Voltage Regulators

[Rvmama56]

I’m curious if this is something we should consider. We have learned that in addition to power surges that low voltage can damage both the AC and refrigerator. We have been raving for 15 years and have never encountered this (to our knowledge) but want to preserve our tried and true trailer. Anyone with knowledge or experience with this? Thanks.

[wa8yxm]

One of the Campgrounds (several more than likely) I've been to are noted for old wiring and low voltage. So I have a hughes autoformer (Big heavy sucker)
It did a very good job of keeping the voltage "In the green zone"

I also have a surge guard. When the voltage drops out of the Green either way it shuts me down... Very handy device.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

I love my sola basic autoformer. I have added surge to it, but only for fun. It has 3 layers of boost and 1 of buck.

And yes, low voltage causes lots of damage.

[campigloo]

Sagebrush wrote:
Its always smart to check the voltage upon arrival before unhooking or plugging in. You can do that with a cheap multi meter. I use one off Amazon that is AC/DC with a Hertz mode. While your there you could just have a voltage meter plugged into a wall outlet, that way you have an idea if your getting enough volts.

Progressive Industries EMS hard wired in is best if you want good protection from high or low voltage, bad grounds and surges.

My minimum is something like this for checking out AC outlets and DC batteries:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Z398YWF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

While I'm in the RV I use one of these two to monitor voltage:


I used to think the same thing about Progressive. So much so that I bought a hard wire 30a. I didn’t know I had a problem from a surge until I smelled wires burning on the ac out side of the unit. To make matters worse, when I called Progressive they not only were of no help but cut communication on the first call. The tech checked to see if they would warrant the unit, his idea not mine since I never mentioned warranty, and when he discovered there was no warranty available he cut the chat off and would not return additional emails. When I called there was no additional help available. I was hugely
disappointed from a company that had such good reviews.
Just my experience.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015H0A3FO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B081ZL5PCV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


EMS for 30 amp, they make a 50 amp also:

https://www.progressiveindustries.net/ems-lchw30

[Sagebrush]

Its always smart to check the voltage upon arrival before unhooking or plugging in. You can do that with a cheap multi meter. I use one off Amazon that is AC/DC with a Hertz mode. While your there you could just have a voltage meter plugged into a wall outlet, that way you have an idea if your getting enough volts.

Progressive Industries EMS hard wired in is best if you want good protection from high or low voltage, bad grounds and surges.

My minimum is something like this for checking out AC outlets and DC batteries:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Z398YWF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

While I'm in the RV I use one of these two to monitor voltage:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015H0A3FO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B081ZL5PCV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


EMS for 30 amp, they make a 50 amp also:

https://www.progressiveindustries.net/ems-lchw30

[Lwiddis]

When raving I suggest you at least monitor the voltage. Hughes sells one for less than $15.

[wopachop]

Rvmama56 wrote:
We have learned that in addition to power surges that low voltage can damage both the AC and refrigerator.

Same thing happens when using electrical cords. Need to be careful if shore power is far away.

The size and length of wire needed is an easy Google search away if/when you encounter the issue.

[ktmrfs]

don't need to mess with a voltage regulator but a EMS system that will kick out at low voltage, high voltage is something that may give you peace of mind. AC appliances are designed to run on a nominal 120VAC, and in virtually all cases the safe operating range is 108V-132V AC. An EMS system will cut power if outside this range.

[theoldwizard1]

There are AC power voltage regulators but must on really protect from surges. Some may protect from low voltage by cutting off the power.

There are 2 types of "true" voltage regulators. If you have an inverter/charger with a built-in automatic transfer switch, a good one would switch to battery power if the voltage says to far. The other style uses a special transformer to regulate the voltage. VERY EXPENSIVE !

[Michelle_S]

Don't know about Voltage Regulators, but they do make good EMS that will shut off power to the unit if the voltage goes too high or too low, both portable and hardwired.