Autoformer Voltage Booster Question

[vtchris]

I have a 30amp Franks Voltage Booster that I don't need anymore. When I plugged it in I got an incorrect indicator light (it said there was reverse polarity when there wasn't). Can it be fixed or do I just throw it in the trash?

[pianotuna]

vtchris,

If you plug in the Franks and then the surge device into the franks does the surge device show incorrect polarity?

[vtchris]

I only linked The Defender twice because posters kept doubting that my power supply was not reversed...maybe they didn't read where I posted previously. And I don't doubt there are better for less, it is just what I happen to have. And of course it won't boost voltage.

[TechWriter]

vtchris wrote:
My voltage protector The Defender, also checks for reverse polarity, as does my three light plug in, and none is detected. The booster plug or cord has not been replaced.

You must like the Defender as you linked to it twice. The 30A Southwire 34930 and 30A Progressive EMS-PT30X both do the same as the Defender -- and for less money.

BTW, in high or low voltage conditions, all of the above will disconnect power from your RV. None of them will boost low voltage like Frank's autoformer (or the much much better Hughes autoformer with surge protection).

[time2roll]

I agree the defender test should be sufficient to indicate the wiring is correct.

Would love to see a picture of the Frank's indicator lights. When I bought mine there was no such option. My Super Automatic does cut power due to high voltage or too low to boost.

[vtchris]

My voltage protector The Defender, also checks for reverse polarity, as does my three light plug in, and none is detected. The booster plug or cord has not been replaced.

[wa8yxm]

time2roll wrote:
Seems odd. How did you verify polarity? 30/15 adapter with a 3-light tester?
I have a Frank's and I was not even aware that polarity check was an option.
And yes Frank's is long out of business.

Egg Zactly as they say.

That is the easy way to do it. If you want the hard way (A volt meter) that too can be done

Reverse polarity: What it means
On a 2-wire AC circuit (Say a fan with a plastic body and a 2 wire cord) absolutely nothing

But on a 3 wire "hot/Neutral/Ground". it means hot and neutral have been swapped.

I know of no way that the device can give a false indication UNLESS the plug or cord has been replaced.

But it is easy to wire the outlet that way.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

For the record

If L1 Is reversed with L0 at the entrance to your rig. It then does not pass through any current limiting device. So 30 amps can pass to a receptacle which means trouble using 14 gauge wire

Yes a voltage protection device would work for incoming but not for reversal after the VCD

[beemerphile1]

DrewE wrote:
If the input cord or plug on the autotrasformer has been replaced, maybe it was miswired there with the hot and neutral reversed.

My thought also.

[DrewE]

If the input cord or plug on the autotrasformer has been replaced, maybe it was miswired there with the hot and neutral reversed.

[vtchris]

It seems to me that it fits inside one of those flat rate boxes, but yeah, dang thing is heavy. A neighbor of mine says if nothing else there is value in the copper inside.

[time2roll]

If the booster does not pass through power there may not be much you can do.
Inside is just a transformer, circuit board and a relay. You could open it up and take a look for something burned up. There are a few repair guys that pop in here that might be interested. Shipping might be a bit much for an unknown issue.

[vtchris]

Polarity was checked with The Defender Surge Protector previous to plugging in Frank's Autoformer.

[pianotuna]

If the trailer is metal you can have a "hot" skin situation. This is not just undesirable, it is dangerous. Hot skin may work with other devices in your RV, too (for example a metal toaster).

Did you check polarity before plugging in? And did you check polarity at the "2nd" pole as well. It is entirely possible for the entire campground loop to be reversed.

vtchris wrote:
So what's the deal with reverse polarity?

[time2roll]

vtchris wrote:
So what's the deal with reverse polarity?

Need voltmeter to verify.



http://noshockzone.org/rv-electrical-safety-part-iii-%e2%80%93-outlets/