ActiveStart Soft Starter & RV Surge Protector Review - Part 1 Features & First Test using Park Power

[@LoveYourRV]

*View Part 2 Video - AC Startup in RV Park & Off Grid using Generator & Inverters* - kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3eykoKhbM6gqMU *Active Controls Website* - www.active-controlsllc.com/ Active Controls KZbin Channel - kzbin.info/door/2oKOjtZL-YMZbPzv5PpizQ Amazon Link - amzn.to/3Xaco1M

[@stacyhazelwood4033]

I bought 1 of these about a month ago. I love mine. I had some questions and the owner of the company answered my questions. Good customer service.

[@LoveYourRV]

Great to hear, thanks for the comment.

[@Smapdi60]

Very interesting. I spent $250 and an hour to install a Softstart. If this will allow you to use your AC on a small generator that will be a huge deal. Let us know when it finally gets warm enough to fire up the AC

[@herb7877]

I am amazed how many generator "not working" issues I have solved over the years with a Neutral Ground Bonding Plug as you showed in the beginning. We camp with a large group a couple times a year. Quite often someone is wondering why their generator isn't working or keeps tripping off. When asked, the first words out of my mouth are " Neutral ground plug". Quick trip to a hardware store and for about $5 you can make one up in minutes. If I'm not mistaken I believe I learned it from you about 5-6 years ago.... It has stuck with me.

[@LoveYourRV]

Yes, I soon found out back in early 2013 when my EMS would spit out an open ground error when I ran my generator. I spiced an old dog bone adapter I had kicking around to make the N-G plug.

[@jockosboy17]

I bought the 20 amp model to install on just my AC circuit vs. buying a 30 amp for the entire rig. Saved quite a bit of money going with the 20 amp as it is plenty for just the AC circuit. I graphed draw using the soft start vs. nothing and it consistently drew less start up amps. I saw about an 8 amp reduction. Also I had a couple questions about how the generator size selection affected draw and the customer service was outstanding. Really fast response as I didn’t expect them to respond until the next day but I had a response within a couple hours. Seems to be a really good company.

[@danielmckenna2461]

We recently picked one of these up. I'm on the fence on the unit. I did get my 15k Coleman mach AC started with it on a little champion 2500 inverter generator. Running gasoline it stutters really hard when the compressor kicks on, but it does start. On propane the generator chugs down , and the AC doesn't start. It's a bit frustrating because it takes a few minutes for the unit to reset. The company seems great. I called them on a Saturday, and the guy (I think the company is one guy) picked up and answered a bunch of questions for me. I guess this is the expected behavior. That he's shaping the load. He explained that it's a different technology than the hard wired capacitor ones that I'm more familiar with. He also explained that it won't work with the solar generators (battery banks) but that he's working on a solution for that. For the price, to get a soft start and a surge protector, and Bluetooth power monitor in one package... It's a no brainer for someone getting started. We already have an EPO surge protector, and the capacitor ones are more effective at starting the AC and limiting the voltage drop on the bus, so I'm probably going to send mine back and get his hard wired one. I would definitely buy other products from this company. But this one misses the mark a bit on what we needed it for.

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks for the feedback. I agree the company is very responsive. In my second video, the product couldn't start my 14.5k BTU Furrion from my generator and inverters kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3eykoKhbM6gqMU Since the guy has sent me a modified one that he tried different programming on but still no luck. So next, I'm going to try their hard-wired version. Cheers, Ray

[@darylhawkins4658]

Great video. I installed a MicroAir EasyStart on the A/C unit not so much as to run off my Honda EU2000i generator, but to run the camper off a 20amp utility outlet. The audible thump in the ceiling when the A/C compressor cycles on is no longer heard.

[@craigmckenzie8028]

This sounds like a great product. It will be nice to see your review with the generator and without a generator running. Cheers

[@dougwilliams2890]

Competition for Softstartup device.

[@stuartstuart866]

This would be super handy and you would never have to wire in a soft start to any current or future RV air conditioner ever again.

[@johnr5545]

Thanks nice job how much is the 30 amp one is God bless

[@LoveYourRV]

I see them on Amazon for $485 amzn.to/3D5i7gU

[@da7heaven]

lol, I saw the 92 degrees F and wondered where in the heck you are that's that hot right now. Good to know it's the device temperature. I sent them an email asking them to let me know when the 50 amp version is out, and I mentioned that you referred me to them.

[@LoveYourRV]

haha, yeah, little toasty for January. The box is sealed with an O-ring, so I guess whatever heat is generated by the electronic components on the circuit board doesn't dissipate very fast with a plastic case. But, it's rated operating temp range is 4ºF to 176ºF should handle any temps RVers see. Cheers! Ray

[@willymueller4587]

Ray the Bluetooth capability of these devices blow me away, amps/volts/herz/kWh used, I could get rid of many devices, will look forward for your generator review as we both have that 2000 watt Champion

[@tenkaraintheiowadriftless]

Very attractive option, thanks for the initial review. I’m wondering if there could be any sort of weather protection for the female plug end.

[@LoveYourRV]

Good question, I'm not sure as this is the first time I've had an outside surge protector. I guess a person could use electrical tape on the seam. Maybe someone else has an answer.

[@rickbeyer6633]

Looking forward to this review!

[@KevinCoop1]

Ray, When I was designing electrical systems for commercial and industrial work, once in a while a customer would request surge protection for their entire system. Could have a few or many Surge protective devices. One thing I learned was that most devices have MOV’s that are not replaceable. They typically had a light to show when the MOV had blown. The more expensive devices had surge monitoring built in. Mostly the number of strikes on a counter. Also, some can only take 1 surge and are blown. I couldn’t find this information on either of the devices. Did you ever get a E10 message on your progressive industries device? From looking at the pictures, I’m thinking they are replaceable. Just y opinion. If you have a 30 amp system in your RV, and plugged into a pedestal, there is no need for soft start. It is when you go to 15 or 20 amp or generators that they may be helpful. Thanks Ray.

[@LoveYourRV]

No, I haven't had an E10 that I can remember. Mostly I encounter low voltage at poorly wired parks E4 I think the soft starter may help on shore hookup power if you are pushing the upper limits of the 30 amp max. Maybe lowering the chances of blowing the breaker when say the AC unit compressor powers on. Though breakers usually have a time delay that handles it.

[@yankeesusa1]

Does this unit have a replacement module like the watch dog? At these prices this is really expensive to not have something like that.

[@projet2907]

Very interesting. Thank you Ray for this video. Can’t wait for the follow up tests. Can you lock it to the post? I just installed a soft starter last February along with a Southwire surge guard and the blue tooth monitor ,, 😥. Will you be able to see on the app how many amps it took to start the different devices ? Cheers 😊

[@LoveYourRV]

Yes, there is a double metal ring on one of the cords to be able to lock it to the post. I don't see anywhere that tells you the max start up apps it took. Cheers, Ray

[@garryhammond3117]

Very useful unit - I hope it comes in at a good price point. - Cheers

[@RVFreeDa]

I really want one but they are so expensive. I was hoping I could find a DYI video of how to make one myself.

[@LoveYourRV]

I've seen some DIY soft start builds but they are usually very basic little circuits and not able to handle the high amps RVs require.

[@jeffslater3708]

Excellent content!

[@deddie4645]

Nice

[@TheDefenderSisu]

I live about 15 minutes away from there place, if you would like me to do video of them and send it to you let me know. I live in Miramar , Florida. You are always so helpful and have showed me so much I would like to give some back. Please let me know.

[@LoveYourRV]

Sure , I'll let you know. What kind of video are you proposing?

[@K7CARadio]

Interesting, 1 year Warranty?????, 92 F seems a bit too high for Winter temps. Let us know how it performs in Summer temps.

[@LoveYourRV]

The box is sealed with an O-ring for weatherproofing, so I guess whatever heat is generated by the electronic components on the circuit board doesn't dissipate very fast with a plastic case. But, it's rated operating temp range is 4ºF to 176ºF should handle any temps RVers see I'd imagine. I see on the website you can get an extra year warranty if you sign up to a newsletter, they also list a 45 day return policy. www.active-controlsllc.com/ But the company is so new, not much if track record yet to go on. Cheers, Ray

[@SlimSh8E]

I've had one of these a couple of months but have only used it a couple of times because I rely on solar when I can get it. On my last trip I was wondering how this device "soft starts" equipment such as an A/C. When I was doing my research someone suggested it was resistors which got me wondering if it could be harmful to my A/C and shorten it's life. If anyone has any knowledge about this I would be very interested in hearing your opinions. Thanks for the review, enjoyed the video.

[@LoveYourRV]

It's more sophisticated than just resistors. It lowers the initial amperage needed to move the AC compressor rotor or other appliance motors, so it should actually be gentler on the AC and wiring. Here is a PDF that explains the concept www.hypereng.com/literature/CS1629MH.pdf

[@SlimSh8E]

@@LoveYourRV Thanks!

[@scottconnell8167]

Ray, isn't the overvoltage kind of high at 140 ?? My Progressive shuts off at 132 Thank you & safe travels

[@LoveYourRV]

Does seem kind of high. I'll have to ask them why they chose that figure.

[@coreybabcock2023]

I saw videos on how to build your own soft starter I'll find the link and post it to your Facebook page

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks, is a good explanation of the soft starter function in rudimentary form.

[@coreybabcock2023]

@@LoveYourRV agree

[@ldcooper1]

Is it CSA or UL approved? Or pending approval?

[@LoveYourRV]

Not sure, I'll have a closer look at it tomorrow and let you know.

[@LoveYourRV]

Had a look today and didn't see any UL or CSA labels

[@ldcooper1]

@@LoveYourRV thanks. Being that you don’t see any CSA or UL labels do you consider this a significant safety concern to you if you were to buy it? I feel CSA and UL labeled goods are the minimum safety standards. It’s a wee bit comforting to know there has been some 3rd party testing especially if you have an incident and are dealing with insurance companies. Thanks again.

[@LoveYourRV]

Since it's an outside device and the 30 amp cord connectors do have ETL markings, www.intertek.com/marks/etl/ I wouldn't be too concerned. Usually, the failure point is the metal connections. Even CSA/UL will melt down due to corroded plugs or loose power pedestal receptacles. Not much to go wrong inside the PVC box that I can see. There is a small circuit board, electronic components, screw terminals, and a relay, so everything is flameproof and fused. www.loveyourrv.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Inside-ActiveStart-30-amp.jpg I'll pass along your concern and see maybe it has been 3rd party tested. Cheers, Ray

[@ldcooper1]

@@LoveYourRV thanks

[@scubieman]

I need that but hard wired!!!

[@LoveYourRV]

Looks like it would be easy enough to hardwire but the spec sheet does state for outdoor use only. So guess they don't want the liability of an inside install.

[@activecontrolsllc]

@@LoveYourRV That is the case. We have a version coming out that will be for hardwiring inside the RV in a metal enclosure.

[@rvfuntimes6144]

I'm afraid the portable ones will walk away. Be my Luck.

[@LoveYourRV]

They have a double metal ring on one cable so it can be locked to the pole. Not much, but at least a person would need some serious wire cutters or the smarts to unscrew the box and remove one cable. I carry a 25 foot 30 amp cable but also have a 10 foot extension for various places where the power box is further away. So I think what I will do is connect it in between the two and tuck it under the rig, out of sight and weather.

[@rvfuntimes6144]

@@LoveYourRV Thanks Ray

[@tonyfontana8222]

50 amp model is $750 !

[@LoveYourRV]

Pretty steep price to pay but it does have to handle two 50 amp circuits versus one 30 amp as in this model.

[@Ifugiveubegin2live]

So can this allow you use 2 ACs on a 30 amp? Thanks

[@LoveYourRV]

Maybe. I don't have two to test. My guess it would depend on the model and BTU rating of the ACs. It maybe will work for a pair of 13.5K BTU