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...
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myredracer wrote:
6. With AC units in RVs, the current draw always goes UP as voltage goes down.
To expand on this, I once tested a Dometic Brisk Air with voltage varying from 122 to 98. The current draw did go up as voltage went down. As the voltage went down the PF improved, so the draw in VA went down with the voltage. In term of watts, however, from 122 down to 102 volts, the draw went down with the voltage so slightly that I think it's fair to say it was flat. Below 102 the power in watts also ramped down. Besides confirming this point #6, I'd conclude that at the lower end of the operating range, the air conditioner is slightly nicer to the campground's electrical system because of the improved PF.
One test with one air conditioner, so I don't make any claims that it applies to anybody else's air conditioner.
