Question on surge protectors

[pira114]

Howdy again.

So I'm thinking about a surge protector. Like the Progressive Industries PT30C 30 Amp Portable Electrical Management System.

Obviously, my TT is 30 amp.

So the question is that when 50 amp is available, I would use the reducer and plug into the 50.

So I'm guessing this PT30C wouldn't work in that scenario?

Do they make one that works with both?

Or is a wired in protector the better option?

Sorry is this has been covered. I did a search and didn't see this specific set of questions answered, and I'm horrible with electricity.

Thanks

[pianotuna]

Since most damage comes from low voltage I'd consider an autoformer.

[azrving]

On one of these threads someone mentioned just buying a 50 amp ems so it could be moved to a 50 amp rig in the future. That may work but I would have to guess that you would be looking at a continuous error code if it worked at all. You would have to also contact PD about this but my guess is that it wont work because its going to see a missing hot and that's what it's supposed to do. Again, I may be wrong so check into it if you like. The easy answer is to just do a hard wire 30 with pendant. If you want to have a better power supply get the 30/50 adapter. You can resell it down the road or use it as a selling point to a prospective buyer.

[azrving]

The PT30C isn't a surge protector. It is what Progressive dynamics calls an Electrical Management System. The SSP30 is just a surge protector and under $100.00 Just clarifying what we are describing here.

The 30/50 amp adapter is a different issue. The 50 amp adapter just lets a 30 amp cord go into the 50 amp receptacle. Whether it's your existing cord end or the pd30c, either would plug into the 30/50 adapter.

The pd30c will plug into the power pole 30 amp receptacle or it will plug into a 50 amp receptacle when using the 30/50 adapter.

Some people want to carry this adapter just in case the 30 amp receptacle on the pole doesn't work and it's often recommended to use a 50 amp receptacle for a better power supply.

30/50 adapter


It's appears a little cheaper to go with the hard mounted unit and it's nice to know that it's in a dry area and not going to be stolen or forgotten. You can see the amp draw, voltage and codes right on the wall pendant.

The hard wired unit can be removed if you choose to change rigs. It's not hard to wire in. The remote pendant is a nice feature and plugs in easily with a phone wire type connector.

I think another advantage of the hardwired over the plug in is that you dont risk heat build up at the terminals of the pd30c when the campground power pole has weak/relaxed receptacle pins. In theory this shouldn't happen as a low voltage should occur and shut the pd30c off but if it did happen it may not be under warr. You could ask PD about that. So again, with a hard wired and a lifetime warr you are just about 100% covered.


Mounted with pendant

If you plug into a generator you will have to use the system bypass switch on the pendant. When the bypass is activated there will be no pendant display. This is because the generators have a floating ground and are NOT bonded. You are not worried about the generator supply, you are worried about the pole supply.

[pira114]

Cool. Thanks!

So, since I haven't bought one yet, which should I get? It's a 30 amp trailer. Would a 30 or 50 (with appropriate adapter) be better? As in are there any advantages having one over the other?

[LarryJM]

scbwr wrote:
Wired in unit allows you to monitor electrical conditions from inside your trailer. I went with the portable 30 amp unit and it has worked well for us. I use a cable and lock to provide some security. It's nice to know that the electrical service is OK before you plug in your trailer and risk having any problems.

Your apparent belief that some how the portable unit reduces the risk of having any problems more than the hardwired unit is INCORRECT. There is not adavantage of one over the other except that the hardwired unit is more secure since it's inside the trailer and can't be easily removed like the portable unit is and with the remote readout on the hardwired unit you can better manage loads since you have a read time readout all the time.

Larry

[nomad297]

It will work just as well on a 50 amp service with an dog bone adapter.

Bruce

[scbwr]

Wired in unit allows you to monitor electrical conditions from inside your trailer. I went with the portable 30 amp unit and it has worked well for us. I use a cable and lock to provide some security. It's nice to know that the electrical service is OK before you plug in your trailer and risk having any problems.

[edatlanta]

I have the EMS-PT50C and have used on a 30 amp service and you can use your PT30C on 50 amp service, just use the correct adapter. When the EMS-PT50C is used on 30 amp service only one leg is used and when a PT30C is used on 50 amp service only one leg is used, but the adapters take care of the wiring.