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AC Shore Power Question

What is the device that causes the delay with the coach accepting the AC power from the shore line?  I have been using a Progressive Industries EMS-PT50C unit when hooking into shore power.  There has always been a 3 minute or so delay before the power is accepted by the coach.  Yesterday, when plugging into shore power, the coach would not accept the power.  However, with out the Progressive unit, The coach accepted the power input. With the surge protector, all messages were acceptable with no faults.  But after the 3 minute wait, I heard a 'click' noise from the PT50C unit, with no power to the coach.  Any suggestions?
Thanks, Mike
Mike Brady
'97 U320 SE. #5137
'13 Honda Fit
Willow Springs, MO

Re: AC Shore Power Question

Reply #1 –
Most Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS) have a time delay circuit built in.  The actual delay will vary by manufacturer

Sounds like something is "sticking" in your primary ATS (the one that selects between "shore power" and "generator").  Why having the Progressive EMS--50 unit installed on your shore power line would make a difference, I don't know...

When you start your generator, does the coach power up normally (after the built-in ATS delay)?
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: AC Shore Power Question

Reply #2 –
GO TO THE PROGRESSIVE INDUSTRIES SITE AND READ UP ON YOUR MODEL,I just did and it has a built in delay of 136 seconds.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: AC Shore Power Question

Reply #3 –
As I said, with the Progressive unit, the coach gets no power, regardless of a time delay.
Mike Brady
'97 U320 SE. #5137
'13 Honda Fit
Willow Springs, MO

Re: AC Shore Power Question

Reply #4 –
Check the voltage output at the female socket on the EMS-50, after you hear the "CLICK".  Perhaps the internal switching circuitry on the EMS-50 has malfunctioned?

Call or email Progressive tech support?  Progressive Industries RV Surge and Electrical Protection industry lea
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: AC Shore Power Question

Reply #5 –
We have the same exterior model (pedestal mount). Yes, there is a delay (fooled me a couple of times), but "the click" should indicate the EMS is switching power. A draw-back to the portable is it's hard to read the testing sequence if the light is wrong.
Those are great devices (pricey, also), so problems are few, usually. I see from their website they are closed for the holidays, but a call to tech support might get through. Let us know what you find out, good luck!      919.267.6975
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: AC Shore Power Question

Reply #6 –
Thanks, I will that a try.
Mike
Mike Brady
'97 U320 SE. #5137
'13 Honda Fit
Willow Springs, MO

Re: AC Shore Power Question

Reply #7 –
Found this discussion about a failed EMS-50.  This was a hard-wired built-in unit, so may not be applicable to your portable model.

Progressive EMS Bypass
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: AC Shore Power Question

Reply #8 –
What I just noticed in my book, is the EMS should give you a code# at the end of the test. Even if the EMS itself is bad, it will give a code. It seems the code #s will not show once the unit is disconnected. I'd plug it back in, get a chair and watch it do it's test. Have a slip of paper to write down the code #.  Any error code other than "E O" or "E 10" is suspect. 2 min 16 second delay.
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: AC Shore Power Question

Reply #9 –
Is there another coach anywhere to try it on? would tell you if its the protector or the coach,if it does the same thing on another coach its the protector.What is the voltage going to the coach,I think that model has the low/hi voltage shutoff.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: AC Shore Power Question

Reply #10 –
Is this a pedestal that you have been using? Was the pedestal checked for proper voltage? Just a guess on my part as I do not own this product

Re: AC Shore Power Question

Reply #11 –
Quote from: John44 –
I think that model has the low/hi voltage shutoff.

The EMS-PT50C has that feature: "E 5" is high line voltage above 132v on Line 2 and "E 6" is low voltage below 104v on Line 2.  E 3 & E 4 are the same for Line 1.
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: AC Shore Power Question

Reply #12 –
 Right now I am in the shop having all airbags replaced  Will be back home to my shore power in an hour or so  Error code was E-0, which is normal
Mike
Mike Brady
'97 U320 SE. #5137
'13 Honda Fit
Willow Springs, MO
 

Re: AC Shore Power Question

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Yetch –
  Error code was E-0, which is normal
Something is wrong, here, and should not be ignored. When you got the E-0, was the coach still plugged into the EMS & power?
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'