Community Forums

TWINCAMSAM · 05-20-2019, 07:17 AM

Received my AF and have put together the install kit. Now trying to understand the connection. AF has cord w/plug for the input and an outlet for the out put. The adapter kit has a cord with plug and an outlet.

Now does the cord from the cord reel now go to the outlet from adapter kit? Then the AF plugs in there? The cord from adapter kit is connected to the surge protector and plugged into the AF?

If I understand all of the above to be correct then, between locations do you have the AF unplugged allowing you to first check out the integrity of the new power pedistal before connecting to coach?

Thanks before hand for any tips or advise.

JPilot604 · 05-20-2019, 12:34 PM

TWINCAMSAM - Yes, you have it exactly right.

The socket in the kit is intended to go on the end of your power reel. Depending on the setup you have, it is usually possible to just remove the cord from the transfer switch/surge protector and put the socket on there. Then the 50A tail they give you in the kit with a plug on it connects to the transfer switch/surge protector where you removed the wire from to put the socket on.

Once done, you can then insert the Autoformer into the circuit, or plug the tail you just installed back into the new socket to bypass the Autoformer completely.

As for leaving it connected. It is up to you. I am not sure which Autoformer you bought, as they make one with built in protection (from low/high voltage and faulty wiring) and also one that just does surge and boosts the voltage. If you have the one with the built in protection, then it really needs to stay plugged in to be effective.

I have the original one without the detection circuitry, but I leave it plugged in all the time, and have never had a problem. It makes setting up so much easier, as you simply plug in the power cord and you are done. There have been many campgrounds that have had good voltage during the day and then in the evening the voltage has dropped and the Autoformer has boosted it automatically without me doing anything.

NealC · 05-20-2019, 02:51 PM

As outlined above but I'll make it simple:

Shore Power (Pedestal) => Cord Reel => Cord Reel wired to AutoFormer internal mount receptacle

Hughes AutoFormer plugged in to internal mount receptacle

Coach is now plugged into AutoFormer from ATS (transfer switch)

If you needed to you could unplug the coach (ATS) from the AutoFormer and plug that into the internal mount receptacle and that makes a connection from cord reel direct coach.

TWINCAMSAM · 05-20-2019, 07:27 PM

Thanks guys-I just wanted to confirm what I was thinking was correct. But boy, it’s tight in there. I reckon I’ll have to move the transfer/surge protector to make room.

Thanks again

ftharrisiii · 05-20-2019, 08:13 PM

Here's the diagram I put together when I installed my Autoformer.

I also shifted the transfer switch up and moved the cable TV connections ot the roof to make room.

TWINCAMSAM · 05-21-2019, 08:15 PM

Thanks tom!

PanJH · 05-22-2019, 06:41 AM

Mine is set up like Tom's diagram, except I also put in a cheap surge protector between the power cord and autoformer. While the Autoformer has internal surge protection, it requires a trip to the factory to have it repaired in the vent of a surge. With plug in one in front of the autoformer, in the event of a surge, I can just unplug it and replace it with another $50 unit.
Ys, it's tight getting all the stuff in there.