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 SG,
Since you wish me to compare the two different device types, I will give my opinions.
The ems may or may not prevent low voltage damage to all electrical devices in an RV. The autoformer does solve the low voltage issue, no matter what the cause. Autoformer wins.
The ems solves the high voltage issue. The autoformer does to my comfort level to 145 volts. EMS wins.
When it is hot I want the RV to stay cool. The ems doesn't allow that to happen in low voltage situations. The autoformer does. Autoformer wins.
When a heavy load comes online and causes voltage drop the ems does nothing unless the shore supply is driven down below 104 volts, then it prevents the item from running. The autoformer boosts the voltage for as long as necessary. Autoformer wins.
I'm often in situations where I need to use 100 feet of #10 to connect to shore power (usually 15 amp). EMS may cut off power when attempting to run high draw items. Autoformer boosts voltage and allows me full use of the RV within the constraints of 15 amps. Autoformer wins.
In an EMF event neither the ems nor the autoformer can protect you. RV repair man wins!
Price wise stock ems is more expensive, but the Sola had a choice of hard wired (which I did not choose) or adding a cord and outlet(s). If I value my time then EMS wins. In hard wired autoformer wins.
Ease of acquisition EMS wins.
End of comparison.
Comments:
While I could add the open ground, open neutral, open hot, hot and ground reversed, hot and neutral reversed, and voltage check under load to the input of the Sola Basic, I prefer to do those checks before I plug in. I have added better surge than the EMS has and will be upgrading from there.
In the real life world, the ideal system would be an autoformer which would combine the best features of the EMS with more adequate surge protection that the MOV only that current ems devices offer.
Since you wish me to compare the two different device types, I will give my opinions.
The ems may or may not prevent low voltage damage to all electrical devices in an RV. The autoformer does solve the low voltage issue, no matter what the cause. Autoformer wins.
The ems solves the high voltage issue. The autoformer does to my comfort level to 145 volts. EMS wins.
When it is hot I want the RV to stay cool. The ems doesn't allow that to happen in low voltage situations. The autoformer does. Autoformer wins.
When a heavy load comes online and causes voltage drop the ems does nothing unless the shore supply is driven down below 104 volts, then it prevents the item from running. The autoformer boosts the voltage for as long as necessary. Autoformer wins.
I'm often in situations where I need to use 100 feet of #10 to connect to shore power (usually 15 amp). EMS may cut off power when attempting to run high draw items. Autoformer boosts voltage and allows me full use of the RV within the constraints of 15 amps. Autoformer wins.
In an EMF event neither the ems nor the autoformer can protect you. RV repair man wins!
Price wise stock ems is more expensive, but the Sola had a choice of hard wired (which I did not choose) or adding a cord and outlet(s). If I value my time then EMS wins. In hard wired autoformer wins.
Ease of acquisition EMS wins.
End of comparison.
Comments:
While I could add the open ground, open neutral, open hot, hot and ground reversed, hot and neutral reversed, and voltage check under load to the input of the Sola Basic, I prefer to do those checks before I plug in. I have added better surge than the EMS has and will be upgrading from there.
In the real life world, the ideal system would be an autoformer which would combine the best features of the EMS with more adequate surge protection that the MOV only that current ems devices offer.
SoundGuy wrote:
Of course you've been comparing EMS against your Sola Basic, doing your darndest to convince others how wasteful it is to invest in an EMS instead of a voltage booster ... geez, you're doing it now! :S Painful as it may be for you to acknowledge the reality is that far more would be better served with an EMS unit such as those offered by Progressive rather than a voltage booster such as your imported Sola ... and sales figures show it, especially when Progressive can't even keep up with the demand for it's most popular model, the EMS-PT30C. ;)
