autoformers for dummies (me)
Hi all, I've heard folks saying autoformers "steal" power from the campground and hence from other campers. Here is my understanding of what happens. The total wattage remains the same less abou...
Forum Discussion
Hi road-runner,
Unfortunately 120 volt AC motors draw more and more amps as voltage drops. It damages the motor and the damage is cumulative. So that part of the "stealing" is incorrect.
I'm drawing more amps--but less than the 30 amps I've paid for. Personally, I limit my load to 24 amps because that is all that a 30 amp connection is supposed to do on a 30 amp line.
Unfortunately 120 volt AC motors draw more and more amps as voltage drops. It damages the motor and the damage is cumulative. So that part of the "stealing" is incorrect.
I'm drawing more amps--but less than the 30 amps I've paid for. Personally, I limit my load to 24 amps because that is all that a 30 amp connection is supposed to do on a 30 amp line.
road-runner wrote:
Argument in favor of "stealing": Because of low voltage, every rig will draw fewer amps that they would if the voltage were higher. With the autoformer you've created an unfair advantage for yourself compared to the other campers, and you're drawing more amps than you would without the autoformer.
If you chose the stealing argument, then you have to say that somebody who runs their water heater or fridge on electric is also stealing from those who run it on propane, or somebody who chooses to run the air conditioner is stealing from somebody who doesn't. All IMO of course.
