Energy Management System

[Kenny]

Anyone using an energy management device. The one listed in the link below monitors available power and will shed or disconnect devices based on priority if power consumption gets to great. Seems like a great way to use what you want almost anytime you want without worrying about tripping circuit breakers or remembering to turn something else off before say use the microwave.
Anyone using one or looked into them? Kenny

http://intellitec.com/pdfs/EMS_Web/5300683.000.pdf

[rv_safetyman]

Kenny, looks like a pretty neat device.  Probably not all that necessary when hooked to 50A, but would be great with a "real" 30A.  I have been in a couple of RV Parks where the 30 amp breaker would trip before the current got that high.

I did not look around to see how expensive the system was, but to detect amperage and control several circuits would seem to me to be pretty complex (shunts and relays???).  Would guess they are pretty proud of their product.

Jim

[Jeremy]

There are similar but more basic versions of that type of devices that simply sound an alarm when the current goes above a pre-set level. I think I might prefer that than having a system that suddenly turned the power off to any of my appliances (or suddenly turned it back on again) - computers and other modern electronic devices don't appreciate being treated like that.


Jeremy

[belfert]

Typically these systems only control the large loads like air conditioners, electric heaters, and electric water heaters.  Water heaters and electric heaters should not care if power is disconnected.  The system has a delay to prevent damage to air conditioners.

I don't have one and manage to control my loads well enough when on 30 amp.  Systems like these are more important when you have a spouse, family members, or other guests who don't understand what loads can be run together without popping the breaker.

[luvrbus]

You need to read the RV's forums people that have those in the S&S are not happy campers fwiw

good luck

[niles500]

Probably cheaper to buy an inverter that has load sharing and run your shore through it - FWIW