Advice needed for electric pedestal tester

I use this Prime Products AC Line Meter, even built a dongle for it so I can plug it directly into 30 amp service.



However, this will only check the line source, not do anything about it if an error is found or later develops. In the long run you'd be far better off investing in a Progressive Industries EMS that constantly monitors the situation and will take action if necessary.

First, a question: What type of connection do you want to test?

30 amp
50 amp
Both

I have different testers for 30 vs 50.

SoundGuy wrote:
I use this Prime Products AC Line Meter, even built a dongle for it so I can plug it directly into 30 amp service.



However, this will only check the line source, not do anything about it if an error is found or later develops. In the long run you'd be far better off investing in a Progressive Industries EMS that constantly monitors the situation and will take action if necessary.

Yeah, I'm with you about the PI EMS - I've got one hardwired into my trailer. At this point don't want to duplicate that in our B and will feel better if at least testing before connecting. Will look for that Prime tester - thanks...

wolfe10 wrote:
First, a question: What type of connection do you want to test?

30 amp
50 amp
Both

I have different testers for 30 vs 50.

Sorry about that - it will be 30 amp, but I can always use an adapter.

The low cost checker for a 30A outlet (or 20A one) would be a three-light tester and a plug-in voltmeter. The latter can be found for $5 or less at various online places. You can often rig up a little gizmo with a multiple outlet adapter so there's only one thing to plug in.

It's also entirely possible to make all these checks with a multimeter in a few seconds. The voltage between the hot and the neutral should be ca. 120V, and equal to that between the hot and the ground. There should be no voltage (or at least not any more than a stray volt or two) between the neutral and the ground. The guts of the PI units are just continually making these three measurements, along with power line frequency, and control a heavy-duty relay to connect or disconnect the power as it meets or does not meet specs. Excessive frequency variations on grid power are extremely rare and in my opinion not worth worrying about. The PI units have very loose frequency tolerances, anyhow.

I always check with my home made pedestal checker,cheap but it works.

Saves me the hassel of dragging everything out.

parts list
15 amp to 30 amp Adapter
triplex outlet
Outlet tester
Volt Meter
I had all these around the house,why not use them...
I also use my 50amp to 30amp adapter to check the 50amp side. Sometimes I like them better as the are in better shape.

Hi,

It is best to test under load--so add a 1500 watt heater to the mix.

I prefer autoformers to surge devices.

http://www.progressiveindustries.net/services

I recommend a monitor that will not allow power until all is correct and stable for about a minute.

Will also cut power if anything becomes a problem. Lifetime warranty.

:)

Come to México with an EMS and unwillingly Boondock

And pay for the privilege, too.

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
:)

Come to México with an EMS and unwillingly Boondock