Portable or Hardwired EMS?
To me it'd be a no-brainer to have a hard wired unit if we were full timers but we're not. Wondering if it'd make more sense to get an exterior unit considering: - We're weekenders - I can see...
Forum Discussion
MDKMDK wrote:The problems are rarely apparent when you plug in and almost always occur UNDER LOAD. Especially true on 30A pedestals.CA Traveler wrote:
My 2004 hardwired unit is in the second rig. In each case it's installed without cutting/splicing any existing wiring so trivia to remove and restore original wiring. It also has a remote display inside the rig which is a HUGE advantage over a portable. Voltage, amps, error codes are all easy to see. A data wire has to be routed to the remote.
Ya gotta plug it in, don't you? You can easily see the portable unit's display as well, when you're outside the coach doing that. If it reacts to something and cuts power, you're not likely going to be able to either trouble shoot or resolve it from the comfort of the inside of your coach, you're most likely going to have to exit the vehicle at some point to resolve the problem, so it's really not a huge advantage. Very few shore power issues occur inside your coach.
Just can't beat seeing issues like low voltage from inside. Or when I return on a hot day and go inside I can check for low voltage with the Prior Error code - RED FLAG start observing and/or take corrective action. Not likely to stop by the pedestal first to see (if possible in the sun) what is going on.
2 months after the 2004 install and 10:00 PM power was shut down and the PI unit showed 160V on a 30A pedestal. Fliped off the rig CB, got dressed and pulled the power plug.
BTW with 15 years of use there were only 2 times when the PI unit would not initially connect. Both times is was reverse polarity on a 30A pedestal.
So I'll take the hardwired unit and inside display any day. But to each his own.
