Community Forums

tmw188 · 07-22-2015, 04:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chevyboy70

What is an auto former? I am about to buy a simple voltage meter

Read back to some earlier posts. 17,18,and19 there is a link there too.

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normandlegra · 07-22-2015, 05:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chevyboy70

What is an auto former? I am about to buy a simple voltage meter

https://hughesautoformers.com/

Bigd9 · 07-22-2015, 06:54 AM

We just arrived at a campground that has a sign posted on every 30 amp electrical hookup box. "If campground is full, DO NOT draw more than 24 amps from this connection". I would guess this campground has low voltage problems like has been described in this thread?

There is only 3 of us here at the campground and I'm seeing a fuzz less than 120 volts so I don't think we have to worry. But I was curious about the sign.

Steve Ownby · 07-22-2015, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpk

I think i'd like to push this a little. Can't they just change the tap on the transformer to raise the voltage?

I've been in a campground where this was done. It was mid summer and A/Cs were all running. The VAC was 118-122. About 10 PM, when the electrical usage dropped significantly, the VAC started hitting 132-135 and my Progressive started cutting power to the coach. I have a Autoformer for low voltage. Anybody got a simple solution to high voltage?

Steve Ownby
Full time since '07

tmw188 · 07-22-2015, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigd9

We just arrived at a campground that has a sign posted on every 30 amp electrical hookup box. "If campground is full, DO NOT draw more than 24 amps from this connection". I would guess this campground has low voltage problems like has been described in this thread?

There is only 3 of us here at the campground and I'm seeing a fuzz less than 120 volts so I don't think we have to worry. But I was curious about the sign.

You will have to monitor your amp draw on your panel in the coach. It can't be done with a volt meter. Practice monitoring different loads to see what they might draw so you are aware of it when you need to be.

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PushedAround · 07-22-2015, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Ownby

I've been in a campground where this was done. It was mid summer and A/Cs were all running. The VAC was 118-122. About 10 PM, when the electrical usage dropped significantly, the VAC started hitting 132-135 and my Progressive started cutting power to the coach. I have a Autoformer for low voltage. Anybody got a simple solution to high voltage?

Steve Ownby
Full time since '07

Seems like they did what rpk suggested and as the load drops it creates a new set of problems. No easy solution except to run the generator for the rest of the evening.

MikeandClaudia · 07-23-2015, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PushedAround

If your equipment is rated at 110V, then you can safely run down to 90%, or 99 volts. If it rated at 120V however, the lower limit is 108V so at 105/107V you are under-voltage.

One person mentioned a Buck-Boost transformer. A 10KVA Buck-Boost transformer to run one 50 amp outlet is about $1K, and weights close to 200 lbs, so that really is not an option.

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A Hughes Autoformer is currently $ 548.00 plus shipping and weights 35 lbs.

While this is pricy and is fairly heavy, it is NOT as stated.

I have had one and used it very successfully for the last eight years. It performs flawlessly and I am glad to have spent the money.

Mr_D · 07-23-2015, 11:22 PM

I've got the Hughes unit, but unfortunately I bought it from CW. It has 50 amp connections but internally it's only a 30 amp unit. Burned it up once and a friend rebuilt it, just a capacitor. It worked well when I didn't overload it.

wa8yxm · 07-24-2015, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PushedAround

If your equipment is rated at 110V, then you can safely run down to 90%, or 99 volts. If it rated at 120V however, the lower limit is 108V so at 105/107V you are under-voltage.

One person mentioned a Buck-Boost transformer. A 10KVA Buck-Boost transformer to run one 50 amp outlet is about $1K, and weights close to 200 lbs, so that really is not an option.

I'm not sure of the weight (I can pick it up with one hand) but you are a bit off on the price. This is a boost only unit though.

Hughes Autoformer 50 amp on Sale - PPL Motor Homes

I have one, purchased 10 years ago elsewhere. and it works rather well... I have no power problems when park voltage is under 100, which is amazing.

PushedAround · 07-24-2015, 11:51 AM

Ok guys, no need to pile on. What I was talking about was a true transformer (which is larger and more expensive, not an autoformer. I was unaware of the Hughes autoformer, but it is obviously the correct piece of equipment for the job.