Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Hughes Autoformer or EMS-PT50X (Read 795 times) previous topic - next topic

Hughes Autoformer or EMS-PT50X

Leaving out the issues of overuse of power by some users is there some reason I am missing to buy the Progressive unit instead of the Autoformer?  I am a long way from a power hog as we really don't like AC so until it gets really oppressive I will have the windows open running fans.

There is about $130 difference between the two, they both seem to offer similar features with the Autoformer trying to correct low voltage and the Progressive unit just letting me know about it if it's close or shutting off power if it is too low.  I really like the idea of trying to correct the low voltage if possible.

Thanks
Matt
T-2 days and counting!
1999 U320 3600
CAI floorplan
Build #5466
M11 - HD4060R
Name ?..  working on that

Re: Hughes Autoformer or EMS-PT50X

Reply #1 –
Matt, not to change the subject, but isn't the waiting driving you nuts??
I know it did for me and the DW. The day before we picked it up she had cataract surgery. We were looking at everything in our new to us coach the next day. I lifted up the couch seat to show her what was underneath---and the seat came down on her head and slammed her chin onto the front panel. Scared?? Heck yes, but in love with our coach.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Hughes Autoformer or EMS-PT50X

Reply #2 –
Matt,

The  EMS-PT50X is a surge protector. It is a very different device than a Autoformer. Both of these devices have a purpose and depending on your needs/budget and the area you are camping both can be useful. 

The surge protector does just as stated it protect circuits from surges down stream of this device. This surge can be from a problem with the electric company voltage regulator, wind causing trees to short between phases, lightning strikes (if one of these happens to the ground leg then the surge protector is useless as the surge protector don't protect the ground)  or any number of faults that can cause a surge.  Some people have even installed 2 hard wired protectors, one on the shore power side and one on the generator side of the power system.

An Autoformer (which ever brand you choose) helps with low voltage. The thing about campgrounds is that during high load times you can have voltage sags due to location, wiring, or overloading the circuit transformer. This is when the autoformer steps in and raises voltage through a transformer. The electronics in this device recognizes this sag and when the electrical frequency wave passes zero it swaps the windings in the transformer to help boost the voltage. Is it a miracle device? some think so and others are skeptical.

Now this is just a brief on these 2 devices and I didn't want to go deeeep into technical mumbo jumbo. You will get pros and cons as some here use both and some neither.

Pamela & Mike



Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Hughes Autoformer or EMS-PT50X

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Pamela & Mike –
Matt,

The  EMS-PT50X is a surge protector. It is a very different device than a Autoformer.

The Hughes lists this in it's description:
4800 Joules of Advanced Surge Protection Built-in
Replaceable Surge Protection Unit

The EMS lists their surge protection at 5-Mode / 3,580J / 88,000A

The EMS doesn't talk about the surge protection being replaceable but I have to assume it's not one and done.

I don't know enough about surge protection to understand if one is better than the other but both do list that as a feature. 
1999 U320 3600
CAI floorplan
Build #5466
M11 - HD4060R
Name ?..  working on that

Re: Hughes Autoformer or EMS-PT50X

Reply #4 –
I have and use both. There was a thread here about which one to plug into the power pedestal first.  Some have built the EMS into their coach as wired one way it can protect from rare gen power surges if the gens systems are failing

"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Hughes Autoformer or EMS-PT50X

Reply #5 –
Matt,

I like the single job that the surge guard does.
 
The new autoformers are now a "do all" type device and a lot more complex with there primary design for voltage boosting. I was not aware that they have raised there joules to 4800. (I just went to there new sight and gave it another look)  If you have a surge that kills the surge board the cost of sending the unit back for repairs can be cost prohibitive due to the weight of the transformer.

Pamela & Mike
 

Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Hughes Autoformer or EMS-PT50X

Reply #6 –
New  more expensive autoformer has user replaceable internal fuzes plus some of the EMS features
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Hughes Autoformer or EMS-PT50X

Reply #7 –
Progressive is a one and done device. However, I believe if you send it back to factory  and they fix/replace for free. That has been reported on this forum.
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Hughes Autoformer or EMS-PT50X

Reply #8 –
Like our progressive EMS but it does not boost volts which is needed sometimes
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Hughes Autoformer or EMS-PT50X

Reply #9 –
Thank you for all the responses. 
I am probably going to give the Autoformer a shot.  I really like the idea of trying to correct the voltage. 

One thing that bugs me is they say it has a replaceable surge protector but when you get in the manual you have to send it back to get it replaced. 
It will fit in a large "if it fits it ships" box and is well below the 70 pound weight limit.  $20 to send it back if needed.

They have a mounting kit for $90 but it looks like off the shelf parts so I will probably make up my own.  I like the idea of having it in a compartment rather than sitting on the power pole. 
1999 U320 3600
CAI floorplan
Build #5466
M11 - HD4060R
Name ?..  working on that

Re: Hughes Autoformer or EMS-PT50X

Reply #10 –
To add to Tim's reply,they had me take a picture of my old one and then sent me a new one at their expense.Old one still works
but one leg is a open ground.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Hughes Autoformer or EMS-PT50X

Reply #11 –
"Surge protection" is much more a marketing feature than practical protection.  Surge uses multiple small inexpensive (MOV's about 50 cents each) self destruct devices that shunt voltages over their voltage set-point design to ground.  Surges of these types seldom happen and the surges may still damage things in the coach.  Surge protection ratings are of little comparative value.

Since surges destroy the MOV, having them on a  removable/user-replaceable circuit board saves sending device back to manufacturer if they take a hit.  Both EMS and Hughes have removable surge boards.  We have had two EMS protection devices for over 20 years, and while they have turned off coach electricity several times because of low or high shore cable & generator voltages, they have never had to protect us from surges.

EMS is the only device to own if one wants to protect from many campground anomalies, like open neutral triggering 220 volts where it is not expected, reversed neutral/hot that could cause potentially lethal electrically hot motorhome chassis, high voltage, very low voltage.  NONE of these protections are afforded by Autoformer or any Surge Protection device.

Autoformer will be very practical when it is hot outside and campground voltages are between 95 and 115 volts.  Here is a quote from Hughes Autoformer web site "With an operation range of 95 to 115 volts input, the Autoformer will correct your RV voltage to safe and efficient levels".    Motors will be damaged by low voltage, but most other devices will not be damaged by low voltage, so Autoformers are wonderful when roof air is needed.

Autoformers are simply in bypass mode when voltages are over 115 volts which is most of the time.  So keeping them in the circuit all the time may "wear them out" whatever that means, and they may not be available when needed in some future low voltage situation.

We have our Autoformer stored away, and when our EMS shuts down for low voltage, and we need to run roof air and we don't want to relocate to better electricity, we drag out our Autoformer and put it to good use.  Otherwise it just sleeps awaiting for our call to duty.

When EMS shuts down because of poor campground wiring, it is always much better to move on, if we can and not stress the coach as who knows what else is wrong with campground electric service.
 

Re: Hughes Autoformer or EMS-PT50X

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Barry & Cindy –
EMS is the only device to own if one wants to protect from many campground anomalies, like open neutral triggering 220 volts where it is not expected, reversed neutral/hot that could cause potentially lethal electrically hot motorhome chassis, high voltage, very low voltage.  NONE of these protections are afforded by Autoformer or any Surge Protection device.
That is a really good point.
1999 U320 3600
CAI floorplan
Build #5466
M11 - HD4060R
Name ?..  working on that