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Hughs Autoformer campground voltage increaser

April 01, 2015, 05:59:01 pm

Our Hughes Autoformer has been boxed up since our last use a couple of years ago. 

Today we moved to a new campsite and the electric pedestal measured around 108 volts with only a small load.  Testing how it would hold up under load, one roof air was turned on for a moment, and voltage dropped  to around 105 volts.

So out came our Autoformer and now coach voltages are back to normal at around 119 volts with around 112 with roof air running.

Low campground voltage damages motors, like we have in roof air conditioners.  Also if voltage is too low, our Progressive Industries EMS will turn off all coach power.  So an Autoformer can save the day.

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Re: Hughs Autoformer campground voltage increaser

Reply #1 – April 01, 2015, 06:20:39 pm

Glad I didnt do a dumb thing and get rid of mine when I sold the 88

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Re: Hughs Autoformer campground voltage increaser

Reply #2 – April 01, 2015, 08:14:14 pm

I had to use mine two summers ago during a heat wave when I was having radiation. The campground power went down to 107 and I was not happy with it so I put it on and I was back up to 113 with two ACs on.  It lasted three days and then the 100 plus broke and the place cooled off and and the power went back up.

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Re: Hughs Autoformer campground voltage increaser

Reply #3 – April 02, 2015, 12:10:40 pm

Last summer the campground I summer at had an awful electrical system.  I put the auto-former in the wet-bay and just leave it connected.  Problems solved.  great, expensive heavy unit.

Keith

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Re: Hughs Autoformer campground voltage increaser

Reply #4 – April 02, 2015, 03:12:19 pm

We also put our Autoformer in the bay to keep it out of the weather and away from 2-leged critters.  We made a short 50-amp cable that takes the output of the transformer and connects it the bay wall 50-amp inlet.  And another short 50-amp to connects the shore cable female end to the input of the transformer.  This allows us to keep the Autoformer secure without a lot of extra cabling.  Same special cables can be used to secure external Progressive Industries EMS.
Autoformer can be left in place all the time, but this leaves the transformer continuously under load which may shorten the life of this expensive device.

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Re: Hughs Autoformer campground voltage increaser

Reply #5 – April 02, 2015, 09:41:39 pm

We had the curb side rear axle seal replaced at Colton Truck Terminal in So Cal after the FMCA family reunion (Colton Truck Terminal was a mixed bag , I will post a brief review when I get a chance). We got there the night before the appointment with the understanding that they could throw us a line, albeit only a 15 amp extension cord. The reality was that the voltage started to sag causing the EMS protection to kick in. The Autoformer kept the EMS from disconnecting the power. When needed, it is invaluable!
Don

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