Has anyone installed an electrical Autoformer?

[therink]

I am looking into purchasing and installing a hard wired Autoformer to help with low voltage situations at campgrounds. Has anyone had experience with these?
http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-power-cords/hughes-autoformer-kit.htm
I am a seasonal at a campground that experiences low voltage situations during heavy occupancy periods when hot out (AC use). I have 30 amp service at my pedestal a day a 50amp service on my rig.
Do these really help increase voltage and how?
Thanks

[michol02]

They're "magic"....LOL. I'm no electrician, I just know it works. One campground we go to often has low voltage at our favorite site. The Autoformer definitely made a difference.
6417
I removed the plug on the Autoformer(30 amp) and hard wired it.

[therink]

They're "magic"....LOL. I'm no electrician, I just know it works. One campground we go to often has low voltage at our favorite site. The Autoformer definitely made a difference.
6417
I removed the plug on the Autoformer(30 amp) and hard wired it.

Does it produce much heat?

[michol02]

I'm not sure, it's inside my cable storage/recliner table. I'm sure it puts off some heat because the top lid has an air gap.

[therink]

Ok, thanks. I'm still not sure which to get. There are 3 or 4 brands of auto formers and I want to make the right choice.
I am also not sure where to install it. The only place I can think of is under the fridge behind my converter, but I am afraid of high Temps.

[KanTC]

Hi Steve,

I remembered that one of our members had posted about using the Hughes Autoformer - so I did a quick search using the brand name.
Unfortunately, that member ["chuck&gail"] hasn't signed-on to the forum since Aug 2013... but you might read some of his previous posts, which may be helpful.

Terri, the Chevy co-pilot :)

[therink]

Hi Steve,

I remembered that one of our members had posted about using the Hughes Autoformer - so I did a quick search using the brand name.
Unfortunately, that member ["chuck&gail"] hasn't signed-on to the forum since Aug 2013... but you might read some of his previous posts, which may be helpful.

Terri, the Chevy co-pilot :)

Thanks. I will check it out.

[B&T]

Have a friend that has the 50 amp Hughes Autoformer that he has used for years, first in a motorhome and now in his 5th wheel. Asked him about it yesterday, he said it works.

[therink]

Have a friend that has the 50 amp Hughes Autoformer that he has used for years, first in a motorhome and now in his 5th wheel. Asked him about it yesterday, he said it works.

Great thanks.

[flybouy]

I have the Hughes autoformer also. It is basically a bank of capacitors that boost the voltage. I installed that and the hardwired surge guard. No regrets, feel confidant that the electrical system is well protected. (I'm former electrical instructor at a community college-adjunct faculty)

[Jager]

Not sure how capacitors can boost voltage? There could be some caps in there but there had also better be a transformer. That transformer will jump the voltage up but will have less power. No conversion of power is lossless. There will always be some loss of energy in the conversion (95% of which is in the form of heat). How much heat will it produce? I can't say, it will depend on the load. Notice that there is a rating on it of 12,000 watts. That should be far more than enough for your camper but the more power you draw from the unit I suspect the more heat energy it will give off. Also, the higher the efficiency of the conversion the less the heat will be. Another factor effecting this is that it only steps the voltage up by 10%. That isn't much of a step up and thus should limit the amount of heat generated.

Since there are multiple members on here using it I would assume that it doesn't get too hot. But I think you are smart to question it. I would suggest a call to the manufacture and ask them if the unit produces any heat and how hot it would get at it's rated max power of 12kw? They should be able to tell you.