Progressive Industries EMS-HW30C Problem
After an incident at a campground that fried my TV and microwave six years ago, I decided it was time to get some protection. I purchased and installed the Progressive Industries EMS-HW30C Electric...
Forum Discussion
I used unleaded solder. The wire ends to the bus in the main panel of my Jayco were solder dressed right from the factory. It serves to make the strands act as a solid conductor when clamped into the bus, similar to the solid copper in home panel busses.
Regardless I think it is insignificant with regards to this problem. The solenoid shows signs of heat top to bottom. There is even a hole melted in the bottom of the box, and it damaged the laminate it was attached to. Even if by some rare chance all four wires had high resistance in their clamps, the heat damaged would be limited to their attachment area at the top of the solenoid. I think the solenoid contacts developed high resistance over time creating the heat and ultimate failure of the solenoid. A short would have spiked current and tripped a breaker. When I get time I will dissect the solenoid to confirm my hypothesis.
The progressive guy I talked to offered me a chance to discuss it further with his boss who had made the decision. I declined, as I didn't want to argue over the phone. And, even if they did replace the unit, I would have concerns installing it back into the bowels of my RV without some changes addressing this issue.
In my work life I was involved in testing for a major automotive manufacturer. Invariably when you report to an engineer that his baby has a problem the first step is always denial. The installer or the driver are the scapegoats at first, and then reality sets in. Sometimes much too late, as in the GM ignition switch recall.
Regardless I think it is insignificant with regards to this problem. The solenoid shows signs of heat top to bottom. There is even a hole melted in the bottom of the box, and it damaged the laminate it was attached to. Even if by some rare chance all four wires had high resistance in their clamps, the heat damaged would be limited to their attachment area at the top of the solenoid. I think the solenoid contacts developed high resistance over time creating the heat and ultimate failure of the solenoid. A short would have spiked current and tripped a breaker. When I get time I will dissect the solenoid to confirm my hypothesis.
The progressive guy I talked to offered me a chance to discuss it further with his boss who had made the decision. I declined, as I didn't want to argue over the phone. And, even if they did replace the unit, I would have concerns installing it back into the bowels of my RV without some changes addressing this issue.
In my work life I was involved in testing for a major automotive manufacturer. Invariably when you report to an engineer that his baby has a problem the first step is always denial. The installer or the driver are the scapegoats at first, and then reality sets in. Sometimes much too late, as in the GM ignition switch recall.
