dboliek1112
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Re: New Surge Protector or Leave It Alone?
agesilaus wrote: Is THIS it? Look's like a progressive industries model. But otherwise I agree, apply the second law of engineering: "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!" That's the 30 C. I have the 30 B... and the second law of engineering sounds appropriate. Thanks for your research.517Views0likes0CommentsNew Surge Protector or Leave It Alone?
Our 2000 Winnebago Chieftain 35U has an OEM PI EMS-HW30B surge protector. I spoke to tech support which couldn't provide an owner's manual because the threw them all away when they moved... and was told the "B" hasn't been manufactured in more than 10 years. When I asked what was the difference, I was told it is in the electronics and then something about red wires and black wires that sorta didn't register. I also know that someone lived in our unit for several years, but I have no idea what may or may not have happened that involved the surge protector. The module shows an E-0 function which means it's working. So, friends and advisors, would you install a new surge protector or stay with the OEM unit? Thank you.2.6KViews0likes12CommentsRe: Leave Unit plugged into A/C to keep battery charged?
SoundGuy wrote: dboliek1112 wrote: I have a 2000 Winnebago Chieftain 35U Motorhome. In order to keep batteries charged during the winter, should I keep A/C power constantly on so the converter charges? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Now that others have had their say I'll chime in with my own view I believe no one else has mentioned. ;) During the season from April to Nov I park our trailer on the driveway here at the house and leave it plugged in 24/7. HOWEVER, I would not do this if the trailer's electrical system wasn't protected by an EMS w/surge protection such as the Progressive Industries EMS-HW30C I have. The reason - just as when camping irregularities in service power can and do occur, whether you know it or not, and can destroy costly electrical devices in the trailer, including the converter / charger. Right as this very moment my own EMS is displaying a PE4 error code, meaning a recent loss of ground which periodically seems to happen when there are power disruptions in the neighbourhood. In the years I've been protecting our rig with an EMS I've experienced low voltage that triggered the EMS and on one occasion one side of the incoming house source power going excessively high while the other side went excessively low, obviously a power distribution problem. The trailer in this case happened to be plugged into the side that went high so my EMS disconnected power to the trailer - had it not I'd have had some serious repair to deal with. All this being reality, I'd suggest that those not using an EMS only plug in as necessary to allow the converter / charger to restore the batteries, otherwise unplug and protect your trailer from incoming power line vagaries. If you do decide to ignore this advice then at least turn off all the breakers to everything but the converter so in a worst case situation only the converter may have to be replaced. Best solution though - invest in an EMS! :B Good point and thanks. Ordered a PI EMS last night. Should have mentioned that'll be first step.592Views0likes0CommentsRe: Leave Unit plugged into A/C to keep battery charged?
Thank you for all the comments and suggestions. First thing I shall do is determine the details of my converter... is it multi-stage or not... and then manufacturer's information. Some mornings I wake up thicker in the head than other mornings. I hadn't even thought that full-timers stay plugged up constantly. The consensus appears to be that the AGM batteries won't get hurt being plugged in all winter. At the same time they won't lose much charge if disconnected. So I'll likely use my battery disconnect switches - which interrupt the positive side of both house and chassis batteries - and monitor the charge level. And if the battery output drops... I'll throw the switches and reconnect to shore power. As always... thank you for wise and well thought out options and suggestions.591Views0likes0CommentsRe: Leave Unit plugged into A/C to keep battery charged?
2oldman wrote: dboliek1112 wrote: Also we just put new AGM batteries in. Charge them, then disconnect them. AGMs can hold a charge a long time. A few hundred posts on the subject: Stay plugged in in storage?2007 disconnect? Oct 2013 Stay plugged in Mar 2014 Stay plugged in Jun 2014 Stay plugged in Sep 2014 Thank you. Read 'em all.591Views0likes0CommentsRe: Leave Unit plugged into A/C to keep battery charged?
dboliek1112 wrote: I apologize as I know the answer's here somewhere, I just couldn't find it. I have a 2000 Winnebago Chieftain 35U Motorhome. In order to keep batteries charged during the winter, should I keep A/C power constantly on so the converter charges? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Also we just put new AGM batteries in.326Views0likes0CommentsLeave Unit plugged into A/C to keep battery charged?
I apologize as I know the answer's here somewhere, I just couldn't find it. I have a 2000 Winnebago Chieftain 35U Motorhome. In order to keep batteries charged during the winter, should I keep A/C power constantly on so the converter charges? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.5.3KViews0likes30Comments
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