Ok to install HW surge protector

Kbwitt · 03-20-2020, 10:45 PM

To one with zero knowledge it seems to me that I can cut my shoreline cord in the basement and wire it up to an on board surge protector on the cable cord. I feel like it's like plugging into a portable one plugged in at camp ground plug.
Is there a reason this would not work. It would be between the power pole and the electronics inside the coach.
I am looking at the EMS - HW50C 50 AMP.

Wayne M · 03-20-2020, 10:55 PM

That is typically the way the on-board protectors are hooked up.

I have a portable one and it was purchased when I had a 5th wheel, then 40' MH, and now 43' MH.

I prefer the portable ones for when and if I change RV's.

**ThomB** · 03-21-2020, 06:34 AM

I went with a hardwire unit. When I installed it I didn’t cut the coach’s power cable but rather went to the home store and bought about 3 feet of like gauge underground cable. I used that between the transfer switch and the EMS box. That actually saved some time from stripping the thicker sheath on the onboard power cable.

Winterbagoal · 03-21-2020, 07:43 AM

Another option is to coil your shore power cord in the basement, and plug it into the portable EMS-PT30X (example), then add a 30A (example) 25' extension shore power cord and plug it into the PT30X, and run the extension to the power post. That way I can keep my portable EMS from "walking off" by keeping it in the locked basement compartment.

Kbwitt · 03-21-2020, 08:16 AM

Thanks. The only vidio I found they took off panel by fridge and hooked it up under there. Very hard to work under small tight space. That's why I figured why not just in the basement.

Kbwitt · 03-21-2020, 08:18 AM

Thanks. Only vidio I found was under the fridge. Very tight space and hard to work under. That's why I figured why not in the basement right on the cord.

Wayne M · 03-21-2020, 09:08 AM

I have had the PT50C for over 10 years. We travel 5 months out of the year. I plug it in and its little feet just hang there and dangle. It has never walked off.

Winterbagoal · 03-21-2020, 09:47 AM

Lucky you.

Goodspike · 03-21-2020, 09:47 AM

If you go this route I would still use some sort of a device to check for proper camp wiring before plugging in. Surges are not the only issue RVs face.

Morich · 03-21-2020, 09:52 AM

The response to how to work it will vary with each persona nd each RV, but mounted permanent is my preferred as I don't like to simply trust folks as much as remove most of their options. Adding it permanent doesn't mean it can't be removed at sales time but for the small investment, I would think it might increase the sales price enough to leave it and buy a new for myself!
Installed temp or permanent, they work the same but how it fits your plan on space and labor is still your decision.
Just another option to think through while we are all shut down and hoping to live to camp again?

Wayne M · 03-21-2020, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winterbagoal

Lucky you.

Very, but I don't buy lottery tickets because of it. False information there.
As an addendum, for those campgrounds that are not as secure as some, I do wrap a heavy duty chain around the post attached to the provided PT50C security ring.

Winterbagoal · 03-21-2020, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne M

Very, but I don't buy lottery tickets because of it. False information there.
As an addendum, for those campgrounds that are not as secure as some, I do wrap a heavy duty chain around the post attached to the provided PT50C security ring.

I figured as much. On all counts.

Kbwitt · 03-21-2020, 01:13 PM

I want to thank you all for your input. When I YouTube the project the only install vidio, he installed it underneath the fridge and worked in very tight corners. I found my commonsense thinking was OK thanks to this great group. It's ordered and will install in the basement with #6 underground wire from homedepo.
Now on to my next issue on another post. Radiator plastic reserve tank cracked in front of house getting ready for first trip. It a bondage trip in the AZ mountains.

Winterbagoal · 03-21-2020, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kbwitt

It a bondage trip in the AZ mountains.

Morich · 03-21-2020, 04:08 PM

Humm? Heading out to Az mountains with a suspect radiator of any sort sounds like too much for me to tackle. It's a long walk if it goes bad.

rgvtexan · 03-21-2020, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne M

I have had the PT50C for over 10 years. We travel 5 months out of the year. I plug it in and its little feet just hang there and dangle. It has never walked off.

MSgt Wayne

I thought your's might just be lazy, like that Beatle fella of the Army.

I installed my portable unit in the basement, so it could be moved to a new RV.

Wayne M · 03-21-2020, 10:57 PM

Norm,
That is not the "NORM" for a Marine.

I wasn't trying to make a point, by the way, just to give another option. It really doesn't matter where one installs a surge protector but it is important that they have one.

I have two, one built in and the portable one. Yes, I have heard stores about not supposed to have two hooked up but 3 years now with no problem.

Since this is a surge protector thread, any comments on factory install and portable at the same time.

rgvtexan · 03-22-2020, 12:18 PM

I was referring to little feet just hang there and dangle, and not walking off. lol

As a Vet, I have the utmost respect for all of our Armed Forces.

Thanks for your service.

Now back to the OP's topic.

Kbwitt · 03-25-2020, 04:54 PM

Ok I bought a hard wire 50 amp with very long corded remote panel and installed it in the basement . Its a project anyone should be able to handle. The biggest pointer I have is. First wire the inside of the surge box with the two rings that the wires go through. Labeled T1 - T3 Plus remember the cover is doomed so if rings stick up a little it ok. I forgot about the cover being doomed plus I ran the wire from the existing box first, I had to remove and start over. I was using very heavy gauge not easily bendable special in a small box.
2nd. Connect the shoreline 3rd: to RV s main electric box.
So happy now I can just plug in at camp grounds, it has a remote display panel with very long cord I can take with me to the power pole and do read outs there.

bobmac · 03-27-2020, 06:29 PM

An easy way to hook up a 50 amp hardwired EMS is to install it near the main breaker box inside the coach. Disconnect the existing 50 amp feed from the panel and connect it to the EMS input. Get a short second piece of the same size wire from Home Depot. Connect one end to the EMS output and the other end to the feed connection points in the main breaker panel. I installed the EMS itself in the rear wardrobe compartment on my coach near/adjacent to the breaker panel and have had no issues in 10 plus years. Sure beats trying to add another box in the already crowded basement electrical compartment.