You need an Electrical Management System

Picture this: you’re out on an awesome RV camping trip. The sun is shining, the grill sizzling, and you’re ready to relax in your cozy RV with the air conditioner humming. But suddenly, the your AC unit starts making weird noises, or not, and it just stops. It won’t even turn on.Your expensive and now essential air conditioner is fried, and your trip is ruined. What might have caused this? The answer lies in something called voltage drops, and an Electrical Management System (EMS) could have saved the day.

What’s a Voltage Drop, and Why Should You Care?

When you plug your RV into a campground’s power, you expect steady electricity to run your appliances, like your air conditioner, fridge, or microwave. But sometimes, the voltage (the “push” of electricity) can drop too low. This might happen because the campground’s electrical system is old, overloaded, or just not up to par. Most campgrounds were built in a time when you had a 30 amp rig, and 1 AC — often, no AC’s at all.  Today, 50 amp rigs with 2 or even 3 AC’s are commonplace.

When these are all humming way, the amount of power is much than ‘normal’ and this causes the voltage to drop. When the voltage drops, your RV’s appliances try to pull more current (the flow of electricity) to keep working. Think of it like trying to suck a thick milkshake through a tiny straw—you have to work harder to get it through. More current means more heat, and too much heat will damage or destroy your appliances, especially sensitive ones like air conditioners and microwaves.

For example, air conditioners have motors that need a steady voltage to run smoothly. If the voltage drops too low, the motor works overtime, overheats, and can burn out. Fixing or replacing an RV air conditioner can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars—not exactly the kind of souvenir you want from your camping trip!

How an EMS Saves Your RV

This is where an Electrical Management System (EMS) comes in like a superhero. An EMS is a device that sits between your RV and the campground’s power source. It’s like a guard that watches the electricity flowing into your RV. If it notices something dangerous, like a voltage drop or a power surge (when too much electricity flows in), it cuts off the power to protect your RV.

Here’s how it works:

• Surge Protection: An EMS stops sudden spikes in electricity that could fry your appliances.
• Low Voltage Protection: If the voltage drops too low (say, below 104 volts for a 120-volt system), the EMS shuts off the power before the extra current can overheat and damage your appliances.
• Peace of Mind: With an EMS, you don’t have to worry about bad campground wiring ruining your trip.
  
  

For example, let’s say you’re at a campground with shaky power, and the voltage drops to 100 volts. Without an EMS, your air conditioner might keep running, pulling too much current and overheating until it breaks. But with an EMS, it senses the low voltage and cuts the power before any damage happens. Once the voltage stabilizes, the EMS lets the power flow again, keeping your RV safe.

Why Every RV Camper Needs an EMS

An EMS isn’t just a fancy gadget—it’s a lifesaver for your RV and your appliances. Voltage drops and power surges can happen at any campground, especially older ones or during peak seasons when lots of RVs are plugged in. Here’s why you should get an EMS:

• Protects Your Appliances: Keeps your air conditioner, fridge, and other gear safe from damage.
• Saves Money: Repairs and replacements are expensive. An EMS costs way less than a new air conditioner.
• Easy to Use: Just plug it in between your RV’s power cord and the campground’s outlet, and it does the rest.

Tips for Choosing an EMS

If you’re ready to get an EMS, look for one that’s portable, easy to use, and designed for RVs. Make sure it protects against both low voltage and power surges. Popular brands like Progressive Industries or Surge Guard are great choices. Don’t skimp on cheap knockoffs, spent the money once and get a good one from a reputable brand like Hughes, or Progressive industries.  Also, match it to the capacity of your camper.   If you have a 30 amp, or a 50 amp match to what you have.

Don’t Let a Voltage Drop Ruin Your Trip

Camping in an RV is all about adventure and relaxation, not stressing about broken appliances. A voltage drop can cause overheating, destroy your air conditioner, and turn your dream trip into a nightmare. But with an Electrical Management System, you can protect your RV and enjoy your trip worry-free. Don’t be like Jake—get an EMS and camp with confidence!