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JCAT · 05-29-2013, 08:06 PM

After reading many posts regarding the installation of a surge protector (EMS) and autoformer I decided on a configuration and just completed installation.

My goal was to provide protection against errant CG voltages but offer flexibility to address concerns people expressed for device failures and voltages too low to pass a surge protector.

Additionally, some people felt the autorformer should be located ahead of the surge protector (pedestal point of entry) and others believed the surge protector should be ahead of the autoformer.

My design includes the Hughes autoformer, PI hard wired surge protector and 50amp grey metal box receptacle. All components are located within the electric bay.

The incoming shore power cord was relocated from the ATS and terminated in the 50 amp box receptacle. The power cord from the ATS to the MH distribution was not altered. The devices were connected using 8 gauge 4 wire with molded plugs that allows reconfiguration of devices or by-passing either device.

Attached is the simple schematic. Photos will be attached after the wiring organization is complete and removable shelf for cord organization is completed.

I would not have understood the need or configuration considerations without postings on this forum.

flaggship1 · 05-29-2013, 08:10 PM

The crowd goes wild! Well played sir. Well played.

MSHappyCampers · 05-30-2013, 09:47 AM

Good job John! Thanks for posting!

historyljc · 05-30-2013, 11:02 PM

Good job. That's the same way I set mine up. I leave the autoformer out of the line-up unless needed. Most campgrounds that we use these day we don't need it.

Sky_Boss · 05-31-2013, 07:35 AM

NICE!!!! Gonna make me jealous! (Bad RVM attitude but it is what it is. LOL)

luvlabs · 05-31-2013, 09:56 AM

With the EMS ahead of the autoformer, the autoformer really doesn't have much to do. Low voltages and high voltages will be not be passed through the autoformer - just routine 108 to 130 volts as limited by the EMS. I though the whole point of the autoformer was to boost low voltages and if it doesn't have any low voltages to boost, why have it - or did I miss something?

FlyingDiver · 05-31-2013, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvlabs

With the EMS ahead of the autoformer, the autoformer really doesn't have much to do. Low voltages and high voltages will be not be passed through the autoformer - just routine 108 to 130 volts as limited by the EMS. I though the whole point of the autoformer was to boost low voltages and if it doesn't have any low voltages to boost, why have it - or did I miss something?

True, if it's really an EMS. If it's just a surge protector, then he's fine.

OP - what model is your "EMS"? Is it really an EMS, or just a fancy surge protector? If it has "under voltage protection" as a feature, then it needs to be AFTER the autoformer.

JCAT · 06-01-2013, 05:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvlabs

With the EMS ahead of the autoformer, the autoformer really doesn't have much to do. Low voltages and high voltages will be not be passed through the autoformer - just routine 108 to 130 volts as limited by the EMS. I though the whole point of the autoformer was to boost low voltages and if it doesn't have any low voltages to boost, why have it - or did I miss something?

I think you got it right. That was why I use plugs and hard wire combination to enable me to reverse the order if I am comfortable that the CG won't damage the transformer, time of day, temperature, population density, etc. If the voltage is really outside the EMS voltage window I am going to be suspect of the CG and proceed knowing what I got and do further investigation. If it's merely a low voltage issue and all else is "okay" then I'll let the transformer attempt to work for it's room and board.

But, basically - you're right - I am just proceeding stepwise - I hate repairs... And like boats I am finding MHs also have a lot to go wrong.

JCAT · 06-01-2013, 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyingDiver

True, if it's really an EMS. If it's just a surge protector, then he's fine.

OP - what model is your "EMS"? Is it really an EMS, or just a fancy surge protector? If it has "under voltage protection" as a feature, then it needs to be AFTER the autoformer.

Model is Progressive Industries 50 amp hard wire with (2) line monitors - one in the bay and one in the coach. I'll photo the bay when I get it "pretty", but we were rushing to get everything done before heading out.