Generator and an EMS

[rvnutts]

Hi all, we are new to dry camping. We have a Progressive Industries EMS. When i plugged the EMS into the generator, it would not power the rig. However, it did power the rig without the EMS. Note: the EMS threw up a PE code, open ground. I guess my question is, no EMS with a generator? Thanks!

[3_tons]

Agreed, the EMS is sensing that the Generators ground is not bonded with neutral at the output or shore power entrance…A self-Bonding plug should cure this…

[Bobbo]

pianotuna wrote:
EMS is not really needed with a generator.

What generator do you have?

Unless the generator screws up and throws high or low voltage. Anything made by man can fail.

[Sagebrush]

If its an inverter generator you probably just need a plug with the jumper. My Honda inverter generators won't work with EMS as is too.

EMS is still useful with a generator, it gives you high and low voltage protection. I had an Onan 5500 set off my Progressive EMS system, it was putting out 142 volts. I've also had that happen with other standard generators. I like keeping those $10 plug in voltage meters plugged in all the time, usually I can see the problem before its really a bad problem.

[bikendan]

pianotuna wrote:
EMS is not really needed with a generator.

What generator do you have?

x2!

[bobsallyh]

rvnutts, go here. I too just added a Predator genny to our fiver, fired it up with EMS, Progressive, turned on. No power. This fixed the situation quickly.

https://www.rvtravel.com/rv-electricity-generator-neutral-bonding-basics/

[rvnutts]

Hey thanks everyone! Ill let dh see your responses! Hopefully we will figure it out!??

[MrWizard]

I forget who makes the Onan portable GENERATOR (Cummins who owns Onan, has it Mfg for them, not Mfg in the Onan factory)
But the EMS should not be needed

The EMS protects against shore power outlets that are wired wrong, an open ground or neutral, utility power transient spike voltages, brown out low voltage that could damage appliances like the air conditioner or 120v fridge, etc..
Your Onan will shut down if overloaded, (does not create low voltage unless overloaded) and does not create transient spikes, won't have an open neutral or ground unless something comes loose due to vibration or damage

[wa8yxm]

The EMS wants to see neutral and ground bonded on the SERVICE side (park breaker panel) and most portable generators Ground is N/C since it's not needed and serves no purpose A bonding plug is easy to make

Or if you have a good Inverter Generator. Skip the Surge Guard when using the Generator. Same applies to ONAN RV generators. they self monitor and shut down if out of specs. At least mine did.

[pianotuna]

EMS is not really needed with a generator.

What generator do you have?

[IAMICHABOD]

enblethen wrote:
Sounds like the neutral and ground are not bonded. There needs to be a direct connection between neutral and ground.
Get a male 15/20 cord body. Install a jumper between the ground and neutral pins. Plug it into a receptacle.

A plug Like this one will solve your problem and make your EMS work properly.

Many inverter generators are not grounded,my Generac is, so no need for this plug.

[enblethen]

Sounds like the neutral and ground are not bonded. There needs to be a direct connection between neutral and ground.
Get a male 15/20 cord body. Install a jumper between the ground and neutral pins. Plug it into a receptacle.

[rvnutts]

Its a portable onan 3700. Maybe the EMS is not needed on the portable generator??? We always use it when plugging into shore power.

[jdc1]

Is it an inverter generator?