Mod: Hard-wired EMS
DETAILS: Hard-wired EMS
Installing an Electrical Management System (EMS) is one of the top 5 most important things I’ve added to my rig. Without some kind of EMS, there’s no way to know the quality of power at a campground’s electrical post. This model is hard-wired and detects open ground, open neutral, reverse polarity, high/low voltage as well as provides accidental 240V and A/C frequency protection. There is also a portable version available that doesn’t require installation.
I installed mine under the J bed, where the main shore line leads to the main circuit breaker box.
Installation
After you turn off the power (and confirm you’re not plugged in), identify the correct cable by tracing it to the plug, then cut it with wire cutters. Follow the included instructions to determine the orientation of the EMS relative to the power cable direction. Strip the three wires on each end of the severed cable and follow the instructions to connect them to the EMS.
Secure the EMS to the floor with screws and run the data cable to the location where you want to mount the remote monitor.
There are multiple places you can mount the monitor. One common location is inside the electrical bay so that you can verify the quality of the power immediately after plugging in. If there’s an error, you can trouble-shoot and see the results. Another great location for the monitor is somewhere inside the RV (i.e. in the control center, above the refrigerator) which enables you to monitor and mange your amp draw as you turn on high amp draw appliances like the A/C, microwave, hair dryer, electric water heater, etc.
Second Monitor
I ultimately decided to mount two monitors, one in both locations. The second remote/monitor is sold separately. The add-on kit includes a module that lets you choose which monitor you want to be active at any one time. When I’m plugging in shore power, I have “Display 2” active. Before I close the door to the electrical compartment, I choose “Display 1” which is the main display that I mounted inside the RV (see photos).
I fished the data cables with a noodler kit. The path from under the bed to the electrical compartment was easy. For the interior monitor in the control center, I routed the cable through the water heater compartment and then up the wall at the foot of the bed.
Progressive Industries EMS-HW30C: www.amazon.com/dp/B002UC6RSA
Progressive Industries EMS Add’l Remote + Switch: www.amazon.com/dp/B007HRPN1U
Wire Noodler Kit: www.amazon.com/dp/B01LXCJSRP