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Topic: Functional change in new Progressive EMS devices (Read 557 times) previous topic - next topic
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Functional change in new Progressive EMS devices
Sharing a recent discover.  The most recent models of Progressive EMS (now owned by Navico) operate slightly differently than the original ones (as we discovered installing a new one in our coach.) 

New units no longer have a 15 or 216 second time delay (depending on jumper position) on normal power application.  It's 6 seconds and you cannot change it.

The longer delay will only occur if the unit detected an error and blocked power itself.  If the unit detects an error and shuts down power, it will delay when whatever the issue is clears up and the unit prepares to pass power again.  Then when it passes power it will display the PE (previous error). 

If power is removed due to normal unplugging/cycling/etc. the shore power breaker, there will only be the 6 seconds before it passes power.

Very different than prior units.

It becomes important that one's transfer switch has a time delay on generator power (to allow generator output to stabilize) if the Progressive EMS is installed after the transfer switch.
Re: Functional change in new Progressive EMS devices
Reply #1 –
Mine is configured with the longer delay which is quite annoying. The first couple times I encountered it, I thought there was a problem with shore power, transfer switch, etc. A little research showed it was indeed, normal. Whew!

As I understand it, the longer delay setting exists to protect air conditioners that don't have a built-in restart delay. The claim being, that damage can occur to these units when power is interrupted/restored if the A/C is on and it starts back up immediately. If so - this new design sounds like a problem, no?

Some more reading indicated that many digital thermostats have a built-in delay that provides the same protection as something built into some A/C units, so perhaps that's an easy solution if one is needed. And, if this is accurate - perhaps this is a way for those of us with older A/C units to use the shorter delay with no risk to the A/C.

Lastly, if the concern is stabilization of the generator output at startup time, this new design sounds like an improvement. If I understand the updated function, the EMS won't allow AC to flow until the generator output is in an acceptable range.

Lots of ifs, lots of guessing above.
2002 26.5 MB

Previous: 2011 27 RB, 2005 24 TK
Re: Functional change in new Progressive EMS devices
Reply #2 –
6 seconds isn't long enough to get stable power from a generator.  What it means is that likely power will pass, then quickly drop, then pass again in 15 or 216 seconds, depending on the jumper.  That can be hard on many 120 VAC items, not just air conditioners.  That's why it's wise to have a transfer switch with the delay (and wired so that the generator goes through the delay side) with one of these newer Progressive units.
Re: Functional change in new Progressive EMS devices
Reply #3 –
I prefer the longer delay so my system doesn't hit the grid at the same time as all my neighbors after an outage. 

Let them fight over power for the first couple minutes, I'll come back after the power stabilizes.

Steve
2015 TK
Re: Functional change in new Progressive EMS devices
Reply #4 –
Like Steve TK, I'm fine with the longer delay. I'm retired. I can wait two hundred seconds. :-)
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
 
Re: Functional change in new Progressive EMS devices
Reply #5 –
I have an older model with the long delay. I prefer it that way. Often when utility power is interrupted, it may be a branch falling on a power line or a bird flying into one, which may cause the utility breaker in the line to trip once or twice before resetting. The longer delay ignores all that, lets the line stabilize before before passing power to the rig. Nothing wrong with that in my opinion.

"As I understand it, the longer delay setting exists to protect air conditioners that don't have a built-in restart delay. The claim being, that damage can occur to these units when power is interrupted/restored if the A/C is on and it starts back up immediately. If so - this new design sounds like a problem, no?" 
The chance of damage to the A\C is minimal. A\C motor compressors have a built in auto-reset overload that opens the power circuit to the compressor if it's trying to start under a load. This happens more frequently than most people realize, and is not harmful to the compressor or components. Not to say one would want it cycling on the overload all the time, but it is not a concern on an occasional power interruption or maybe when the system is short cycling in really hot weather.
Bill
2003 -- 23' FL