Frank's autotransformer question.

Thanks pianotuna & smkettner.

Paul

Thanks Techwriter,

Interesting thread though opinions were quite varied but as a result I am going to take another look at the powermaster unit.

One thing that bothered my about Frank's is when I called twice to ask some questions I got an answering machine (like the type in your home). Never did talk to anyone. Makes me wonder if this guy is working out of his basement. Doesn't make me feel to secure about the operation and/or sending $700+.

Any other opinions will be greatly appreciated.

Paul

I have a Frank's 30a superautomatic. If spending money today it would be PowerMaster then Hughes. But it would be about even.

Frank's has a 35 amp thermal fuse for protection and it seems to trip well before the 30a breaker on each side.

The superautomatic is supposed to cut power if too high or too low to boost. Fine but it has no reconnect delay. I have seen it rapidly connect/disconnect/reconnect in the right conditions.

Also seems to hang in low boost too long holding 126/128 volts when IMO 118 would be just fine.

Keep in mind the "70 amp" version only passes 35 amps per leg where 50 amp service is 50a each leg so you really may need the "100 amp" to be equivalent to Hughes. Considering my experience I am not sure you would even get the 35 amps per leg through the thing.

Mine is a few years old and still functions but have not used it in a while. Maybe it has improved since.

Hi,

surge guard autoformer will boost 10%

Power Master autoformer will boost 2.5% or 12%

pbolden wrote:

Does anyone have an opinion as to whether the additional $200+ is worth the Frank's over the Hughes or am I missing something?

See this Escapees thread where a couple more options are discussed.