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Hughes autoformer RV220-50 question

Yahoo Message Number: 63048
We spend a lot of time in lighting country. I am wondering if this works with the existing surge protector that came on the coach and will it add any more saftey.

Frank Allure 31425

Re: Hughes autoformer RV220-50 question

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 63056
If you saw my hair standing on end, you'd know to take my feeback very carefully!!
But the quick looking I did into a future Hughes purchase, makes me thin that it depends on where this is wired into the mix. I believe the Hughes is first in line from the power source. Does is autoformer magic, then sends it down the line to the coach. So, if you don't remove you surge protector, it would be downstream.
Check with Hughes on this, or wait for the real experts response from this board, but I kind of got the impression that the Hughes was doing the protection too. So, the Surge Protector could be moved.
I think, if I got this correct in my head, I'll keep both. This way if I ever do want to 'move onto $1M rig, I can take my Hughes with me. While keeping our Allure protected for the next person in line.
Good luck, and I'll watch this thread to learn and correct my thinking as needed.
Smitty

04 40' Allure, 31017
04 Allure Sold to a nice new owner! Now enjoying a 07 Magna Rembrandt 45' ISX600 #6775
"We're ONDROAD for THEJRNY!" (Toad and Coach license plates, say Hi if you see us!)

Re: Hughes autoformer RV220-50 question

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 63057
The Hughes offers some protection but nearly as much as the built-in surge protector. We keep our Hughes at the shore connection.

Will having both help -- no doubt.
Will a direct lightening strike nearby get stopped -- not likely but there is always a chance that it will.
If it's so bad that you're worried about a near strike destryoing your electronics you probably should physically unplug from shore power.

Re: Hughes autoformer RV220-50 question

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 63063
Hi All

I have used the Hughes for years. I started with an older CC. With it I connected to the park pedestal. When We purchased our current CC I installed before the AC power switch inside the AC bay (the one at the front behind the fuel tank. I lost one of the Hughes autoformer from over heating. After replacing the hughes. I now hook up to park pedestal. I only use it when hooked up to 30 amp connection. Six years and counting and not any problems. I also travel in lighting areas. I would rather have to replace the hughes from a lighting strike than to have to keep replacing from over heating.

Bo Lee

2000 Magna #5896

Re: Hughes autoformer RV220-50 question

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 63064
I would have guessed the surge protector would be first in line just ahead of the autofomrer.

Hope someone will respond to that,

Is there any reason one shouldn't have an autoformer?
To the OP, the primary function of the autformer is to raise park voltage if is low which is easier on most electricity using things.

Re: Hughes autoformer RV220-50 question

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 63065

The only downside to using a Hughes (beside the cost) is while it will help regulate and stabilize your power, it does so at the expense of the other coaches on the same power supply. In order to raise the voltage, it uses more current, thus putting a greater load on the local supply. Usually, if the power is low in a camp ground it is because of overloading.

Dave

aka Billy Byte (trusty hound)
2000 Allure #30443

Re: Hughes autoformer RV220-50 question

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 63093
We have both a built in protector AND a Hughes. The Hughes is first at the power pedestal, IF WE NEED IT. I only add it in the circuit when the voltage is lower than about 110 coming into to coach. Then I stick in the Hughes. I don't care about the "local" supply. I paid for 30 or 50 amps and I expect a reasonable quality of power available. We've been in campgrounds in the hot summer when the local power supply was near brown-out conditions. My surge protector shuts off at about 108 volts so I am without power. Then I stick in the Hughes and we make sure not to try to pull 50 amps. Campgrounds really could care less about your power as we have experienced twice one summer a few years ago. They're answer was "not their problem" but its the local electric company. I had a choice at that time. Leave the campground with no refund or run the generator all day & night. I chose the generator route even though they told me I was not allowed to run it. I simply told them, give me 50 amps at 110 volts and there is no problem. Well, there was a problem, so I ran the generator at both campgrounds 24/7 for 3 days. Since then I have the Hughes and have not experienced similar conditions. BUT we have experienced several brown-out situations where the built-in protector shut off due to low voltage, then we pull out the Hughes and add it into the circuit and cut-back on some of our electrical useage during daylight hours.

bill n barb, poconos of pa, 40'xl prevost cc

Re: Hughes autoformer RV220-50 question

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 63108
I don't have an Autoformer, but just thought I would pass something related along about my Progressive Industries Energy Management System: For the first time since I installed it a few years ago, I have this whole coach plugged into a 20 amp connection/wall outlet at this little RV park in the middle of nowhere. I am amazed at what I can run with this setup: at night floor heat, electric water heater, fridge, electric heater on low, and during the day no heat, but one 15k btu A/C unit. Perchance I overdo it and the voltage drops too much, the EMS kills the power for 10 seconds or so, BEFORE the breaker on the shore power quits, and then cuts back in. Its amazingly effective. Before I had this, I would have been blowing a 20 Amp shore breaker regularly. I am waiting for my 20 amp adaptor to melt LOL!

Rich 2002 Magna

Re: Hughes autoformer RV220-50 question

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 63132
Rich,

Your post caught my interest as we were depending on a 20amp circuit for a couple of weeks this summer, and yes we blew that breaker innumerable times. What size EMS device did you install, and where did you install it? Thanks.

Nate Richards
04 Allure 31043
 

Re: Hughes autoformer RV220-50 question

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 63190

Depending on how far the 20A receptacle is from the power panel, it is certainly possible to draw more than 20A without the voltage dropping below 109VAC.

Dave

aka Billy Byte (trusty hound)
2000 Allure #30443