EMS Issues (surge protector)

[Twgose]

Hey, we have a 2 year old 21. We've had 2 issues with the EMS shutting down power. The code was E4 - Line 1 low Voltage both times.
The first time we were at a good RV park, at the end of the power line. We had a space heater and microwave running when somebody put in a piece of toast. Talked to Escape and the theory was that too many people were using too much power up stream from us. The second event happened at another park. On a hot day we turned on the air conditioner and once again had electrical shutdown, E4.
Park owner came out and replaced the connectors that we plugged into but we had the problem again. Called Escape when home and talked to Dave Warren in Parts and Service. He suggested that the EMS device might need to be adjusted and suggested I check the voltage in the device then compare it to the output. He sent me some directions if you're interested. The actual difference was to small to make a difference. It's been suggested that the problem is with the parks electricity.
So my question is how common a problem is this? We haven't used our air conditioning much here in the great Northwest but plan to strike out towards hotter country this summer. Do we need a small generator to provide cooling or is this just a problem with some RV Parks?
Thanks.
Tom Gose
Zoltan

[steve dunham]

Our EMS has nuisance tripped multiple times
When I compared the utility voltage at the pedestal (121 VAC ) versus the reading on the EMS display ( 132 VAC) there was an 11 volt difference
Before I spent the money on a generator I would calibrate the EMS
I’ve had to recalibrate our EMS on several occasions .
It appears our EMS does not want to hold set point and drifts

[Stu]

Could someone post the calibration procedure? Thanks

[Twgose]

Trying to upload 2 PDF's:

[cpaharley2008]

I have had maybe a half a dozen trips over past 10 years. Low voltage can burn up your a/c during the summer. I'm always grateful when the EMS performs the way it is supposed to.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by Twgose

Trying to upload 2 PDF's:

This is great to have. I was just putting together my own basic instructions which were the same. Measure across L1 and L2 with a multi-meter set on AC voltage. You can also measure L1 to ground and you should get the same reading. If it differs from the display appreciably you can adjust the small potentiometer on the little blue box to make your reading match the display. Be careful and follow safe practices as the electrical is all live. Don't let any tools drop, etc.

[cpaharley2008]

FWIW, there is already a copy in the "Files" section here on the forum...

[padlin]

I had the low voltage the one time we camped in hot humid weather, the last eclipse.


campground was full, pretty much everyone running a/c so it was understandable. I just went to bypass.

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by padlin

I had the low voltage the one time we camped in hot humid weather, the last eclipse.


campground was full, pretty much everyone running a/c so it was understandable. I just went to bypass.

That is not the best way, operating your a/c with low voltage can/will cause motor damage. The only time bypass should be used is if you know there is no issue, as in operation with an ungrounded generator

[C&G in FL]

Two years ago in northern Maine, at 2:00 am, the refrigerator alarm woke me up. The code on the display indicated overvoltage (@134v). I had a hard time believing it but grabbed my meter and tested the pedestal in the campsite next to me. Sure enough, the voltage was high. I switched the refrigerator to propane, disconnected the shore power cord, and went back to bed. Told the campground owner in the morning. He called the power company, who changed out the transformer. And I have been shut down a couple of times due to low voltages.

[padlin]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

That is not the best way, operating your a/c with low voltage can/will cause motor damage. The only time bypass should be used is if you know there is no issue, as in operation with an ungrounded generator

I agree it might not be the best solution, but it was that or try to sleep in a very hot and humid camper. I chose to go into bypass, my trailer, my choice.

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by padlin

I agree it might not be the best solution, but it was that or try to sleep in a very hot and humid camper. I chose to go into bypass, my trailer, my choice.

Best that others are aware of the consequences of such choice.

[steve dunham]

After reading Escape’s list of options , it appears that purchasing the factory air conditioning is not dependent on purchasing the EMS system
I prefer to save my money and take my chances !!

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by steve dunham

After reading Escape’s list of options , it appears that purchasing the factory air conditioning is not dependent on purchasing the EMS system
I prefer to save my money and take my chances !!

I installed mine in my first Escape, before it was offered as an option. Took maybe 2 hours. For the time and expense, I decided to let them install my next 3 as Escape was basically only charging you for the unit, not the installation, in their option price.

[steve dunham]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

I installed mine in my first Escape, before it was offered as an option. Took maybe 2 hours. For the time and expense, I decided to let them install my next 3 as Escape was basically only charging you for the unit, not the installation, in their option price.

For us the cost is not the issue . !!
Our EMS system has been in permanent bypass for 18 months . It rides around with us taking up space and adding weight .
Escape offers many options that we would find more useful and cost effective .
Like I said , I would rather save my money and take my chances
For me there has to be some return on investment

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by steve dunham

I’ve had to recalibrate our EMS on several occasions .
It appears our EMS does not want to hold set point and drifts

Steve: These units have a lifetime warranty that supposedly includes the internal electronics. Maybe if you spoke to Progressive Industries they will send you a new board that you can install.

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by steve dunham

For us the cost is not the issue . !!
Our EMS system has been in permanent bypass for 18 months . It rides around with us taking up space and adding weight .
Escape offers many options that we would find more useful and cost effective .
Like I said , I would rather save my money and take my chances
For me there has to be some return on investment

Why have it in permanent bypass? May as well remove it. What other precautions are you taking in re: spikes, surges, over/under volts, and misfired pedestals.
Having an EMS and putting it in bypass mode is like driving w/o seat belt, it may not hurt you but it will cost you $$$ to fix. Just thinking about your other issues you have had with your Escape, hopefully they are not related.

[steve dunham]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

Steve: These units have a lifetime warranty that supposedly includes the internal electronics. Maybe if you spoke to Progressive Industries they will send you a new board that you can install.

I have talked to Progressive on 3 occasions . Every time they advised me to recalibrate the unit . We’ve had no discussion about replacing the unit under warranty .
Since I see no necessity for an EMS , I took the easiest path and put the unit in bypass
If I get ambitious this Summer I may redo the wiring and take the EMS completely out of the circuit and eliminate a future source of failure and frustration
For me the EMS is kind if like an insurance policy that I don’t want and don’t need
Others may find value in the EMS and I respect their opinion !

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by steve dunham

Since I see no necessity for an EMS , I took the easiest path and put the unit in bypass

The good news is the unit surge protection feature still works when the unit is in bypass. It might be worth it for you to keep it and just remain in bypass mode.

[Twgose]

So a few have had this problem. Sounds like by-pass mode works but is not totally preferred. Is it smart to have a small generator available? And what do you do with the grounding issue when using a generator? Go into by-pass mode?

Thanks!