Progressive Portable 50 amp EMS failed

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Progressive Portable 50 amp EMS failed

February 15, 2016, 06:08:16 pm

Today I was plugging in and my EMS ( at the pedestal) was giving me error messages,- low voltage. Never got a good reading so I went to the next site to check it , same thing. I was not in the mood for this so I decided to get out my multi meter and guess what, 121 volts on both legs. Same on the alternate site. Lucky I have a 50 amp portable surge guard for some protection, plugged it in, checked the lights- all good. Inside, full power both legs.

I will be calling Progressive in the morning ( at the Marine Corps Fam. Camp in 29 Palms California) to see about getting this fixed.
This is my second unit, the last one was replaced at no charge last fall. We are full timers and like the protection of the EMS, but wondering if this is unusual to have 2 failures since last summer ( that is when I purchased this unit). I am sure Progressive will take care of this, they are a good company to work with.

Lesson learned, I will check the pedestal with my multi-meter first before plugging anything else in, including a portable EMS from Progressive.

Re: Progressive Portable 50 amp EMS failed

Reply #1 – February 15, 2016, 08:42:13 pm

I've had mine installed for 1.5 years and it has saved me on a few occasions (low voltage due to long cords). It hasn't had any problems. I'm sure they will take care of you though.

edit: I have the hardwired unit I installed.

Re: Progressive Portable 50 amp EMS failed

Reply #2 – February 15, 2016, 08:43:48 pm

I too have had two failures with my 50amp Progressive pedestal EMS over the last few years. I believe water intrusion was the cause on one of the failures. Progressive fixed the EMS both times and immediately returned it with no questions asked. I have since purchased a cheeper 50amp Progressive EMS as a back up in case it fails again. After I sent the 1st EMS in for repair I just plugged the coach into the pedestal thinking I would be OK. I had a thunderstorm roll through and had a surge. Well I fixed everything and will never plug into shore power again without protection. It is cheeper to replace the EMS than to track down and fix damage done by a surge.

Re: Progressive Portable 50 amp EMS failed

Reply #3 – February 15, 2016, 09:25:11 pm

We have had one failure, last year. I sent ours back and they provided us with a new one promptly.

Re: Progressive Portable 50 amp EMS failed

Reply #4 – February 15, 2016, 09:57:07 pm

I was concerned about an exterior EMS even though it was supposed to be waterproof. I was also a bit concerned about the remote possibility of theft. So I did the internal install. It wasn't anywhere near as difficult as I expected it to be. Four years now. Flawless. It has detected errors in wiring and prevented a bad or potentially dangerous connection three times. And low voltage a couple times. Like many I would not be without one.

Re: Progressive Portable 50 amp EMS failed

Reply #5 – February 16, 2016, 07:48:09 am

Had mine (portable)fail after about a year. Progressive took care of it quickly no charge.

Re: Progressive Portable 50 amp EMS failed

Reply #6 – February 16, 2016, 09:57:51 am

Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 – February 15, 2016, 09:57:07 pm

.....did the internal install. It wasn't anywhere near as difficult as I expected it to be. Four years now. Flawless. It has detected errors in wiring and prevented a bad or potentially dangerous connection three times. And low voltage a couple times. Like many I would not be without one.

So Roger, this sounds like the way to go, & my FT tech can install....my main question is, seems a lot of people have had them fail, what if an internally installed one fails? Isn't it harder to get at to repair? I'd be concerned about theft as well, the reviews say the locking mechanism isn't that good. Need to do this soon....been lucky so far but luck can only hold out so long. Decision is external or internal. $:-\$

Re: Progressive Portable 50 amp EMS failed

Reply #7 – February 16, 2016, 10:16:13 am

Quote from: Miz Dani – February 16, 2016, 09:57:51 am

So Roger, this sounds like the way to go, & my FT tech can install....my main question is, seems a lot of people have had them fail, what if an internally installed one fails? Isn't it harder to get at to repair? I'd be concerned about theft as well, the reviews say the locking mechanism isn't that good. Need to do this soon....been lucky so far but luck can only hold out so long. Decision is external or internal. $:-\$

I checked out their best internal, {Progressive] on their website and they have a bypass device. That would solve the temporary failure problem. As for how difficult to remove, I'll leave that up to someone who has already done it. This is the way I will go when we decide to go to hookups.

Re: Progressive Portable 50 amp EMS failed

Reply #8 – February 16, 2016, 10:21:23 am

Quote from: craneman – February 16, 2016, 10:16:13 am

I checked out their best internal, {Progressive] on their website and they have a bypass device as an optional purchase. That would solve the temporary failure problem.

That's just needed with the LCH (built in display) models. Progressive Industries RV Surge and Electrical Protection industry lea

The H models with separate display come with the bypass switch. We have an H plus the RDS remote display and switch box. One display in the utility bay for when we first hook up, one inside the coach.

Re: Progressive Portable 50 amp EMS failed

Reply #9 – February 16, 2016, 10:25:11 am

Miz Dani - Just my thoughts -

What we do not know is: What year the failed devices were built and how many of the devices were made that year. Soooo - We really do not know their actual failure rate.

We sometimes lock ours using a bicycle cable to the pedestal but most often we do not. We have not heard directly from anyone that uses this device that theirs had been stolen.

When ours failed I contacted the manufacturer and a replacement was received within 5 working days. No questions asked.

We believe that this is an important coach part and wouldn't be without it. I like the idea if it being "built-in" but I also like the idea of portability. We acquired our when we bought the coach so we did not have to make your decision.

Which ever way you decide you will be providing your coach with good electrical and surge protection.

Good luck.

Re: Progressive Portable 50 amp EMS failed

Reply #10 – February 16, 2016, 10:28:54 am

Quote from: Michelle – February 16, 2016, 10:21:23 am

That's just needed with the LCH (built in display) models. Progressive Industries RV Surge and Electrical Protection industry lea

The H models with separate display come with the bypass switch. We have an H plus the RDS remote display and switch box. One display in the utility bay for when we first hook up, one inside the coach.

Changed my post to reflect that it is included with the best model. That explains the price difference between the 2 models.

Re: Progressive Portable 50 amp EMS failed

Reply #11 – February 16, 2016, 11:27:49 am

Quote from: Miz Dani – February 16, 2016, 09:57:51 am

So Roger, this sounds like the way to go, & my FT tech can install....my main question is, seems a lot of people have had them fail, what if an internally installed one fails? Isn't it harder to get at to repair? I'd be concerned about theft as well, the reviews say the locking mechanism isn't that good. Need to do this soon....been lucky so far but luck can only hold out so long. Decision is external or internal. $:-\$

Hi Dani!

Susan and I have been pleased with ours (internal installation, done by Bob Evans at Tennessee RV). Others have noted you can bypass. Have it installed to protect against shore power, but not the generator. That always gives you the option of running on generator until a new part comes. I haven't done a "board swap," but according to the tech at Progressive Industries, that's generally all that's necessary even in the event of failure.

We thought hard about external. Decided we didn't want the risk of theft or bother of locking it up. We also had two monitors installed — one in the wet bay, so we can watch the quality of incoming power while connecting, and one upstairs in the coach, so we can watch loads to better understand the amps for various devices when boon docking or on generator only.

Hope to see you soon! Heading for Phoenix Thursday.

Richard & Susan

Re: Progressive Portable 50 amp EMS failed

Reply #12 – February 16, 2016, 11:33:25 am

Dani, there is plenty of room in the electronics hole at the end of the bed of the hardwired EMS box. I think I moved a couple of green gound wires a few inches for clearance where the box mounts. The most important thing is to use the very fine stranded copper wire of the correct size for the installation. I think this is SO or SOOW wire. The very fine stranded wire is very flexible and easier to make the bends needed. The very fine wire strands may need a copper sleeve over them where they are attached to the the device to provide strain relief. Your electrical installer will have the appropriate parts.

I started with the single display that comes with the hardwired model. There is plenty of wire to mount it where it works for you but you still have to get the wire to the display location. I am adding a second display over in the service bay so I can see what it says when I connect. It will show you any error codes and (normally) the voltage in each line and the amps being drawn through each line

Re: Progressive Portable 50 amp EMS failed

Reply #13 – February 16, 2016, 12:19:43 pm

I have an internal unit in mine that was installed by the previous owner. There are two display stations, one inside by the heart interface and one in the utility bin by the electrical hookup. this is handy so you can monitor it from both inside and out.

I did have a problem with it awhile back. It kept throwing a code for open ground. after verifying the problem was the progressive, I bypassed it and everything worked fine. On the phone with Progressive techs, we determined it was the circuit board so they sent me a new one. Bear in mind that this unit is about 15 years old and to my knowledge, this is the first issue ever with it. Had I been the original purchaser, it would have been replaced without charge. I bought the circuit board for about $80 and installed it. its been working fine ever since.

It turned out that a nut inside the unit had worked its way loose and dropped down onto the circuit board and caused the problem.

Re: Progressive Portable 50 amp EMS failed

Reply #14 – February 16, 2016, 01:48:02 pm

The pic is all we have (I think), so more protection is needed. I'm looking at the Progressive PT50C (spendy little dears), but cheap since I think after Brett sold the coach, the PO took a hit that trashed the ATS and all the cable connections, including the female in the wet bay, plus I think caused our furnace problem. Are there any pros/cons to the PT50C? Thanks, M

Re: Progressive Portable 50 amp EMS failed

Reply #15 – February 16, 2016, 02:09:58 pm

Mike,

Personal preference, but I would lean toward a permanently installed one. Plenty of room for it in the "electrical compartment" under the foot of the bed.

Install it in the line from shore power to ATS, then new wire EMS to ATS.

Re: Progressive Portable 50 amp EMS failed

Reply #16 – February 16, 2016, 02:18:22 pm

Scott mine was a year old when it failed.

Re: Progressive Portable 50 amp EMS failed

Reply #17 – February 16, 2016, 03:42:12 pm

Quote from: wolfe10 – February 16, 2016, 02:09:58 pm

Install it in the line from shore power to ATS, then new wire EMS to ATS.

Brett,

I had planned to install it between the ATS and the panel, but then, . . .

I discovered that I have two identical ATS units, one to the left and lower than the other one.

Now, what?

But then my guru says to protect the incoming shore line instead.

BTW, when there are two ATS's, what is the second (or first) one doing?

Bottom line: you are recommending installing the EMS-HW50C on the incoming shore power line, correct? Is it as simple as cutting that cable and installing the EMS at the cut (assuming it will physically fit in that location)?

Thanks,

Trent

Re: Progressive Portable 50 amp EMS failed

Reply #18 – February 16, 2016, 03:59:58 pm

Quote from: TulsaTrent – February 16, 2016, 03:42:12 pm

BTW, when there are two ATS's, what is the second (or first) one doing?

Can you follow the wiring? Is one perhaps the main (shore/generator) transfer switch and the other the one that has mains/inverter as its 2 inputs (and outputs to only some circuits)?

Re: Progressive Portable 50 amp EMS failed

Reply #19 – February 16, 2016, 04:22:18 pm

Quote from: TulsaTrent – February 16, 2016, 03:42:12 pm

my guru says to protect the incoming shore line instead.

Unless I'm missing something (normal at my age), I'd think a "whole coach" EMS at the point-of-connection (pedestal) would be the answer.

Re: Progressive Portable 50 amp EMS failed

Reply #20 – February 16, 2016, 04:35:09 pm

Mike's coach only has one ATS.

SOME coaches with an inverter have a second ATS, some have an inverter with built-in ATS (called "Pass Through Feature").

There are arguments pro/con each location:

At CG pedestal: Protects everything, but is subject to water intrusion and theft.

Between shore power inlet and ATS: Protects ATS and everything "downstream" of it. Built in. No protection for shore power cord and inlet.

Between ATS and 120 main breaker box: Protects only downstream of ATS (NOT ATS), but both from shore power and generator. At first sounds like best place, but most generators have control systems that shut them down if high or low voltage occurs.

My opinion (and only that) is that I would put one between shore power and ATS, built in-- as I suggested to Mike for his coach.

Re: Progressive Portable 50 amp EMS failed

Reply #21 – February 16, 2016, 04:39:30 pm

Quote from: LookingWest – February 16, 2016, 11:27:49 am

Hi Dani!

Susan and I have been pleased with ours (internal installation, done by Bob Evans at Tennessee RV). Others have noted you can bypass. Have it installed to protect against shore power, but not the generator. That always gives you the option of running on generator until a new part comes. I haven't done a "board swap," but according to the tech at Progressive Industries, that's generally all that's necessary even in the event of failure.

We thought hard about external. Decided we didn't want the risk of theft or bother of locking it up. We also had two monitors installed — one in the wet bay, so we can watch the quality of incoming power while connecting, and one upstairs in the coach, so we can watch loads to better understand the amps for various devices when boon docking or on generator only.

Hope to see you soon! Heading for Phoenix Thursday.

Richard & Susan

Have a great and safe trip....Let us know when your back in "town"

H&M

Re: Progressive Portable 50 amp EMS failed

Reply #22 – February 16, 2016, 04:58:47 pm

Quote from: wolfe10 – February 16, 2016, 04:35:09 pm

Mike's coach only has one ATS. At CG pedestal: Protects everything, but is subject to water intrusion and theft.

Either way, I agree with all of you. We're planning on spending the summer at a higher altitude (5k) and up there (Prescott Valley, AZ) we get monsoons almost daily with thunder & lightning (great view!) Being hardy types, we can handle a power outage, but NOT want some "crawl-thru" power anomaly, like I think happened to our coach. $:-\$

Re: Progressive Portable 50 amp EMS failed

Reply #23 – February 16, 2016, 05:06:57 pm

Mike, et al;

A surge protector is NOT, repeat NOT designed to handle a direct or even near-by lightening strike. And they will say so in their disclaimer.

Best practice (BY FAR) is to unplug during an electrical storm. Spikes can come in not just hots, but also neutral and/or ground connections, so turning off breakers is no guarantee of isolation.

So, if I (or Dianne) are in the coach and hear thunder, the CG breaker is turned off and the shore power cord is unplugged, PERIOD. Same if I am looking at radar and a storm is approaching. League City, TX (77573) Forecast | Weather Underground (for your location) is your friend!

Re: Progressive Portable 50 amp EMS failed

Reply #24 – February 16, 2016, 05:18:52 pm

Quote from: wolfe10 – February 16, 2016, 04:35:09 pm

Mike's coach only has one ATS.

Sorry for any confusion I caused, I was responding to Trent. Feel free to delete my posts if needed to keep the topic on track.

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