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otrfun's avatar
otrfun
Explorer II
Aug 21, 2013

E2 error using Generator with Progressive Industries EMS

Just installed a Progressive Industries EMS-LCH30HW (electrical management system) in my toy hauler. Works great on shore power, but throws an E2 (open ground) error when I power up my toy hauler with my Champion 3100 75531i inverter generator. I tried connecting the generator's dedicated ground terminal (on the front panel) directly to the ground strap on the EMS-LCH30HW and it still returned the error.

I can put the EMS into "OFF" mode and use the generator; but, I'd prefer to use the EMS with full protection in-place while using my generator if possible.

Anyone else receiving this error when using a generator with their EMS-LCH30HW?

Thanks!
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Aug 21, 2013
    The error is because the generator has no neutral-ground bond like the main utility breaker panel.

    You can use bypass or make a bonding plug. To make a bonding plug... get a replacement plug from the hardware store. Get a 100,000 ohm 1/2 watt or 1 watt resistor from the electronics supply house. Connect the neutral and ground pins within the plug. No cord gets attached. Insert the plug into one of the generator outlets and the error will clear.
  • otrfun's avatar
    otrfun
    Explorer II
    Aug 21, 2013
    smkettner wrote:
    The error is because the generator has no neutral-ground bond like the main utility breaker panel.

    You can use bypass or make a bonding plug. To make a bonding plug... get a replacement plug from the hardware store. Get a 100,000 ohm 1/2 watt or 1 watt resistor from the electronics supply house. Connect the neutral and ground pins within the plug. No cord gets attached. Insert the plug into one of the generator outlets and the error will clear.

    Thanks! Good to know there's nothing wrong with my EMS or my installation.

    Just to be sure, you're supposed to connect one end of the 100k ohm resistor to the ground and the other end of the resistor to the neutral (silver or larger blade on the 110 volt plug), correct?
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Aug 21, 2013
    Yes. This is just enough to fool the EMS and yet will not introduce 60 volts to the generator or rv frame. OK it is there but the impedance is so high it will not allow enough current to even trip a GFI.
  • Bobbo's avatar
    Bobbo
    Explorer II
    Aug 21, 2013
    smkettner wrote:
    The error is because the generator has no neutral-ground bond like the main utility breaker panel.

    You can use bypass or make a bonding plug. To make a bonding plug... get a replacement plug from the hardware store. Get a 100,000 ohm 1/2 watt or 1 watt resistor from the electronics supply house. Connect the neutral and ground pins within the plug. No cord gets attached. Insert the plug into one of the generator outlets and the error will clear.

    Or, just use plain old wire. Be sure you don't connect anything to the hot prong though.

    otrfun wrote:
    Thanks! Good to know there's nothing wrong with my EMS or my installation.

    Just to be sure, you're supposed to connect one end of the 100k ohm resistor to the ground and the other end of the resistor to the neutral (silver or larger blade on the 110 volt plug), correct?

    Absolutely correct.
  • otrfun's avatar
    otrfun
    Explorer II
    Aug 21, 2013
    smkettner wrote:
    Yes. This is just enough to fool the EMS and yet will not introduce 60 volts to the generator or rv frame. OK it is there but the impedance is so high it will not allow enough current to even trip a GFI.

    Appreciate the explanation! After a bit of searching here on rv.net, I've noticed there's quite a bit of controversy about "bonding" an RV generator's neutral to ground.

    I'm assuming by using the 100,000 ohm resistor it's decreasing the voltage potential between the generator's neutral and ground "just enough" to "fool" the EMS into thinking there's not an open ground? Also, I'm assuming using a 100,000 ohm resistor is supposedly a bit "safer" (in terms of a shock hazard) than just using a solid wire (or zero ohms)?

    Thanks!
  • otrfun's avatar
    otrfun
    Explorer II
    Aug 24, 2013
    smkettner wrote:
    The error is because the generator has no neutral-ground bond like the main utility breaker panel.

    You can use bypass or make a bonding plug. To make a bonding plug... get a replacement plug from the hardware store. Get a 100,000 ohm 1/2 watt or 1 watt resistor from the electronics supply house. Connect the neutral and ground pins within the plug. No cord gets attached. Insert the plug into one of the generator outlets and the error will clear.
    I tried using a 100,000 ohm 1/2 watt resistor and it works fine (no E2, open ground, error) as long as the a/c compressor doesn't turn on. When the a/c compressor turns on, the Progessive Industries EMS shuts off power to the toy hauler and throws back the E2, open ground, error. So, removed the resistor and patched a solid wire from ground to neutral. No more E2 errors when the a/c compressor kicks on.

    Thanks to everybody for your help!
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Aug 24, 2013
    I speculate it is from a voltage drop issue. Anyway thanks for the update and glad you found a solution.

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