Testing 50 AMP CG power before connecting

[Phydeauxman]

After doing extensive reading here on the forums I ordered a PI 50AMP hardwired unit for my new 5th wheel. Now I am looking at what I should get to test the CG connection BEFORE plugging the RV into the pole. For 30AMP service it seems pretty easy that I can use the two items below to test the pole:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BRFTH6/ref=s9_simh_co_p422_d0_i4?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=left-3&pf_rd_r=0J843AYVZ3Z6GFVZDECD&pf_rd_t=3201&pf_rd_p=1774864582&pf_rd_i=typ01

http://www.amazon.com/Camco-55233-Electrical-PowerGrip-Adapter/dp/B00192QB3I/ref=pd_bxgy_auto_text_y

What would I use to test a 50AMP pole connection? Since our trailer has 50AMP service and my wife is going to want to use both ACs, I am sure if it is available we are going to use the 50AMP service.

[Old-Biscuit]

LarryJM wrote:

Old-Biscuit wrote:

LarryJM wrote:

Phydeauxman wrote:
From what I have read here on the forums a lot of people say...even with this unit you should check the pole BEFORE plugging in the RV.

I can't remember EVER SEEING THAT so could you please provide a link to the thread/post giving at least two or three of the examples that support this statement.

As everyone has said even in this thread your PI unit is a use and forget type so no extra testing/monitoring is needed.

Larry

Might have been from manual....WARNINGS SECTION
It is important to always check the pedestal power outlet for charring; this condition means that the AC receptacle is providing a weak connection.
DO NOT USE!
It could result in possible melting of the RV power plug.

That's a visual inspection and doesn't require anything "EXTRA" like the OP was clearly referencing in the original post. I wanted to see what threads went so far off the rails to leave readers with such a misconception on using the PI units. As I said I can not remember a single thread or more than an single or two uninformed post supporting the OPs statement that I was inquiring about w/o that post(s) receiving the types of responses given in this thread saying "NOTHING EXTRA IS NEEDED".

Larry

A visual inspection of 'pole' before plugging in would cover what the OP referenced......"......you should check the pole BEFORE plugging in the RV."
Think that is what OP was unsure about/confused over. Simple

[LarryJM]

Old-Biscuit wrote:

LarryJM wrote:

Phydeauxman wrote:
From what I have read here on the forums a lot of people say...even with this unit you should check the pole BEFORE plugging in the RV.

I can't remember EVER SEEING THAT so could you please provide a link to the thread/post giving at least two or three of the examples that support this statement.

As everyone has said even in this thread your PI unit is a use and forget type so no extra testing/monitoring is needed.

Larry

Might have been from manual....WARNINGS SECTION
It is important to always check the pedestal power outlet for charring; this condition means that the AC receptacle is providing a weak connection.
DO NOT USE!
It could result in possible melting of the RV power plug.

That's a visual inspection and doesn't require anything "EXTRA" like the OP was clearly referencing in the original post. I wanted to see what threads went so far off the rails to leave readers with such a misconception on using the PI units. As I said I can not remember a single thread or more than an single or two uninformed post supporting the OPs statement that I was inquiring about w/o that post(s) receiving the types of responses given in this thread saying "NOTHING EXTRA IS NEEDED".

Larry

[wa8yxm]

Phydeauxman wrote:

wa8yxm wrote:
Option 2

Turn off breakers, Plug RV into PI, Plug PI into Park.

Turn on breakers, if there is a major problem it will refuse to connect.

Only problem is...I bought the hardwired unit and not the portable. But thanks for the reply.

Not a problem at all.. that is very simply option 2

Plug in, if there is a problem the PI unit will tell you about it and if it is a SERIOUS problem (not all are) it will refuse to connect you and thus protect your RV

[Old-Biscuit]

LarryJM wrote:

Phydeauxman wrote:
From what I have read here on the forums a lot of people say...even with this unit you should check the pole BEFORE plugging in the RV.

I can't remember EVER SEEING THAT so could you please provide a link to the thread/post giving at least two or three of the examples that support this statement.

As everyone has said even in this thread your PI unit is a use and forget type so no extra testing/monitoring is needed.

Larry

Might have been from manual....WARNINGS SECTION
It is important to always check the pedestal power outlet for charring; this condition means that the AC receptacle is providing a weak connection.
DO NOT USE!
It could result in possible melting of the RV power plug.

[tvman44]

I think you can add the remote readout, which is worth having. 🙂

[LarryJM]

Phydeauxman wrote:
From what I have read here on the forums a lot of people say...even with this unit you should check the pole BEFORE plugging in the RV.

I can't remember EVER SEEING THAT so could you please provide a link to the thread/post giving at least two or three of the examples that support this statement.

As everyone has said even in this thread your PI unit is a use and forget type so no extra testing/monitoring is needed.

Larry

[jaycocamprs]

You could check with a meter. L1 to ground & to neutral, L2 to ground & to neutral, and L1 to L2. You should have 110v hot to ground and to neutral, and 220v between the hots.
But with the PI I would (and do) just plug in and let it do the work. We have the EMS-PT50C

[time2roll]

Just plug in. No precheck needed. No need to have breaker off either.

If power is cut frequently where you stay, then consider a Powermaster voltage booster.

[accsys]

We also have the same PI hardwired to our coach and it does what it is supposed to very well. The only reason I can think of to have an extra check is to check other pedestals to find a good one if the one you are assigned is bad - much easier than moving the whole RV.

[Old-Biscuit]

HERE is the 'manual' for that unit.
Might what to read it......good info and description of how it works/what it does. Just saying :B

[WMMitchell81554]

I have the same unit you have. EMSHW50C if the campground power is off spec, the EMS will not allow connection. I have plugged into power poles with bad ground, not connection. Low voltage, no connection. You made a good purchase.

[Phydeauxman]

I may have not been clear in my original post. The unit I bought is the EMSHW50C which is hard wired and does have the remote display. From what I have read here on the forums a lot of people say...even with this unit you should check the pole BEFORE plugging in the RV. I am new to camping so I have to rely on the experiences of others and I want to make sure I am as prepared as possible to protect my investment. I see some people even add the autoformer to this equation. Not sure if I need that yet or not.

[Jim-Linda]

Did you not get the remote readout? Call PI, I believe you can install one fairly easy.

Jim

[Phydeauxman]

wa8yxm wrote:
I agree. You have basically two options, I will list both

Turn OFF park breakers
Plug in PI unit.. Turn on breakers and check display, IF it says, for example 240 volts.. TURN OFF BREAKERS

if it says all is good Turn off breakers.. Plug RV into PI, turn on breakers.

Option 2

Turn off breakers, Plug RV into PI, Plug PI into Park.

Turn on breakers, if there is a major problem it will refuse to connect.

Only problem is...I bought the hardwired unit and not the portable. But thanks for the reply.