Question Hughes Autoformer install?

[Joe Dutchstar]

Looking at the Hughes Autoformer with a Surge protector incorporated into unit. For those with the Unit, does in make sense to hard wire this into the RV in place of the optional factory surge protector?

The Autoformer has a replaceable surge protector module, and consequently we would carry a spare Module, just in case.

In that way there would not be the worry of having a very expensive Unit sitting unprotected, plugged into the Shore power.

Thoughts..

 

[Alan_Hepburn]

Be aware that there are RV parks out there that prohibit the use of autoformers - if it's permanently installed in your RV then they have no way of knowing if you're using one.

 

[Neal]

So far in my travels since 2017 I haven't experienced any rules regarding autoformers. I internally mounted mine and it's always inline. At times I bypassed it but it was never the cause of the issue. My philosophy is you won't know when you need it, or when you do it's too late (brown out has occurred). I shorted out my first one from a storm I didn't know was coming and it was submerged in a puddle as the pedestal was a low point sadly. It's nice to just get it done, installed, and out of the way and let it do its thing. I have had a campground or two that has had high voltage and when your ATS sees 130V I think it is then it will shutdown your incoming power. That is probably the more likely concern. I recommend it and recommend internally mounting it if you can.

Amazon.com: Hughes Autoformers RV220-50-SP, Voltage Booster with Surge Protection, 50 Amp: Automotive

Buy Hughes Autoformers RV220-50-SP, Voltage Booster with Surge Protection, 50 Amp: Power Inverters - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Rain cover if needed:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L3TVCY4/?tag=rvf01-20

 

[DennisT]

Personally, if I were going to do an interior one I’d wire it before the one the coach already has.

Protect the original and technically would have two just in case.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

So does anyone know if this is an auto transformer, an isolation transformer, or a boost converter of some kind.

 

[DennisT]

Looks like it is a voltage booster when incoming is low. Would help protect things if voltage dipped a bit.

One thing I noted, at least in the description on Amazon, was no mention of turning off power if voltage gets too low, high, open ground, etc.

There will be a limit where it can’t boost any further and it would appear you could have a brown out like power coming into the coach.

I’d see if they have one that also cuts power on issues along with boosting if it just drops a bit.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Dennis, I already went searching for information. It looks like a non-isolating transformer. That is what an auto transformer is. A isolated transformer would be much larger.

So what I am seeing is a buck transformer that may have a scheme to gradually boost voltage automatically.

So to give an informed opinion I would need that information and I couldn't find it. So if someone wants to test continuity between the in and out leads we would know if it is isolated.

The reason this is important is things that offer spikes, typically the spike is stopped by transformers. This is not true with an auto transformer.

So now you have my reasoning, but not my opinion!!!

My system is totally isolated from shore power. This is done by powering everything via inverter, even if I am hooked up to the grid. I only charge batteries with the grid, when I need to.

 

[AbdRahim]

Looks like it is a voltage booster when incoming is low. Would help protect things if voltage dipped a bit.

One thing I noted, at least in the description on Amazon, was no mention of turning off power if voltage gets too low, high, open ground, etc.

There will be a limit where it can’t boost any further and it would appear you could have a brown out like power coming into the coach.

I’d see if they have one that also cuts power on issues along with boosting if it just drops a bit.

That is what an EMS does. Hughes has the Watchdog, which allows you to also monitor your amp draw on each line via bluetooth.

 

[DennisT]

That is what an EMS does. Hughes has the Watchdog, which allows you to also monitor your amp draw on each line via bluetooth.

Yeah, I have the watchdog with the auto power off instead of just the surge protector version.

 

[Joe Dutchstar]

Here is a nice description of an Autoformer with Watchdog installation.

Ultimate RV Electrical System Protection - Hughes Autoformer & Power Watchdog

 

[Joe Dutchstar]

I’ve committed to the modular design the RVGEEKS used. I like that each piece can be isolated individually by just unplugging it. Additionally I purchased spare surge protection modules to avoid on road “emergencies “ . Thank you all for your thoughts!

 

[Rich W.]

Your inverter probably already performs the function (load support) of an autoformer. If so a basic surge protector is all you need.

 

[Neal]

Your inverter probably already performs the function (load support) of an autoformer. If so a basic surge protector is all you need.

Hughes Autoformers will boost the incoming voltage 10% if needed. They offer different products so it is important to choose the right one for your needs. Here is the overview of the Autoformer:

Hughes Autoformers

hughesautoformers.com

 

[Rich W.]

Hughes Autoformers will boost the incoming voltage 10% if needed. They offer different products so it is important to choose the right one for your needs. Here is the overview of the Autoformer:

Hughes Autoformers

hughesautoformers.com

That’s also what load support does from the inverter depending on the model. Provides extra power during low voltage conditions. I don’t know what inverter is in a 2023 Dutch Star, but its current technology with Magnum and Victrom.

Magnum: “MSH models add a Load Support feature. Load Support allows incoming AC to synchronize with the inverter’s output and uses additional power from the batteries to power loads.”

Victron: Power Assist: “the bidirectional converter of the MultiPlus operates in parallel with the AC input and will add current (with energy from the battery) whenever demand exceeds the capacity of the supply.”

Something to check before buying an autoformer, especially for newer coaches.

 

[Neal]

While I'm not smart on that my only thought of is the power coming into the ATS switch. If it's not within params it can shutoff and I think the goal is getting good power, i.e. brown out conditions handled, before the ATS to prevent a disconnect and subsequent AGS start for those with that available and configured.