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Old 07-29-2016, 08:08 AM   #15
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Good choice, but I also added a Hughes Autoformer ahead of the Progressive to boast voltage in low voltage conditions. Low voltage is common in the Summer months.
Same thing with me. Low voltage in some of the older CG's during the summer is a common problem.
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Old 07-29-2016, 11:03 AM   #16
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I have an Autoformer too. I keep it in the bay but have it set up with a plug and socket so that I can use insert it between the cord reel and surge protection if needed.

It isn't often that I need it but it is worth its weight in gold when you do finally need it.
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Old 07-29-2016, 11:37 AM   #17
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So just how needed are these? Is there no built-in surge protection on our coaches?

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Old 07-29-2016, 11:45 AM   #18
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I have an Autoformer too. I keep it in the bay but have it set up with a plug and socket so that I can use insert it between the cord reel and surge protection if needed.

It isn't often that I need it but it is worth its weight in gold when you do finally need it.
Mark, let me ask you this; If you have the autoformer between the coach and surge protector, doesn't your surge protector shut down power, when the pedestal voltage get's too low, therefor not allowing the autoformer to do it's intended job ?
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Old 07-29-2016, 11:51 AM   #19
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Mark, let me ask you this; If you have the autoformer between the coach and surge protector, doesn't your surge protector shut down power, when the pedestal voltage get's too low, therefor not allowing the autoformer to do it's intended job ?
It would, but that's not how I have it connected. The cord reel connects to the pedestal. Exiting the cord reel I placed a male plug and female receptacle on the line that goes to the surge protector. I can unplug that connection and insert the Autoformer so that it is prior to the surge protection.

You are correct in that the Autoformer cannot be after the surge protector or else the power will get shut off before the Autoformer can do anything.
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Old 07-29-2016, 12:08 PM   #20
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Ahh, got it!

I'm not much of an electrician, but would like to get an autoformer, as I've run across low voltage too many times, and usually at the worst possible times .
What I was thinking was selling my Progressive S.P, and plugging a cheap 'surge only' 50A protector, ahead of the autoformer. Does that sound like it would work? Would I be leaving myself vulnerable?
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Old 07-29-2016, 12:37 PM   #21
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Progressive Surge Protector on Dutch Star

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Ahh, got it!



I'm not much of an electrician, but would like to get an autoformer, as I've run across low voltage too many times, and usually at the worst possible times .

What I was thinking was selling my Progressive S.P, and plugging a cheap 'surge only' 50A protector, ahead of the autoformer. Does that sound like it would work? Would I be leaving myself vulnerable?

You are leaving yourself open to the most damaging of electrical faults on a 50 amp coach. An open or floating neutral can put 240 VAC into your coach. Also an open ground can electrocuted you. Also the Autoformer boosts low voltage but high voltage still can come into the coach.
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Old 07-29-2016, 12:51 PM   #22
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Actually, surges are the least common malady you will ever run into. Most of the time it's low voltage. After that the dangers of open neutral (as stated by Steve) and high voltage are in the next category. Surges don't happen as often as one might think yet these "prote4ction Devices", such as the excellent Progressive EM HW S0C, are commonly referred to as surge protectors, even though they do much more.

Now if you have a good unit, such as the Progressive, in your coach and are putting the Autoformer before it and all you want to do is protect the Autoformer from a surge, then having this second inexpensive surge protector would accomplish that. However, the need for that is quite remote.
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Old 07-29-2016, 01:07 PM   #23
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Reading the Hughes literature, it sounds like their autoformer will do everything the Progressive surge protector does. It also says the surge protector part of the unit is replaceable, without replacing the entire unit.
Mabe thats all you need.

https://hughesautoformers.com/produc...ter-and-surge/
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Old 07-31-2016, 05:43 PM   #24
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Ordered the Hughes Autoformer yesterday, but wasn't paying close enough attention, and ordered the older model, before the enhanced surge/ power checking capabilities (guess thats why they are on sale).
So, I guess I keep my portable Proressive EMS, plug it into the power pole first, so it can run it's diagnostics, then if needed, plug the Autoformer in ahead of it.
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Old 08-01-2016, 03:57 PM   #25
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The Progressive EM-HW50C installed after the transfer switch enables monitoring the generators power via their remote. You can see if one leg is drawing too much power and is about to trip the generators breaker, check that you are using about 50% on each leg when exercising the generator, and all loads are off before shutting the generator off. The voltages and frequency information enable you to monitor the generators performance. I learned via the remote which items are on which breaker and avoid turning on a 15 and 10 Amp appliance on a 20 Amp breaker.
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Old 08-01-2016, 06:28 PM   #26
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Ahh, got it!

I'm not much of an electrician, but would like to get an autoformer, as I've run across low voltage too many times, and usually at the worst possible times .
What I was thinking was selling my Progressive S.P, and plugging a cheap 'surge only' 50A protector, ahead of the autoformer. Does that sound like it would work? Would I be leaving myself vulnerable?
That's how I've go mine set up except I still have the good progressive after the autoformer. . Coming off the power cord reel, I have a receptacle, into that I plug in the "cheap surge protector" which will hopefully protect the autoformer which is plugged into it. The primary surge protector then plugs into the autoformer. In the event of a component failure, it's just a matter of unplugging the failed unit.
Before i plug anything in, I test the pedestal for proper wiring with a test box I made. It basically indicates that line 1 and line 2 and neutral and ground are properly hooked up on the receptacle and also displays the voltage for each leg.
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Old 08-01-2016, 08:21 PM   #27
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Sounds like a foolproof setup
My Progressive EMS is portable, so I don't need a seperate pedestal tester.
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Old 08-02-2016, 03:44 AM   #28
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We have been travelling the Maritime Provinces for past 60 days with the Progressive 50A hard wired inside electric bay. It has saved us many times from low voltage. Few campgrounds have updated electrical since installed back in 60-70's. I have seen as low as 96V and the Progressive shut off electric in a flash. Needless to say we have run generator more hours than anticipated. Fifty hours over 60 days is just a good exercise for the genny. If we ever return to Maritimes I will invest in a Hughes autoformer.

The trip has been great and recommend the Maritimes.
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