A heads up on power

Do you check voltage while the circuit is under load (such as a 1500 watt heater)?

Yes and no. My first test is just to see if the outlet seems OK. After we plug in I have voltmeters to monitor the voltage of all my incoming power - AC and DC. Then I can watch it under load. Can't really put it under load until we hook up. So I just check voltage and polarity and ground first.

An autoformer may be a better choice especially since they are easily available at Home Depot in Mexico.

I do realize that most people may not be able to acquire an ISB regulator or justify the cost. But this is what works for us. I do not know what an autoformer is. The ISB device can be ordered at any ferreteria and some even have them in stock. I know many homeowners and businesses have them as well as many RVers. They work. I would have to know more about what an autoformer is but I do not so cannot comment. I have had the ISB regulator for quite a few years and do know it works. Works for us. Works for many others.

Hi Brian,

Do you check voltage while the circuit is under load (such as a 1500 watt heater)?

An autoformer may be a better choice especially since they are easily available at Home Depot in Mexico.

Here is the plan of attack we use when traveling in our RV with regard to possible electrical problems and damage to equipment.

First – I created a quick plug in device using a product from Prime Products. You don’t have to get this carried away. The Prime device will tell you if the outlet is the correct polarity and what the voltage is at that outlet. If the polarity is not correct or if the ground is bad I do not use that outlet. I made it for 50amp outlets but can quickly put in a dogbone to use on a 30amp outlet or just use one device to check a 15 or 20amp circuit. I have also been known to rewire an outlet to get correct polarity or pound in my own grounding rod. Here is the website where I bought my testers for about $25 each – and a picture of my device for quickly checking outlets. Never plug into any outlet without checking it first – first rule of electricity – especially in Mexico. Do not ever trust an RV park to have useable electricity. I have been in quite a few parks where many outlets are improperly wired.

http://primeproducts.com/digital-ac-volt-meter-polarity-tester-p-275.html?osCsid=b74cc51fdd2c9a5242aedc4ba64bfd2a




Then I use a surge protector from TRC – I have had no problems with it. I know many use Progressive Industries products and like those. One way or another everyone should have one no matter where you travel in an RV. Caravan companies need to tell their clients well in advance that special care needs to be taken in Mexico. At the border is way too late.

http://trci.net/products/surge-guard-rv


And finally we use a voltage regulator we bought in Mexico at a ferreteria for a little over $200US. This will keep voltages between about 108 to about 132 in the 120 VAC working range – and keep even higher and lower voltages within a safe range. This is the only product I know of that protects against both high and low voltage and on their website they show specific voltage ranges and what this device will regulate specific voltages to. There are other devices which can regulate either low or high voltage but few that do both. Another device has been mentioned on this forum recently but I can find no information about it that specifies the regulated voltage levels – and it cost quite a bit more than this one.

http://www.isbmex.com/reguladores-domesticos

I have never seen voltage of 160 anywhere but I suppose it is possible. You would definitely need a surge protector to shut that level down. Or test the outlet first so you never plug in to start with. Many rules about electricity in Mexico we learn over the years that we do not need in the US most of the time. We still use all of this equipment no matter where we travel. Cheaper than replacing some of our more expensive electronic devices.

Tequila, sounds like your group got off fairly cheaply. We had a Calls A blow all of the electronics, inverter, fridge board, etc. when the neutral failed on a pedestal in the park. That is when you get the 160+ volts. Total damages were around $7000US. I am amazed at the complacency of so many people on this issue. Insisting on proper surge protection in the future will save you a lot of grief.
Bob in Maz.

Will you have products for them to buy at the border if they don't have one?
Best to have the requirement in the sign up material for the trip before hand.

Here Here!!!!

Our Progressive Industries EMS is a bit of a pain, but we are totally protected, all the time.