Progressive EMS-HW30C Modifications
A couple of years ago I bought a used TRC 34370 portable surge protector from an elderly couple who had sold their Airstream and retired from RVing. Although the TRC was a portable unit I wired it into our trailer using standard 30 amp RV connectors so I could easily remove it anytime and because doing so eliminated any concerns over theft if hanging off a campsite power post. Over 2 seasons that surge protector saved our rig from potential electrical damage on several occasions so earlier this year, convinced of the value these devices offer, I sold the TRC to friend who was thrilled to get it at a great price and put the $$ into a Progressive Industries EMS-HW30C. Although designed to be hard wired I instead added 30 amp pigtails to the unit so I could also simply plug it in using the existing 30 amp connectors I had previously installed for the TRC.
Aside from Progressive's lifetime warranty I also chose the hard wire version over the portable EMS-PT30C because I can field service the hard wire version myself whereas the sealed portable unit must be returned to Progressive for service. That's simple enough for US residents but for we Canadians having to ship across the border is an extra layer of aggravation so being able to repair this unit myself with parts Progressive will just mail to me via USPS is a significant advantage. :C
The second reason I chose the hard wire EMS-HW30C over the portable EMS-PT30C was that the hard wire's delay can be set to either 15" or 136" whereas the portable unit's delay is fixed at 136". Normally I'd prefer a shorter delay for convenience and would only use the longer delay during the hot summer months when we'd most likely use the A/C and it may be necessary to protect the A/C compressor motor from fluctuating voltage conditions during brownouts. The downside is one must open the case in order to remove the tiny delay jumper so to solve this I recently installed a SPST toggle switch and wired it across the jumper contacts on the circuit board.
With the EMS buttoned back up now all I have to is reach under the sofa where the EMS normally sits and simply switch between a 15" delay (for convenience) or a 136" (to protect the A/C compressor). :B
A more complete series of 9 pics is here for anyone who may be interested.
FWIW, I see Progressive currently has a 20% off sale until the end of the year so for anyone who has been sitting on the fence, so far just "thinking" about adding some protection to their rig, this just might be the opportunity they've been waiting for. I know I won't ever plug in again without it. ;)
Aside from Progressive's lifetime warranty I also chose the hard wire version over the portable EMS-PT30C because I can field service the hard wire version myself whereas the sealed portable unit must be returned to Progressive for service. That's simple enough for US residents but for we Canadians having to ship across the border is an extra layer of aggravation so being able to repair this unit myself with parts Progressive will just mail to me via USPS is a significant advantage. :C
The second reason I chose the hard wire EMS-HW30C over the portable EMS-PT30C was that the hard wire's delay can be set to either 15" or 136" whereas the portable unit's delay is fixed at 136". Normally I'd prefer a shorter delay for convenience and would only use the longer delay during the hot summer months when we'd most likely use the A/C and it may be necessary to protect the A/C compressor motor from fluctuating voltage conditions during brownouts. The downside is one must open the case in order to remove the tiny delay jumper so to solve this I recently installed a SPST toggle switch and wired it across the jumper contacts on the circuit board.
With the EMS buttoned back up now all I have to is reach under the sofa where the EMS normally sits and simply switch between a 15" delay (for convenience) or a 136" (to protect the A/C compressor). :B
A more complete series of 9 pics is here for anyone who may be interested.
FWIW, I see Progressive currently has a 20% off sale until the end of the year so for anyone who has been sitting on the fence, so far just "thinking" about adding some protection to their rig, this just might be the opportunity they've been waiting for. I know I won't ever plug in again without it. ;)
