Hi,
Does anyone know how to adjust/shorten the 2-1/2 minute delay time for EMS PT-50C relay closure? I don't see any jumpers on the ciurcuit board and the two 20 turn pots might be for voltage adjustment.
Jim
2002 U320 42'
Jim, Please forgive me but, what is EMS PT-50C relay ??? Thank You
Hi Karl,
A PT-50C is a model of Progressive Industries hard wired surge guard devices to placed on your shore line. It cuts off any high or low voltages, but has a 2 1/2 minute turn on delay. That's a good thing, though our air conditioners have a similar delay so I'd like to experiment with reduced turn on time.
No mention of anything other than the 136 second delay on their website; you'd have to contact Progressive Industries.
EMS-PT50C (http://www.progressiveindustries.net/ems_pt50c.htm)
I don't believe the portable units are designed to be "modified/opened" by the end user (I would expect them to be weather-sealed) so they likely didn't include the ability to change the time delay.
SURGE PROTECTOR / TRANSFER SWITCH
Foretravel coaches are equipped with an Automated Electrical Control
System with Electrical System Protection (ESP) that includes a transfer switch,
load manager and surge protection device that is also capable of line voltage
and wiring analysis. The ESP monitors polarity, phase and voltage level readings.
These readings are used to transfer Shoreline Power or Generator Power.
The surge protection (or transient suppression) on the input source lines as well
Section 8 - The Electrical Distribution System
Foretravel Owners Manual - Nimbus Page 8-7
Rev. 07-05
as the load lines protects the coach with maximum coverage. The effective
RMS voltage being supplied is displayed on the voltage monitor. A momentary
by-pass switch sllows the coach to operate when the voltage is out of normal
range for that hookup. Delay mode causes the unit to delay 2.5 minutes on power-
up and voltage dropouts. The surge protector is designed to shut off power
when voltage drops below 102 volts and then reset when voltage reaches 105
volts. The power is also shut off when voltage reaches 135 volts and reset when
it drops to 132 volts.
The voltage parameters can be adjusted. I was in a campground several years ago with a new electric service and my unit kept cutting the power off. Checked they were putting 137-8 volts into my coach. I moved to another site. Did find out though that the unit could be adjusted, even bought a loooong screwdriver to do it. I got instructions from J Triana. DO NOT know about time change however.
If I recall my years correctly, FT did not start providing protection equipment until the 2003 model year. Those of us with 2002 and before were left to our own devices, and the EMS-HW50C (hard-wired) or the EMS-PT50C (portable) seem to be the choices for a lot of us. I have the PT50C and it has performed flawlessly for about 10 years. I agree with Jim, it would be nice to shorten the safety timer, since we already have the needed timer built into our A/C systems.
I would appreciate someone posting those instructions. My settings need tweaking.
I was a at a state park in Nebraska last year and had my transfer switch shut off the power due to voltage over 130 volts. I called the company that made the transfer switch and he told me how to adjust it, which I did and the next night the voltage was above 133 and shut off, so I unplugged and ran the generator. I do not remember how I adjusted the voltage, but had to remove the cover and turn a pot.
Jim,
Like Michelle. I thought that the portables (EMS-PT50C) were sealed, internals not accessible. A new portable can be ordered with either a 15 sec or a 2min:16sec time delay, by ordering directly from Progressive.
If you have the case open on your portable, maybe it is the same as for a hardwired (EMS-HW50C):
The time delay jumper can be modified on the circuit board. The factory setting is
for 15 seconds. Remove jumper to set for 136 seconds (02:16).
See attached pdf file, pages 2 and 5 for instructions and see Picture B, page 10 for photo.
Neal
Hi Neal,
Yes, you've answered my question. A 15 second delay before closing the relay will be much better. Thank you for your help!
So...please let me know if you successfully do this to your EMS-PT50C. Sounds like a good mod to me, too!
Mine is 15 seconds from the factory after I installed it.
Even then, the Progressive EMS units are better protection since they won't allow power to pass if a wiring issue is detected. The OEM unit just monitors but requires active intervention for other than low/high voltage or surge.
I use the portable Progressive 50 unit. It is sealed to keep water out. Never try to open as that may void the warranty. They will back their products if the item fails but if you mess with it, do it at your own risk.
I have forgotten how James instructed me on adjusting the voltage parameters. It does require an extra long reach into the back of the bay. As Michelle has pointed out, my 2003 has the OEM device.
Here's a photo of the jumper location on the hard wired Progressive Industries unit. Its default setting is 15 seconds which means the jumper should be in place on initial installation. If there is no jumper then the timer is set to 136 seconds. If that's the case, you need to install the jumper. You can buy a set of them at Radio Shack for a little over a buck. You just slip it on.
jor
I just emailed Progressive. They responded within 10 minutes!!! But the reply was: "Sorry, but you cannot change the portable models." Guess I just need to have more patience.
Brad,
I just added the jumper to the pins for my portable model and it now pops on in about 15 seconds alright. Â Just the ticket for quicker power-up at the pedestal. Try it, you'll like it.
When taking it apart, immediately look for the six small rubber washers that were on the six screws (don't take the screws out of the rear cover. Â They are there to make it easier to reassemble the case again and seal moisture out. And don't over tighten those six rear cover screws or you'll have to superglue the female seats back into the upper case. (don't ask how I know that)
I take it that it must look a lot like the HW models? Guess liability prevented them from telling me the truth. I didn't think a little "no" would get in your way, Jim! I'll have to try mine...after all the recent electrical storms finish with our monsoon season. I'd hate to have a strike while I was fooling with mine.