A Thank You to the members about low voltage

[CavemanCharlie]

This weekend I went to a campground that I have never been to before. After plugging in my 30 amp plug into the outlet and turning on the Air Conditioner I took a glance at my cheap voltage gauge that I keep in a outlet near my bed. It read very low. I also notice that the AC was making a different sound then usual. I checked to make sure that everything was plugged in good and tight. Then I felt the breaker for the 30 amp plug and it felt a little warm. So I shut everything down and dug out my 50 to 30 amp dog bone adapter. Once I plugged in with that I had great voltage and the AC sounded much, much, better.

I learned these tips by reading on this message board and I wanted to thank the members here for teaching me these types of things.

Thank You

[Bobbo]

I have a Progressive Industries EMS-HW30C (this is its second RV as I pulled it out of my Class C before trading for my TT) but I STILL use this before plugging in every time.

[SoundGuy]

I built this dongle so I could check the campsite source supply for adequate voltage and correct wiring before plugging in but with a Progressive EMS protecting the rig using it was kinda pointless as the EMS does all these checks anyway so I no longer bother with it.

[SoundGuy]

It's handy also to be able to monitor incoming source voltage throughout your stay, just as I do with this Kill-a-Watt meter plugged into a galley receptacle.

[SoundGuy]

rk911 wrote:
and invest in a multi meter and check voltage/polarity BEFORE hooking up.

Really no need if you've got an EMS as it will do this for you automatically when you plug in and won't pass power on to the rig if it does detect an issue.

[rk911]

and invest in a multi meter and check voltage/polarity BEFORE hooking up.

[SoundGuy]

Good for you but if you really want to protect your trailer's electrical system against the damage excessively low voltage can do invest in an EMS that will disconnect from power automatically once source voltage drops to a certain preset level. If losing power entirely isn't something you can live with then an alternative solution is a voltage regulator such as a Hughes Autoformer that will boost low voltage so it is acceptable. Either is a much better solution than just plugging in and hoping for the best.