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Consider yourself lucky if you’ve never been the victim of a lightning strike or power surge. These intense power spikes can do a number on your RV’s electrical system, including any sensitive electronics. One of the best ways to protect your RV is by using an electrical management system or EMS, such as the Progressive Industries EMS HW30C. Let’s see what makes this surge protector so great.
Overview of the Progressive Industries EMS HW30C Hardwired Surge Protection
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This hardwired EMS from Progressive Industries protects 30-amp RVs from voltage fluctuations, power surges, and shore power with incorrect wiring. The digital display continuously scrolls through important power source information.
This EMS shuts down when the AC power lowers below 104 volts or rises above about 130 volts. However, the EMS will continue to monitor the power source and restore power once it returns to a normal operating range.
Hardwired Surge Protection Versus Inline Surge Protection
When selecting a surge protector, you’ll likely choose between a hardwired or an inline device. Both protect against surges, but how they accomplish this task is slightly different.
A hardwired surge protector connects to the electrical system. This connection means that no matter how or where you’re connecting your RV, it will pass through the surge protector. This accessory is an excellent choice for RVers who want to protect their RV and their expensive surge protector. Having a hardwired surge protector allows you to mount it in a locked storage compartment.
An inline or portable surge protector connects to the power pedestal at a campsite. You have to connect the surge protector to the power pedestal. The surge protector will display whether the power is safe or not.
While an inline surge protector may be cheaper, it’s also easier to steal. Not only will you be out a couple of hundred dollars, but your RV will be left unprotected.
Features We Love About the Progressive Industries EMS HW30C
Progressive Industries is a well-known name when it comes to EMS devices. Let’s look at a few reasons we love the EMS HW30C.
3-Mode Surge Protection
The 3-mode surge protection protects Line to Neutral (L-N), Line to Ground (L-G), and Neutral to Ground (N-G). Power surges can destroy any of these lines, but the Progressive Industries EMS HW30C protects all three lines from surges and voltage drops.
Remote Scrolling Digital Display
The digital display is easy to read and provides access to a plethora of important information. The display will scroll to a different piece of information every two seconds: error codes or voltage, amperage, and frequency information.
You’ll quickly and easily see the status of your electrical system. Should you encounter an error, you’ll be able to identify it and restore power quickly. Being able to read the error codes is a tremendous benefit as well.
No Worries About Weather Damage or Theft
Mounting this unit in a locked storage compartment limits the chances that someone will snatch your expensive EMS. You’ll also protect your device from the weather. Power pedestals in a campground can be short. That leaves your expensive surge protector on the ground and exposed to extreme temperatures and possibly water.
Voltage and Frequency Protection
One of the most important jobs an EMS does is protect RVs from voltage and frequency drops. These can do a tremendous amount of damage to an RV’s electrical system.
The EMS HW30C will shut down the power when the voltage falls below 104 volts or exceeds about 130 volts. It will continue to monitor the situation and wait for the voltage and frequency to return to a normal range. Only then will it power up again.
Cons
The Progressive Industries EMS HW30C can prove tricky to install and costly to replace.
Technical to Install
While installing a portable surge protector is relatively easy, there’s a bit more involved with a hardwired surge protector. Anytime you’re dealing with electrical components, it’s best to consult a professional. If you choose a hardwired surge protector or EMS, be sure to do your research and make safety an essential part of your installation.
Can Be Costlier to Replace
A hardwired EMS is substantially more expensive than an inline surge protector. Replacing an EMS often costs more, but it’s better than spending thousands of dollars replacing your expensive electronics.
Alternative to Progressive Industries EMS HW30C
If you’re shopping around, you should consider some alternatives. Let’s take a look at the Southwire 30 Amp Hardwired Surge Guard.
Southwire 30 Amp Hardwired Surge Guard
- Automatic reset on power restoration
- Multi-mode surge suppression
This hardwired surge guard includes similar features to the EMS HW30C. It includes an automatic shutoff and can connect directly to an RV electrical system. However, the Southwire Surge Guard is $50 cheaper. If you’re looking to save a buck and don’t need an EMS, this could be a great option.
Don’t cut corners when it comes to your RV’s electrical system. Protecting your RV is worth the extra money. Don’t cost yourself thousands of dollars in repairs because you wanted to save $50 now. Do you prefer an inline or portable EMS or surge protector?
Last update on 2024-12-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
