then you can 30 to 50 from the Ecoflow to the RV. If you want to protect the Ecoflow, buy the one you showed. The watchdog is your call if you do not trust the Ecoflow.

 

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

So, the answer is, if you want to protect the RV only, then you can 30 to 50 from the Ecoflow to the RV. If you want to protect the Ecoflow, buy the one you showed. The watchdog is your call if you do not trust the Ecoflow.

OKAY! Thank you so much! I have confidence in the EcoFlow. I think protecting the EcoFlow from the pole would be the best bet, as it would serve to protect both the EcoFlow and the camper. If I were at home, I trust the EcoFlow to the trailer and the electricity from home into the EcoFLow, but I definitely would not trust the park electricity into my EcoFlow. That said, the EcoFLow COULD inadvertently hurt my camper IF it were not protected from the pole...so that's where I'll put my focus.

Thank you Kevin Cooper, for your patience and knowledge.

 

[Kevin Cooper]

Inverters are electronic components. They are very susceptible to surge voltages. While I can not prove or disprove it, I’m thinking that surge voltage will blow an inverter but not pass it through unless very high voltage. Have a wonderful RV trip!

 

[Jaykol]

question for your question

Hi, I want to do this same thing from my remote garage which only has a single 20 amp circuit. I was looking at another unit with a 30amp plug from Anker who said their F2000 would not put out any battery power while charging (meaning while plugged into the garage). It would "pass through" up to 12 amps (which is its charging draw) instead, making it worthless for continuous use. So it sounds like your generator has the proper function to charge as needed while providing full output?

 

[Kevin Cooper]

I believe you may be reading it incorrectly. My son bought a one from Anker. So, what it is saying is that 12 amps is straight pass through and the rest of your load comes from the unit. Why would they do that? Well, the answer is, a 15 amp circuit breaker is rated 80% or 12 amps for continuous use. (Which is 3 hours or longer). 15x.8=12. So, it is using 12 amps via the input cord and the remainder of the load from the batteries. Hope this helps you. Kevin

 

[Jaykol]

generator when plugged in

I emailed Anker and that was their response. I agree that it doesn't make sense. Either the person was misinformed or this unit was not able to do it. When I was looking into this area a couple years ago many would not output while accepting solar charge, this seems to be largely overcome in current products, but maybe not always with 110v?

 

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

Hi, I want to do this same thing from my remote garage which only has a single 20 amp circuit. I was looking at another unit with a 30amp plug from Anker who said their F2000 would not put out any battery power while charging (meaning while plugged into the garage). It would "pass through" up to 12 amps (which is its charging draw) instead, making it worthless for continuous use. So it sounds like your generator has the proper function to charge as needed while providing full output?

Yes, The EcoGLow PRO 3600 is very capable and can do 'passthrough,' with AC or Solar. IF both are plugged into the unit, it will input SOLAR energy FIRST.

It's expensive and I'd never have bought it primarily for my infrequent camping, but for full timers or frequent campers, it'd be great.

I spent the money and bought it to power my restaurant refrigeration from INSIDE the restaurant, when the power goes out. I can monitor its battery level and watch its stats from a bluetooth app from home...very handy. It will power all my portable kitchen refrigeration for several hours, then I bring it home, charge and return. It is very handy not to have wires running outdoors to a gas generator. I can keep the restaurant's back door locked and secure, so I don't have to stay there during an outage.

I was able to power 3 reach in counter type refrigerators, 2 PEPSI type glass from free standing fridges and a large, Traulsen stand freezer with me EcoFlow PRO 3600 and a smaller, 1300 unit.

If you're interested, check them out at Amazon...the PRO is $2,599 right now and sometime they go as low as $2,300.

 

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

I believe you may be reading it incorrectly. My son bought a one from Anker. So, what it is saying is that 12 amps is straight pass through and the rest of your load comes from the unit. Why would they do that? Well, the answer is, a 15 amp circuit breaker is rated 80% or 12 amps for continuous use. (Which is 3 hours or longer). 15x.8=12. So, it is using 12 amps via the input cord and the remainder of the load from the batteries. Hope this helps you. Kevin

Makes perfect sense. I don't know the stats of my EcoFlow, but I know it does essentially the same thing.

Thank you Kevin, for your professional inputs and advice.

 

[Jaykol]

Anker F2000 clarification

In case anyone finds it helpful, Anker confirmed their F2000 will not function for this application....


..................
Thank you for your response.

You're correct, the F2000 does not supply battery power at all when it is plugged in to the mains. It supports 1440W UPS.
................................

 

[Kevin Cooper]

Makes perfect sense. I don't know the stats of my EcoFlow, but I know it does essentially the same thing.

Thank you Kevin, for your professional inputs and advice.

It seems that I was incorrect. But, I did find that if you put solar power into it, it will still do full output. My sons Anker is much larger and is different.
My son just left. He has a Anker F3800. It actually has two sets of receptacles. One set UPS and another set. So, his I believe can run full power while charging.

 

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

Tested: Passed

So, the answer is, if you want to protect the RV only, then you can 30 to 50 from the Ecoflow to the RV. If you want to protect the Ecoflow, buy the one you showed. The watchdog is your call if you do not trust the Ecoflow.

I received my adapters and was able to test the set-up today. It was warm here in CT, so good day to kick on that A/C

Basically, these two adapters, my WatchDog and a 30amp adapter for my 50 amp cord into the EcoFlow's 30 amp receptacle.

It runs without an issue.
I watched the input and output.
I watched/listened to the compressor cycle on and off.
The EcoFlow was able to draw in exactly the amount it was putting out. I watched it steady at 1290 watts in and out.
A few times it jumped over 1300...barely 12 amps.
So, even if it does crank up a bit more, I should be able to keep up and use the EcoFlow without having to worry about drain.
The A/C will cycle off and my electric needs aren't that massive.
Give me morning coffee from my Keurig and I'm good to go.

I think it's gonna work awesome!

 

[Kevin Cooper]

So, if you think about it, you are just using the electricity from the 15 amp plug. The eco flow is actually doing nothing and is only a power source if the power goes out completely.
Just thinking, it may not be doing anything for you at all. If you were using it boondocking, then that would actually be using it.