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Topic: Power Line Monitor and VAC Refer. Progressive PT50C failure-Poweer only 1 leg. (Read 992 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Power Line Monitor and VAC Refer. Progressive PT50C failure-Poweer only 1 leg.

Reply #25 –
roadrunner - I plugged the main power umbilical cord directly into the pedestal.  No real power interruption.  The portable model plugs into the pedestal and the coach power cord plugs into the Progressive.  re: the Power Line Monitor - it only monitors the line voltage.  I do not think that by-passing would would help.

I don't know which is better - hardwired or portable.  Ours came with the coach and that is what we have.

Progressive called yesterday and they are replacing the returned box with a new one.
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320

Re: Power Line Monitor and VAC Refer. Progressive PT50C failure-Poweer only 1 leg.

Reply #26 –
Quote from: Roadrunner –
This was a very interesting thread as I am planning on getting a Progressive Power Line Monitor in the near future.
Now I am wondering if your on board monitor can be bypassed and keep getting power while it is off for repairs. I don't know exactly how they are installed so I am curious.

The "portable" models simply plug into the pedestal and then you plug your cable into the EMS. I have even used my 50A units on 30-Amp systems by virtue of an adapter. (But at least one time this failed... the EMS did not work with an adapter on a 30-A circuit; but the pedestal supplied reasonable power when I plugged into it directly (with some trepidation).)

The hard-wired models are wired into the coach's electrical system - either before the transfer switch (in which case the EMS does not protect the coach from a generator issue) or after the transfer switch. They can be bypassed but you would have to know what you're doing. If it were me, I would make the bypass connections when I uninstalled the unit for return and repair.

I bought the portable unit because I was going to be using the coach and had enough projects so it just seemed to be simpler. As far as I can tell it's worked fine but since I have to get up and go out to the pedestal and look at the LCD readout to see if there have been errors I have to admit that I don't really know if it's actually protected me and the errors have cleared when we moved on. The hard-wired units are easier to monitor for lazy guys like me. :D

Also, the hard-wired units automatically work on 30-Amp circuits (and, presumably, 20-Amp circuits) as long as you can get an appropriate adapter for the plugs.

The hard-wired models can also be installed so they monitor the generator's output and that is a plus, I think. Heck, they can probably be wired to monitor inverter output if that's a concern.

The chances of theft of the portable unit are also a little bit of a concern. The device does have a metal tag that would allow you to use a bicycle cable to lock it to a pedestal but that would hinge on having a pedestal installation that would be appropriate. And it's not like cable-locks really stop a determined bike thief, after all. The hard-wired unit would eliminate that concern.

So... if someone steals my portable EMS 50 then I'm going to install a hard-wired unit. But I hope no one steals my portable unit.

Craig
1993 U225 36' Unihome GV with PACBRAKE exhaust retarder, Banks Stinger and Solar Panels.
Toad: 1999 Jeep Wrangler 2-door soft-top.

"No one has ever had to evacuate a city because the solar panels broke."

Re: Power Line Monitor and VAC Refer. Progressive PT50C failure-Poweer only 1 leg.

Reply #27 –
Craig:. I also have the Progressive portable and use at either 30 or 50 amp circuits.  Made to use on either or even 120 volts with adapters.  Just remember to operate items on your coach for the amount of power you have coming in.  120 is just for no air or micro.  30 is one ac and 50 both ac and micro.
It is a great unit and keeps you protected against power surges or lack of enough power. Also cks your polarity.  DAN
Dan & Shirley Stansel
2002 U295 4020 AGDS Build#6054
Towing Buick Enclave & M &  G Braking
Emerald Bay, Lake Palestine, Texas
MC# 16650

Re: Power Line Monitor and VAC Refer. Progressive PT50C failure-Poweer only 1 leg.

Reply #28 –
My bad, I didn't read your previous post very well Scott, old age getting to me. I thought you had an installed on board Progressive system. Still was a very good thread, made me think more about what kind to get. I was sold on the on board type but am leaning toward the pedestal type now. I like the price of the pedestal type and taking it offline if you have any problems. I don't worry too much about someone steeling it, never have lost anything at a camp ground from theft. Lost a few things from stupidity but not theft.
I bet Progressive will treat you well, they have a good record.
 
Donald & Cheryl
1999 U295 36'
2006 Saturn Vue Toad
The selected media item is not currently available.

Re: Power Line Monitor and VAC Refer. Progressive PT50C failure-Poweer only 1 leg.

Reply #29 –
Craig
Thanks for the explanation of the varies systems. Good to here from someone that has experience with the pedestal type.

Donald & Cheryl
1999 U295 36'
2006 Saturn Vue Toad
The selected media item is not currently available.

Re: Power Line Monitor and VAC Refer. Progressive PT50C failure-Poweer only 1 leg.

Reply #30 –
You can buy a lock that locks you power cord and the portable unit together. I have the lock, but have not felt the need to use it, may regret that someday.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins
 

Re: Power Line Monitor and VAC Refer. Progressive PT50C failure-Poweer only 1 leg.

Reply #31 –

We prefer the hard wired, but another portable EMS alternative is to use a long 50-amp extension cable in campground pedistal with the female end reaching the INSIDE of a lockable compartment. Plug the EMS into the extension cable and plug coach shore cable into the portable EMS. Compartment could be electrical, engine or any other compartment.

A short cable could be made with a 50-amp round female plug and a male 50-amp Lowe's range-top cable if desired. This arrangement will also secure a $500 Hughes Autoformer. We made one recently with the following type of purchases:
Amazon.com: Conntek 14222 RV 1.5-Foot Pigtail Adapter Power Cord 15 Amp Male /ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1399663734&sr=8-12&keywords=50+amp+rv+adapter

Amazon.com: Coleman Cable 09044 6/2 and 8/2-Gauge SRDT 50-Amp Range Power Supply

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.