Hughes Autoformer
I used one for several years with the 30 Amp 5er we owned. Purchased a new 2016 TT a few months back with 50 Amp service and had planned to get a new autoformer for 50 Amp service. I kept putting it o...
Forum Discussion
In older CGs you can blame the NEC for low voltage, not the CG.
The min. code requirements plus the way they were typically wired (individual #10 runs to pedestals) is to blame. More modern CGs are wired completely differently (multiple pedestals on a 200 amp feeder) and are much less likely to be a problem. That's not to say there can't be some cases of a CG needing to replace receptacles or repair connections. Many CG "electricians" are just general purpose handymen which doesn't help either.
Add to that all the high demand RVs of today. As of 2005, only 5% of CGs were required to have 50 amp pedestals. You can find lots of 50 amp RVs plugged in using 50-30 amp adapters and running 2 AC units and more thus straining the system well beyond what it was designed for. A hot spell exacerbates the problem. Have had a few CGs warn us in advance of voltage problems due to everyone running AC units. Stayed in a CG once that 100% 30 amp pedestals with individual #10 runs to them. Also stayed at one that had #10 romex strung between the trees and a receptacle in a box dangling in the air (def. not to code).
There are some CGs/RV parks that have voluntarily built their electrical systems above the min. code requirement like some casinos and gov't CGs.
If you plan to get around much, sooner or later you will encounter low voltage. It is what it is... We use mostly Thousand Trails CGs and they are well known for being older CGs. We bought a used Hughes autoformer beginning of last year and have used it only a few times. Most of the time their voltage is adequate while the lowest voltage I've ever seen was 106 volts before turning anything on.
You can also improve your odds of getting better voltage in an older CG by finding a site close to a main distribution panel or a transformer. If you can find one, use a pedestal with 50 amps on it. Some CGs apparently charge for a 50 amp pedestal. Or avoid a particular CG altogether. Installing a permanent voltmeter inside is a very good idea and even better, get a PI EMS unit to automatically protect you.
The min. code requirements plus the way they were typically wired (individual #10 runs to pedestals) is to blame. More modern CGs are wired completely differently (multiple pedestals on a 200 amp feeder) and are much less likely to be a problem. That's not to say there can't be some cases of a CG needing to replace receptacles or repair connections. Many CG "electricians" are just general purpose handymen which doesn't help either.
Add to that all the high demand RVs of today. As of 2005, only 5% of CGs were required to have 50 amp pedestals. You can find lots of 50 amp RVs plugged in using 50-30 amp adapters and running 2 AC units and more thus straining the system well beyond what it was designed for. A hot spell exacerbates the problem. Have had a few CGs warn us in advance of voltage problems due to everyone running AC units. Stayed in a CG once that 100% 30 amp pedestals with individual #10 runs to them. Also stayed at one that had #10 romex strung between the trees and a receptacle in a box dangling in the air (def. not to code).
There are some CGs/RV parks that have voluntarily built their electrical systems above the min. code requirement like some casinos and gov't CGs.
If you plan to get around much, sooner or later you will encounter low voltage. It is what it is... We use mostly Thousand Trails CGs and they are well known for being older CGs. We bought a used Hughes autoformer beginning of last year and have used it only a few times. Most of the time their voltage is adequate while the lowest voltage I've ever seen was 106 volts before turning anything on.
You can also improve your odds of getting better voltage in an older CG by finding a site close to a main distribution panel or a transformer. If you can find one, use a pedestal with 50 amps on it. Some CGs apparently charge for a 50 amp pedestal. Or avoid a particular CG altogether. Installing a permanent voltmeter inside is a very good idea and even better, get a PI EMS unit to automatically protect you.
