Power Watchdog Smart Surge Protector with Auto Shutoff

Just how many joules are enough?

bstar1952 wrote:

Ed_Gee wrote:
My reading of the user guide indicates it only uses Bluetooth connection to your phone......only good for a few dozen feet.....

Thanks Ed, I was afraid that might be the case.

The Power Watchdog devices now all integrate with the RV Whisper monitor system (wirelessly) to get internet access to logged shore power data. I have been using a Power Watchdog 50 amp with auto shutoff and my RV Whisper system for a few months now. I also monitor my propane tanks using Mopeka sensors that integrate with RV Whisper.

Now I monitor more stuff than I need to, but it is pretty cool. Things like low voltage, over current, open ground, etc... trigger email and text alerts.

Ed

I have the Progressive hardwired unit. I like that it has a display unit, but I wish the wire connection to the display unit were on the backside as opposed to the bottom of a unit that sticks out nearly an inch. I also wish that the Progressive had a wireless monitoring option. I have several Bluetooth-linked devices in my trailer, including my Victron BMV-712 battery monitoring system and my LogicBlue LevelMatePRO electronic level. These are great for monitoring different aspects remotely when setting up. I wish I knew what type of signal was being transmitted over that "phone" line cable... and make it interface with a Raspberry Pi to log details. I know I'm just a nerd, but I think that would be cool to see.

George3037 wrote:

gmckenzie wrote:

bstar1952 wrote:
Thanks everyone, after careful consideration I'm going with the Progressive EMS. Hard wired or portable, that's another story......

Hard for it to walk away if it's hard wired.

Also, for me, it prevents me from being lazy and not plugging it in. I can just see me getting in late, in the dark and poor weather and not bothering to pull the portable one out cuz I'm in a rush. Hard wired, I don't have that option.

I agree with the hard wired not walking away. I went with the hard wired EMS-HW30C. I installed it in my TT 2 weeks ago and plugged it back into the home pedestal.

Same here. Seems to make more sense. One less thing to drag out and put away. One less plug & connector connection too. It's always there protecting you at a CG or at home.

We have the remote display but the constant flashing/scrolling of the info. is flippin' annoying so I put it inside an upper cabinet. Have a mini panel LED voltmeter near the door instead.

gmckenzie wrote:

bstar1952 wrote:
Thanks everyone, after careful consideration I'm going with the Progressive EMS. Hard wired or portable, that's another story......

Hard for it to walk away if it's hard wired.

Also, for me, it prevents me from being lazy and not plugging it in. I can just see me getting in late, in the dark and poor weather and not bothering to pull the portable one out cuz I'm in a rush. Hard wired, I don't have that option.

I agree with the hard wired not walking away. I went with the hard wired EMS-HW30C. I installed it in my TT 2 weeks ago and plugged it back into the home pedestal.

bstar1952 wrote:
Thanks everyone, after careful consideration I'm going with the Progressive EMS. Hard wired or portable, that's another story......

Hard for it to walk away if it's hard wired.

Also, for me, it prevents me from being lazy and not plugging it in. I can just see me getting in late, in the dark and poor weather and not bothering to pull the portable one out cuz I'm in a rush. Hard wired, I don't have that option.

bstar1952 wrote:
Thanks everyone, after careful consideration I'm going with the Progressive EMS. Hard wired or portable, that's another story......

I eventually went with hard wired so I could monitor what’s going on without having to go around to the pedestal. The display is mounted so it can be seen easily by popping my head in the door and from everywhere in the camper except the head.

Thanks everyone, after careful consideration I'm going with the Progressive EMS. Hard wired or portable, that's another story......

myredracer wrote:
I'd also install an LED voltmeter inside in a visible spot so you can always keep tabs on the voltage.

For the OP - one of the advantages of the hard wire Progressive EMS is it's remote monitor which cycles through a number of settings, including voltage.

bstar1952 wrote:
Was getting ready to order the Progressive EMS-PT50x EMS/Surge Protector and the vendor was also selling the Hughes Power Watchdog 50 Amp Smart Bluetooth Surge Protector with Auto Shutoff. Wondering if anyone used the Watchdog surge protector. From research, it does what the Progressive unit does but its ability to notify you via smartphone of a power failure and your ability to monitor power conditions from your phone is a very big plus for me. Not for sure how that would work without internet though. We sometimes leave our little weenie dogs in the RV and I'm worried of a power failure especially during the summer. We used Hughes autoformers at work and they were great but know nothing of their surge protector line. Any opinions are appreciated. Cheers.....

The Hughes unit does not shut your power off automatically like the EMS does under a number of electrical issues (low/high volts, open neutral or ground, reversed polarity, etc.). The Hughes unit does NOT list the peak surge current which is an important number - the PI EMS is rated 44,000 amps peak surge. None of the Hughes products are UL listed.

You *could* get the Surge Guard 50 amp surge protector that has the same features except the bluetooth for 1/2 the price or less.

There are power failure & high temp. alarms that work on an iphone.

If you want the best protection, get a PI EMS and a Hughes autoformer. Low voltage is the most common issue you will run into during the summer. I'd also install an LED voltmeter inside in a visible spot so you can always keep tabs on the voltage.