06-10-2018, 02:34 PM
Reese - I'll probably not answer your questions to your satisfaction, but I will mumble on a bit about how things should work.
I have at a PI power management system installed between the end of my shore power cord and the breaker box for several years. As you said, its job is to monitor the condition of the incoming power and pass in on only if it meets the requirements of the protection system. If it does not, the unit is programmed to let you know through a series of error codes. When initiated after a loss of power from the post or an interruption of that power by the device, it will display the last error code as well as the present condition.
It does not attempt to interrupt power due to too many amps drawn. That is the job of the breakers in the power post. I am surprised the breakers in the power post managed to stay in with all the loads you mentioned. I can only assume that all four of the roof airs were not compressing at the same time as you were washing dishes. I will also assume the AquaHot was on diesel, so not much of a factor in 120VAC loads.
The refrigerator breaker is there ( as are all breakers ) not to protect the refrigerator, but to protect the wiring between the breaker and the refrigerator from over heating the insulation and starting a fire. A properly working breaker should not trip unless the current through it is close to the rating of the breaker. Assuming the breaker was good, you managed to get close to its rating. One way this can happen is if the voltage at the panel falls well below nominal. As the voltage falls, the current increases to deliver the same power to a device. The PI should disconnect under low voltage conditions. But, it will store the error message and you should know when that happens. For now you might want to be careful how you manage your loads so as not to approach the 50A maximum of the power post. Hope some of this helps you or others reading the forum. Russ
I have at a PI power management system installed between the end of my shore power cord and the breaker box for several years. As you said, its job is to monitor the condition of the incoming power and pass in on only if it meets the requirements of the protection system. If it does not, the unit is programmed to let you know through a series of error codes. When initiated after a loss of power from the post or an interruption of that power by the device, it will display the last error code as well as the present condition.
It does not attempt to interrupt power due to too many amps drawn. That is the job of the breakers in the power post. I am surprised the breakers in the power post managed to stay in with all the loads you mentioned. I can only assume that all four of the roof airs were not compressing at the same time as you were washing dishes. I will also assume the AquaHot was on diesel, so not much of a factor in 120VAC loads.
The refrigerator breaker is there ( as are all breakers ) not to protect the refrigerator, but to protect the wiring between the breaker and the refrigerator from over heating the insulation and starting a fire. A properly working breaker should not trip unless the current through it is close to the rating of the breaker. Assuming the breaker was good, you managed to get close to its rating. One way this can happen is if the voltage at the panel falls well below nominal. As the voltage falls, the current increases to deliver the same power to a device. The PI should disconnect under low voltage conditions. But, it will store the error message and you should know when that happens. For now you might want to be careful how you manage your loads so as not to approach the 50A maximum of the power post. Hope some of this helps you or others reading the forum. Russ
Russ White
2016 Winnebago Vista LX 30T
#530 ( Sold )
1999 45' Double Slide - Factory upgrade 2004