Hughs Autoformer

Hi,

You should not need to use an autoformer with a generator.

Any problems with a genny and an autoformer?

There was a campground wide yard sale and I found a deal so good the police should have been called for stealing. I picked up a complete hitch assembly for towing my future car 4-down, a brake buddy with all the accessories and a Hughs Autoformer. All for only $400. I was reluctant to use the autoformer but decided to give it a shot. So far its working fine. I can see that it is boosting the voltage as advertised. I have been having issues with my Sharp convection/microwave. When I'm on generator, it works just fine but there are times when plugged in that it wants to shut down and restart. Time will tell if the autoformer takes care of that problem.

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

Has anyone used a unit similar to this? buck boost transformers

yes I have used one. they work good only is not automatic. I did put in a sensor that will turn it on when voltage gets too low. transformer was about 125.00

I have an autoformer. I thought it reduced the amperage after the pedestal to increase the voltage. In other words, there is no "stealing" of the correct amount one is paying for....simply your not getting what you paid for in amps but you are maintaining an operating voltage for appliances. So one has 30 amps shore power. The voltage drops in the campground. The autoformer reduces the amperage say to 20 or 25 amps to increase the voltage from 103 or so to 120. Nothing to do with anyone else's power outlet?

Now where did I go wrong? Which breaker will shut off if trying to use 30 amps when the autoformer has restricted me to 25 amps of power?

I suggest everyone get an autoformer. By undersizing the CG is stealing from everyone by not providing the power you pay for. Get an autoformer and get what you pay for and eliminate the risk of burning up your appliances on low voltage.

Hi,

Has anyone used a unit similar to this? buck boost transformers

The only way I am stealing voltage from other campers is by being there in the first place. If they want higher voltage, either have the campground fix the faulty/overloaded electrical system, or have everyone turn off their ac's. Less load (campground wide) higher voltage, but the higher voltage is useless unless you are using it.

Again, the "stealing" is not from the campground owner. The "stealing" is from the other campers because you're Autoformer is making it (their voltage levels) even worse for them. Stealing may be the wrong term to use ... but there is some basis in campground owners perferring that you not use Autoformers for the good of the rest of the campers.

It's a tough call as to what to do in this case. I guess it's every man for himself on this one. FWIW, the "original sin" is being committed by the campground owner in having a campground inadequately wired.

If you are paying for 30 amps at 120 volts, you are paying for 3600 watts of power. If you are getting 30 amps at 100 volts you are getting 3000 watts of power. When you use a autoformer you use a little of the power coming in to change amps to volts, but you are protecting your appliances. When you use 3000 watts (30 amps at 100 volts) coming in you are going to trip the 30 amp breaker, not 3001 watts. The same goes for 50 amp,(50 at 120 is 6000 watts, 50 amps at 100 is 5000 watts)