eDUBz wrote:
Yup I recentley installed a Progressive Industries Hardwire 30A surge protector. I went with hardwire because its one less thing to remember, installed and forget about.
That's only
part of the story because while the Progressive Industries' EMS portable and hard wire units are electrically similar there
are several advantages to the hard wire version.
- the portable unit is designed to hang from the campsite post so theft is potentially an issue. The portable units do have a metal ring through which one can install a cable lock and around the power post but truth is if someone wants it they'll get it anyway. A better solution would be to locate the portable EMS at the camper and run an extension cable from there out to the power post. Of course, even a portable EMS can be installed
inside the camper by simply adding a pair of connectors to the incoming main service cable. OTOH, theft of a hard wire model isn't an issue because it's intended to be installed inside the camper.
- since the portable unit would normally be located outside the camper viewing the error codes isn't anywhere near as convenient as it is with the hard wire version which comes with a separate error code monitor panel that can be located
inside the camper for easy viewing. Handy also for monitoring campground source voltage.
- the portable unit has a fixed time delay of 136" and because the unit is sealed for protection from the weather the case is not designed to be opened. OTOH, the hard wire version is designed to be field serviceable, meaning one can open the case by simply removing 6 screws ... remove a jumper and the delay can be switched from 15" to 136". I normally run mine on the shorter 15" delay for convenience, only resetting it to 136" when we're running the A/C and require the longer delay. To make this even more convenient I removed the jumper and wired a toggle switch across the jumper contacts so I can externally switch between the two delay settings without having to open the case.
- both the portable and hard wire version EMS units carry a lifetime warranty but because the portable unit is sealed it must be returned to the manufacturer for repair. OTOH, the hard wire version is field serviceable - should it ever fail, call Progressive, describe the symptoms and provide any error code you see, and they'll simply mail you the replacement part(s) required that you can install yourself. That's especially handy for those of us not living in the US as it means we don't have to deal with customs paperwork and costs.
- it's rarely mentioned in these discussions but the portable unit, because it's sealed, cannot be re-calibrated for more accurate operation by the owner. OTOH, the hard wire version can be, provided of course one knows how to do it. I do, and have.
- the portable version typically costs more than the hard wire version because the portable is fitted with 30 (or 50) amp connectors whereas the hard wire has none. Of course one can add a set of connectors to the hard wire version (as I have) to allow for instant removal later, for any reason.
- and as mentioned, once installed the hard wire unit requires no more attention on the part of the owner whereas one does need to install the portable unit each time it's used.
All that said, most would opt for the portable version simply because it's easy to use - just plug it in and you're good to go. Either way though, one can't go wrong with a Progressive Industries portable OR hard wire EMS. Pics are in my gallery for anyone interested.
