Progressive Industries EMS-HW30C install

Just FYI, the trailer bounces quite a bit. I had installed the same in my T@Bitha... worked GREAT.  The caveat was that the screws holding down the wires inside wiggled loose and almost caused a major issue (it ended up that I accidentally discovered a problem doing something else). I think a tiny dab of blue loctite (sp) might be in order for each screw holding a wire. 

I agree, it's a very easy thing to install! If you use a generator, remember you have to use a "loop-back" plug or you don't get any juice.

I like your install @hymie . FYI - the red light doesn't cast the same degree of brightness as the red if you desire to move it outside of the bench so it is more visible. I have mine low on the bench so that I can open the door and see it but it does not disturb me at night, at all. 

RollingBnB said:

Ratkity said:

Just FYI, the trailer bounces quite a bit. I had installed the same in my T@Bitha... worked GREAT.  The caveat was that the screws holding down the wires inside wiggled loose and almost caused a major issue (it ended up that I accidentally discovered a problem doing something else). I think a tiny dab of blue loctite (sp) might be in order for each screw holding a wire. 

I agree, it's a very easy thing to install! If you use a generator, remember you have to use a "loop-back" plug or you don't get any juice.

What is this loopback plug you speak of?

Let me see if I can find the thread (I have way too many yellow starred ones). I made my plug, but you can buy it.

https://www.amazon.com/Progressive-Industries-GEN-PLUG-Generator-Plug/dp/B01BYSFQSW/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1493755596&sr=8-3-fkmr1&keywords=loopback+plug+generator

It just goes in the 20a receptacle and ties the ground and neutral. 

Edit: 111 favs.. I can't believe I found it... ignore the end of the thread. I derailed it

http://tab-rv.vanillaforums.com/discussion/2437/honda-generator-neutral-bonding/p1

wizard1880 said:

<rant>
This drives me crazy about generators these days -- they leave the neutral floating!  This might work for tying a generator into a house, but just wreaks havoc everywhere else as we find.  More and more electronics refuse to operate without a properly wired ground and neutral.

On my generator(s) I modified them internally to tie the ground and neutral together, just to solve the problem from the source so I don’t need any extra cables or accessories.  You can have any power equipment shop make this modification too.  It means you can no longer tie your generator into your home's electrical panel via a subpanel, but with a small camping generator, who's doing that anyway...

Of course a loopback plug is probably cheaper.  I blame my OCD...
<end rant> 

Dis is why youse da wizard!! I'm just lucky I don't lick electrical contacts to check for power output most of the time (don't get me started on 9V batteries lol). But there was this one time when I had a solar powered electric wire at the top of the fence to prevent a foster dog from scaling it... I shocked myself silly while mowing the back yard more times than the dog ever shocked himself (which was all of one time.. smart dog lol).

ericnliz said:

@Ratkity, Perhaps you should have shown the dog how to mow the lawn!

Believe me... if they or the cat had opposable thumbs, I'd be in trouble. They'd already graze grass and all dog owners know what happens next......

sqrpeg said:

I opted for the EMS-HW30C as well, and just finished installing it today. After plugging it in, I was disappointed to discover that it emits a very noticeable (to me at least) 60Hz hum.

Those of you who also have this unit - what's your experience sound-wise?

I thought the same thing, but I believe it is actually the converter. It won't him if you dry camp, by the way.

sqrpeg said:

I thought the same thing, but I believe it is actually the converter.

In my specific case, the hum is definitely coming from the EMS and not the converter (confirmed using the Car Guys' "hose to the ear" method). I contacted Progressive Industries and they're sending me a "replacement relay", no questions asked. Will update when it arrive

Cool! Now I am curious...what is the "hose to ear" method? Maybe I will try it.

sqrpeg said:

Back in the olden days it was a low-tech method for locating vacuum leaks, etc., in a noisy engine compartment. One end of a rubber hose goes in your ear, other end pokes around ‘til you hopefully find something. Hardly useful now with today’s cars, but still handy in other situations.

Thanks! I will give it a try!

If you use a generator, remember to have a loop-back plug ready since you have a permanent install of a surge protector. If you don't want to make one yourself (easy-peezy), then Progressive Industries makes one.

I wonder if it has anything to do with proximity to the converter?

@jkjenn I guess there could be some sort of harmonic effect with the converter, or as @Geo said it might just be "normal" hum from the AC coil in the particular model/brand of contactor used in this EMS.

Either way it's not a biggie, I just try to avoid 60Hz background noise whenever possible.

Thanks everyone for your help!

gregndeb said:

We installed our EMS unit last summer.  I installed on the floor of our 320-CS.  Since we don't have a shower, I installed the display over the ALDE control.  The toughest part was routing the wire over the A/C. I routed the hole for the display, with an extra notch for the cable connector.  While I was in there I also installed a 4-port USB outlet.  I have heard the 60 Hz hum but never thought about it, until reading this thread.  Perhaps mounting on the floor helped with the noise, but it's never been objectionable to either of us. 

That looks great!

But on the positive note : I am super close to finishing a 3D print design for a cover for the remote display, so that the bright blinking light does not annoy people in the dark, but still allow a user to flip up the cover and see the codes if they want to. I will share the STL when I get it done.

This is the quote from PI: "That is completely normal for these units to make a slight noise when the contactor is engaged. The location inside the RV is making it more noticeable versus most are installed in a basement area of an RV."

There is no way I would be able to sleep with that noise in the small space.

Everyone's mileage may vary!

Here is the 3D printable cover which I designed for the remote display:

https://www.printables.com/model/1243100-progressive-industries-display-cover

FWIW in my previous 31ft toy hauler, I could hear the relays in the power supply clicking and chortling in the compartment on the other side of the wall from our bed. They didn't keep me awake but it was noticeable even though it was 'in a basement" of sorts. So it's not *just* a small rig problem.

But it was also pronounced in the couple of class B campers we had as well. I wish I could sleep with ear plugs in...

What I would say is that if anyone is thinking of installing the hard-wired surge protectors, wire them and listen to them *before* you go into installing them into a tight space.

Maybe it doesn't bother you. But if it does, don't go through the work to do a nice tidy install in small spaces for no reason. My video linked to above will give you an idea of the sound that it may make. Again - your mileage will vary. Everyone is different.