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Topic: Surge protector/ ems (Read 836 times) previous topic - next topic

Surge protector/ ems

After purchasing a 50 amp surge/ems portable from progressive industries, it lasted a little over one season. I will say, it was good while it lasted, but one heavy downpour in Kansas, saw it come to an end. It leaked water inside. I had a CW surge guard that got completely submerged, didn't loose power to my coach and continued to work after surfacing. In fact I used it for several more years and it worked faithfully until it died an honorable death after protecting our coach from a nearby lightening strike.
I have hunted my records for a receipt, but progressive didn't send me one, nor can I find it on my card receipt statements. Their lifetime warranty is only good if you have a receipt. I'm OCD, so there wasn't anything from them. 
So now I am confused, is a built-in surge /ems standard on the later model coaches from FT?  Perhaps I am over guarding the coach with 2 systems. We were overwhelmed with all the stuff on our first day.  Since we haven't gotten our baby back from the FT repair shop, I will hopefully get some basic information about one.  But I am curious as to what is available besides Progressive ,that you may be using. Thanks for allowing me to steam a bit and for any assistance or wisdom provided.
Linda
Lynn and Linda Day and Harry the pug
RIP: Tank 01-2008 to 03-2020
2012 Nimbus 42' build 6555
ISX12-500hp
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
MC# 17723

Re: Surge protector/ ems

Reply #1 –
Quote from: pugmom –
So now I am confused, is a built-in surge /ems standard on the later model coaches from FT?
You might have to be a little patient waiting for an answer to your question.  Questions on general stuff you'll get lots of answers, but when you ask if a specific device is standard on a 2012 Nimbus, the list of qualified responders gets a lot shorter.

Sorry to hear you had bad experience with the Progressive EMS.  I always heard it was the "gold standard" in that class of protection.  We've had one running 24/7 on our coach for the 4 years we've been owners (coach is always plugged in to 50amp when not actually going down the road or dry camping).  Ours has always functioned perfectly.  I'll be sure to avoid letting ours be totally submerged, but can't avoid hard rain sometimes.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
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"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Surge protector/ ems

Reply #3 –
Unless your 2012 Nimbus has a built in Progressive EMS, anything installed OEM doesn't have as good of specs OR protection as a Progressive unit.

Even a portable Surge Guard has better specs and protection modes than the OEM Maverick transfer switch of a 2003...  We never plugged in without it, and then added the HW Progressive.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Surge protector/ ems

Reply #5 –
Hi Lynn,

I purchased my Progressive EMS portable about 10 years ago. Then two years ago it failed  I did not need to show proof of purchase to get it repaired. I sent it to them and it came back about 2 weeks later and has worked well since.

You can Google their phone number and address. The  warranty should be lifetime.

No complaints from me,
Jim

2002 U320
Jim Frerichs
2002 U320 42'

Re: Surge protector/ ems

Reply #6 –
 I hardwired a progressive unit after the transfer switch this year after my voltage regulator on the generator went out.  Coach  is never plugged in,
rely on solar to keep up both battery banks so it doesn't see much action. Today I exercised the generator the progressive unit shut down 3 times until it stayed online due to low voltage (105). Unit stayed closed reading 109 volts on both legs,  electrical outlets read 117 volts with  voltmeter, so not sure what's going on with that unit.
Doug W.
96 36' U270 CSGI #4946
04 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
PNW

Re: Surge protector/ ems

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Jim Frerichs –
I purchased my Progressive EMS portable about 10 years ago. Then two years ago it failed  I did not need to show proof of purchase to get it repaired.

Progressive Industries sold to Power Products 8 months ago.  I have seen one report where the new company is not quite as generous with the warranty...

Progressive Industries sold

Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Surge protector/ ems

Reply #8 –
Hi Michelle,

Darn, sadly policies do change with new ownership.... and not necessarily for our benefit.
Jim

2002 U320
Jim Frerichs
2002 U320 42'

Re: Surge protector/ ems

Reply #9 –
Thanks for the update on the owner of progressive. That explains the odd email address that I received from them.  Terse message, no compromise, or suggestions. Basically no receipt,no warranty work.

 
Lynn and Linda Day and Harry the pug
RIP: Tank 01-2008 to 03-2020
2012 Nimbus 42' build 6555
ISX12-500hp
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
MC# 17723

Re: Surge protector/ ems

Reply #10 –
Quote from: pugmom –
Thanks for the update on the owner of progressive. That explains the odd email address that I received from them.  Terse message, no compromise, or suggestions. Basically no receipt,no warranty work.
So now that their honor is out the window, don't feel bad if you posted your model # and somebody pm'd you a receipt, print it out, ship it back and hope for the righteous outcome. Because you bought in good faith!
Old Phart Phred, EIEIO
89 GV ored 36' #3405 300 hp cat 3208 ATAAC side radiator, mountain tamer exhaust brake
 

Re: Surge protector/ ems

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Travelin' Man –
How about one of these?

Amazon.com: Surge Guard 44270 Entry Level Portable Surge Protector - 50 Amp:...

  I read the reviews with the 5% 1 star poor rating, I'd be afraid to plug in.  A similar priced unit from Camco had about the same 4% failure rate with similar horror stories.  I would stay away.
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