Hughes Autoformer (Does it Steal Power?)
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- Опубліковано 4 жов 2024
- This device could have SAVED THE DAY last summer in Las Vegas! But, does it STEAL power from your RV neighbors?
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I'll trade you 8 amps for 17 volts. One of the best explanations I have ever heard of inductive and resistive loads. Thanks Chad. Please, please let us know when the study is done. Keep the good stuff coming guys.
Ditto!
Ditto. I’m also amazed at the number of commenters who don’t understand the inverse nature of amps and volts and continue to insist that the Autoformer “stealing” power. Amazing!
Loved my autoformer. Had one for years and I'm convinced it saved me repairs and premature motor replacements in things like our residential fridge A/C's etc. You might note that it is not designed to be in standing water. I had to put mine up on bricks to keep it off the ground, that is until we got it mounted in the RV. People think of their power like they think about their water. You turn on the faucet and water comes out, no problem. You plug in an electronic device and it turns on, you have electricity, no problem. Right up until the time something burns up. Now lets talk about the wisdom of visiting the desert southwest during summer LOL. We stayed at Nellis AFB last year. Got there the first week of September and the power was bang on with everyone running A/C's when it was 110 out. Got to get your paperwork squared away. We even let the Navy stay there :).
Tis not power theft. Tis a supply issue that needs to be resolved in parks that have the potential of this problem. Really appreciate this video.
I've got about 35 years in the electrical trade and that was one of the best explanations I've heard. Good job, and thanks for the video
The Autoformer kept us in the park and off our generators at Blue Bell Campground at Custer State Park after all the power greedy Class A's arrived. If anyone asked, I just said; "Oh that? It's a surge protector."
I never thought of it as “stealing power” as opposed to sharing the limited capacity of the parks distribution system or utility limited capacity. If the park was designed with no diversity factor & every site has full voltage at max load & the utility is providing full voltage then there is no issue. If the park can’t provide full voltage at max load then those without a autoformer will have to reduce their load to maintain voltage and those with won’t. Those with an autoformer are drawing full demand while rose without can’t. I understand what your saying but I’d have to do a deeper analysis including the limited capacity of the park and probably vary the analysis for different utility voltages.
You always do a great job explaining things. As to the stealing power, this is complicated. Does it "take" power from others for your use, no. It does not "steal" power, what you are interested in is insertion loss or efficiency because you are using a very little more power than if you did not use this. This unit is doing work, that work takes some amount of power. So, in your example of 6,000 watts and your rig will use 6,000 watts of "power" regardless of this box being in the circuit or not. But this insertion loss thing means that when you are using it, you will be using slightly more power (I think 1-2%) more power than if you did not use it. This means that the rest of the park has 60-120 watts less power available than it would have if you did not use this box. If you want to make up for this power "loss" turn off a light bulb or two. For those that are perfectionists think of that extra 120 watts and measure that against 50 rigs each using 6000 watts = 300,000 watts, pretty insignificant. Does it in fact intrude on anyone else in the park, no. Sorry but no. Keep up the good work, you tread where I would not dare go.
Nailed it! I asked huges about power loss due to heat and they said around 1%
I have had 133 volts before in Wyoming. My progressive industries surge protector opened up. It is after my autoformer.
Great Demostration, just ordered one to go with our WatchDog 👍
I start with the voltage is low because of an undersized campground electrical system. I then explain to the folks that autoformers do not steal power anymore than another camper on the same circuit steals electrical power. No matter what my campsite is limited to 30 amps by the pedestal (assuming 30 amp site). What the autoformer allows me to do is trade some of that 30 amps the trailer can use for a higher voltage. Since the trailer can no longer access the full campsite amperage I have to reduce the number of electrical appliances I use simultaneously and that usually means switching to gas for those appliances that support them. If someone wants to see the math I can do that but keeping it simple and explaining it as a trade off for my site generally works best for most folks.
We have a 50 amp Grand Design 5th wheel. We bought the Watchdog EPO when be bought the RV last year. At some older campgrounds, the Watchdog shut our power off around 107 volts. We were dead in the water! The campground told us it was junk and to turn it off! I hardwired the Watchdog, that wasn't possible. I spoke with Hughes, and ended up getting a B Stock Autoformer. Haven't used it yet, but will be using while snowbirding in Florida. Just a little nervous about campgrounds giving us grief about the Autoformer. Thanks for your help....PS saw you at a GD Rally!
Great info. Hope Tara is continuing to mend well.
This is a great video, it addressed ALL of our questions. We bought a Hughes Autoformer 2 years ago when we kept blowing the breakers trying to run our ACs in 113. Best thing ever, even if it was a little pricey. We hard wired ours in this summer, now we don't have to worry about theft or controversy since it isn't seen.
I've had are Autotransformer for almost 3 years now. Works great. But I was informed that you do not have to send it back to Hughes to replace the Surge Module. I carry an extra Surge Module with me. The 50amp Module run $60 on there website, but you can catch them on sale for $40.
Best purchase you made for your RV
Thanks for the explanation. This was my very first purchase for my GD 384GK, even before I accepted delivery of it. Like you I installed it inside my rig so the only thing outside is my power cord. It works GREAT!! I've also got a small meter inside plugged into one of my outlets so I can see exactly what kind of power I'm getting inside the 5th wheel. Keep the video's coming, love your channel.
Been using Hughes Autoformers for several years. They work great and have kept us powered whenever park voltage drops.
Get one, hook it up every time you connect to shore power and enjoy more reliable power.
They cannot draw more current than the Park Breaker will pass. Simple physics.
Amazing insight. Very clear reasons why to have this system setup.
Excellent video! We've been using a Hughes Autoformer for many years. As you say, there are passionate people on both sides. When doing our research, we came across a hater that had one of the funniest statements ever made on the internet: "YOU PEOPLE KEEP FOCUSING ON OHM"S LAW. IT DOESN'T ALWAYS WORK THAT WAY!!!" Ummm...
The autoformer works the same way the electrical grid works; just on a much smaller scale. Transmission power lines that run hundreds of miles will see a huge decrease in voltage, and then a huge gain in current, which then goes into a transformer at a substation where the high current is turned back into the right voltage. In the autoformer, it monitors the voltage waiting for it to be at 113 or lower, which then automatically controls a relay to divert power to the main tap on the transformer. The autoformer's circuit analysis uses around 3-4 watts. The rest is all passive. A 50 amp or RV220-50 utilizes 2 transformers and each leg of power operates independently. The RV2130 (30 A) model is a single. For those that believe it steals power; It's not magic, the technology has been around since AC power was first introduced. If a device existed that created more wattage from wattage given, a nobel prize would be given and the global energy crisis would be solved..
Bravo Zulu Shipmate! Reminds me of Navy B Double E school! I was an Instructor at Great Lakes at the end of my 20 years, and because I took the instructor course I can definitely critique you. You did a very good job in instruction.
You guys have the best rv channel on UA-cam. Thank you again. God bless. Hope to see you on the road someday.
It's just a Transformer like the ones used on the telephone poles, takes a voltage and adjusts it , a transformer can sacrifice amps to raise volts or volts to raise amps. I had extensive training working for a Tree service that had a exclusive contact with PPL power to provide maintenance and emergency work. It's impossible to "Steal Power" there.
I used to build Boost transformers for customers that needed 220 volts and only had 203-208. Cost about 90 bucks to build today I imagine. I see its very handy with protection and indicators.. looks great!. I would use one ! Great way to simplify things, wow!
Great video. There's another good video out there on the Autoformer explaining, in detail, on why it does not 'steal' power from anyone else; but, it's a far longer video, is far more technical, and your video does the same thing in less time, easier to understand, while still reaching the same point. Great job!
My friend I Absolutely appreciate your videos everything that I read that you post is beneficial to me and for that thank you thank you
Great lesson for those who don't understand electricity.
We keep a 5th Wheel in Mexico at an RV park by the beach that is notorious for power fluctuations and outages. Just ordered this as well as the install kit to keep it away from prying eyes. Thanks for the excellent explanation of how this system works.
Hope it works well for you! 👍🏼
I've been using a 30A Hughes Autoformer for a few years. It is great, does exactly as it should. Good advice on the separate surge/low voltage guard to shut down your RV if thresholds exceeded. Haven't had that happen but most of my use has been in the paddocks of race tracks. Had a little low voltage at times which the Hughes Autoformer takes care of. Nothing outside it's capability yet and I have the cut-offs you discussed (over/under voltage). The wires will always handle the amperage they are rated for BUT the voltage will drop over distance.
I bought my Hughes Autoformer over three years ago. It's been great and they don't steal park power. I use it mostly at my home when plugged into 30A shore power.
I don’t know how you made me understand this Chinese arithmetic, but you did. Another excellent video from you two. I’m getting me a wristband made WWCD. What Would Chad Do. 😁
Nice video. I have a 30amp Hughes since 2017 for our class B. Last year bought a 50amp which I easily installed inside the basement on our class A. Have never had issue with either one. Great product.
I was so excited to watch this video as my husband (Bob) has been pulling his hair out trying to explain batteries, solar, etc to me. I followed for about 60 seconds and then WAY over my head. But Bob watched and learned a lot from it. So thank you for that. Keep all the good stuff coming. Hope you both are doing well. Daisy too!
I hard wired ours in. Really easy and piece of mind that it cannot walk off.
Good explanation. Most people don't understand that low voltage creates heat. You are right the benefit of the surge guard used with the Hughes Autoformer will extend the range of power you can use. Personally I wouldn't hard wire it in just yet. It will be easier to move it to your class A when you get it. 😁
Fantastic explanation of volts to amps. I bought a trailer back in the 80s and at the Rv Park the voltage was 90 V on a 50 amp cord. Needless to say I only get to live in that trailer for 11 days before it burnt to the ground and took everything I owned …
Thanks for sharing your real world video review and helpful and informative!
Great video, I need to get one, we always get down between 106-110 at this park in Cali
I have had the autoformer for sometime now. I do not think I have ever heard it explained the way you did. I know of some professors that never stated it any better than you did. I just keep learning more and more from you ! Thanks for letting me watch ! ! !
Glad it helped. When we get the new RV, we will be hard wiring it into the new rig along with a watchdog.
@@ChangingLanesDo you have a video on this?
Never mind I found it 😊
Great video! Based on your video, I ordered the 50 amp autoformer from WalMart. Got it for $501, and got $45 back in capital one rewards. Great deal!
Great video and great info. I don't have this particular auto former, but I do have their watch dog Hughes protection surge guard. I've been thinking on getting a Hughes Autoformer and I think you just convince me of making the jump.
Great job of instruction! Very clear, very cogent. Was coffee involved? LOL
Coffee is always involved. 😉
great presentation on a subject that's kryptonite to most of us mortals.
Super helpful video. We have had our Hughes Autoformer since 2014. It doesn't have as many fancy lights as your newer model but it works very well. My only complaint is it is pretty heavy but well worth it! Keep up the good work and best wishes!
Great video! I think it was JD from Big Truck Big RV who did a video on this product a while back, but didn't explain it as thoroughly as you did. A lot more clicked for me after this video and makes more sense now. Thanks for another good video!
We’re been using a 30amp Hughes autoformer for years and enjoy the piece of mind. Have fun with your new purchase.
great video. Thanks. Also you guys looked good on TV
Thanks! We sure weren't in the first episode much.. Hopefully more in the other episodes.. 😊
Fantastic and simple explanation. Could not have been better.
Thanks for explaining this. It can't steal power from the park. It is maxed out to the breakers at the pedestal. You can't take more than that! It's just cleaning up the power
Great explanation great video.
I Maintained a 50 pad rv park in a country fair grounds for a time.
The voltage drops were usally loose screw on terminals in the distribution system this generates heat ( its amazing what just hitting all the screw termals in the box will do for voltage)
The current would expand and contract wire loosening connections. Resulting low voltage
Second issue was caused by under sized 16 ga 100 ft extension cords drawing 20amps
The third was water getting into the electrical boxes.
The forth issue was worn out breakers in the panel itself. IE: Your voltage might be at 120v but because the breaker has been blowen so many times they are weak and wont pass full current (amps)
Probably part of your issue in LV.
From my understanding, the power company has taps on transformers that they can adjust for low voltage on your branch if you call and complain they have to provide you 120 +/- a given % at the meter someone who has worked for one correct me if Im wrong.
I had an issue at home where i kept blowing breakers on a fridge turned out water had gotten into the meter base and corroded the connections.
This gave me 90 volts at the outlet
Love your channel your info is always well reseached and spot on.
kept up the great work...
Thanks for this video, this is such a contested topic. As always, you're very clear and concise in your explanations, you make it very easy to understand. I installed the Hughes Autoformer in the electrical bay of our 2020 Newmar Dutch Star, utilizing a component install so I can bypass any component that may be inoperable or not needed - the cord reel, Surge protector or Autoformer. I am using the Hughes Watchdog with Emergency Power Off after the Autoformer for complete protection. The bluetooth capabilities of the Watchdog with their monitoring app is a great resource and extra protection.
Very good explanation of how the Autoformer works, I always thought the naysayers are full of it saying it put more pressure on the campground power system!
Great and informative video. 👍👍👍
chad yo udo a great job explaining these things!!
Great video. Been using a 50 amp model for 3 years and it has been a game changer. The summer before I got it I had issues at a few parks where the ac would cycle up and down and my outside frig would overheat and shutoff. After talking to a neighbour at a park who had one I was sold. I wired a 50 amp plug inside my camper basement so I can use it or not.
I have a motorhome with three heat pump/AC units. I built in the Hughes AF a couple years ago but I still use a pedestal surge protector bc the 50 ft 50 amp power cable and the power reel is over $1100 to replace. Worth the money in my book. By the way, on your recommendation we camped in Franklin NC last year. Did we enjoy it? Well we are going back for the whole month of September this year. Thanks!
That was a great geek out on power video!. I love your how to/how it works videos on power, solar, inverters, even water filters and other utilities in an RV.
This is another reason why I’m glad I dry camp 90% of the time as I follow the weather and have solar.
Nice video Chad. Being a engineer with mobile power experience in broadcasting I support use of the Hughes. We did the same thing with larger 100 amp Stabline regulators for years!
Also a huge thanks to Tara as well for all the hard work in the editing that she does to make these videos HGTV quality!
Very well done! I am an electrical engineer and could not have explained it any better.
Question: does the auto-transformer have an objectionable hum? If mounted inside the RV, I don’t want to listen to a loud 60Hz hum all night long.
Good question! Tara won't tolerate objectionable noises even if they come from me! Well.. especially if they come from me.
I didn't hear anything when testing, but we didn't have it under load either. We'll find out next time we use it.
Yall put out great informational video 👍
Great informative video. You guys are the best channel out there in RV land. Keep it up!
Great episode
Thank you for sharing. I too have run into the problem of low voltage and wondered if there was a solution. Good overview of ohm's law.
Awesome content, as always!! You made something that could be confusing very simple to understand. Thank you both for all of your segments; they are honest, informative, and interesting to listen and learn from. We would be lost without you. We (my wife & l) appreciate your time & dedication to your channel
Thanks Chad. Great video. Tara, super great editing.
Wow! We took so many notes! We love all the different types of videos you put out. Thank you!
Great Video even without sparks flying around...lol You got me started on yet another research project...thanks. Love you three, where were the others hiding, missed 'em.
Nice, GOOD Information
Great video... I had only heard about these units about 3 months ago - and most who used them did hardwire them inside the camper so as not to run into 'permission' issues with the campgrounds.. It appears that a few disallow these units (if they find out you have one)... So, I'm looking forward for your video on installation.. :)
Great explanation!!! I have run into low voltage in rv parks all over Arizona!! And Utah....
Great test and explanation.
@ NRVTA Thanks to you Tuesday’s are better than they’ve ever been!
Great explanation of Volts/Amps/Watts. Bought the 50 amp Surge Guard on your recomendation and have the remote readout to monitor power usage. In some parks in the summer power can become iffy with two AC's running. Looks like I'll consider the Autoformer next (as a former broadcast engineer I do understand step-up transformers) but want to wait for Mike Sokol's report (I'm a subscriber). Keep up the great work, safe travels.
Great video. When we first started out we just had a surge protector and a digital plug in voltmeter in the kitchen outlet. One place had power at 103v and it dropped to 95v when the AC started. We had to forgo the AC and switch the fridge to gas. After that I got an autoformer and Hughes power watch dog with EPO and Bluetooth. Since we normally do dog shows and sit on asphalt with 300 other rigs in the heat of the summer we could not make it without the autoformer. Normally we only have 20A at the shows and the difference the autoformer makes is the difference between running one AC or not. And with good voltage, say 120v and higher we can run both AC’s on 30A. Right on the bubble in each case thanks to the Autoformer. Those few amps saved matter. Plus the equipment runs better at 120v than 105v. I’m also glad the code issue was cleared up as the NEC can’t reach to a plug in device. If anyone is dealing with low voltage they need to look into the Autoformer.
Where do I get my GMT signed off?
Awesome vid!!!
We have one we've been using for about 4 years. We go to a particular Park we've had some problems in the past. Then someone told me about this we got one never had a problem again.we have it hard-wired in so no one even knows we have it. This way you don't have to deal with your neighbor next to you saying you're stealing HIS electricity.
Chad as always you are bringing the good stuff. Wish we had one of those when we were in Maine last year and had a Low Voltage problem like you had in Las Vegas. When I went to the park about it all the did was kick us out and tell us it was our fault. Anyway, we do use a Hughes Autoformers Power Watchdog surge protector which shuts our power off at 104 volts to protect the trailer. One thing I can say about Hughes is there customer service is great and the products are awesome. I know, technically that was two things....
Followed you guys for a while and even posted about the Autoformer on your Las Vegas video. I work in the robotics field and deal with single and three phase power all the time and know what low voltage can do to circuits. I have always run the Hughes Autoformer in all my RV's. Best thing to get is the hard wire kit, so nice to not lug it around and leave it out in the elements. Keep up the informative videos.
Have my autoformer mounted inside the front storage area on my toyhauler. No one can complain if they can’t see it.
I like your explanation of how these work, you changed my mind on if they are a good or bad thing to have. That said, as a weekender I don't think its worth the expense for us. I already have a hardwired surge protector with high and low cutoff like yours, since the Hughes would be a supplement and not a replacement I can't justify the cost for just weekend trips. We could just go home if a park had big power problems. I'll put this on the 'must have' list if we ever go full time though!
Chad, you are a great source of information......
Hello Chad, good info in this video. I retired from the energy sector so could follow what you're saying. And I really loved the way you said it. You'd be a great instructor. I watched your video on the Las Vegas low voltage problem. My question is, do you encounter low voltage issues often?
Thanks! 😊 Not very often at all. At least not below 110. But, while the autoformer's boost of 110V to 121V might not fix a run/no run issue, it will give our electronics and motors longer life by running cooler. And, when we DO run into a park like in Vegas in the future (103V) it might mean the difference in running or not running AC units.
Couple things. #1) I delayed buying one for the exact same reason. it finally occurred to me that RV park owners are going to say exactly what you said, Your breakers, Your problem. That was the deciding factor for me. I don't care if it does pull extra from the system, I can hide it in my compartment and if they can't even find and fix their own problem, they will never find that. This is me fixing my problem.
I personally don't think the Hughes Auto former is guilty of doing that though. #2) I have the 30 amp version. When I needed to replace my surge module they sent it and I did it myself. BTW it was a month old and yes it was due to bad park power. That park was the reason I bought it.
Thanks Chad. Great video. We bought and installed a Hughes autoformer in our power bay on our 2019 Newmar Mountain Aire motorhome after a horrible week in South Lake Tahoe at a Thousand Trails campground with 102V. Couldn't keep the surge protector from cutting power. Now it's a standard part of our power circuit with the Progressive EMS in between it and the coach for further surge and low voltage protection.
Nice explanation Chad.
Good Job
Thanks Chad. Technically it's a little above my paygrade, but you made it very clear.
I’ve got a Hugh’s hard wired in to my tiffin Great investment
Mark from Our Journey in Myles uses and swears but the Autoformer. If you do not know he is a retired Engineer.
Keep up the good research Chad & Tara on the voltage issues, keep us in the loop.🇳🇿👍👌👌
Great video 👍🏼 I don't blame you for installing systems to protect your rig, and no matter what the other side of the argument is against these protections, it's really no one's business what you install to protect your home. Pedestals should always be at the correct voltage, but it's the real world and they aren't. Even if they are in good working order, you can still get spikes and surges that could do serious damage or cause fires. Pass.
Thanks to both Tara and Chad for another top notch HGTV quality video, I really appreciate these tech reviews the most, but also appreciate the balance you both offer as well with cool family trips and tips, keep them coming!
Thanks Chad - That was awesome! Very clear explanation.
You explain it so well, like an elementary school teacher...what is exactly what my brain needed. Thank you Chad!
Excellent explanation. SCPO(SW), USN, Ret.
Great Video!
Great video, your explanation videos are my absolute favorites, they really are very helpful. Safe Travels.
Very informative video. I know just enough about electricity to be dangerous and your explanation of Volts, watts and amps was excellent.
In someone else’s video, they were talking about being illegal to use Autotransformers in RV’s. I immediately grabbed my NEC and sure enough, there was a change stating that Autotransformers are not allowed in RV’s. I contacted Hughs and asked them if the NEC affected them. I got an email back fro the companies President. Hughs autoformers are NOT classified or within the definition of an auto transformer in NEC.
Please do something for me. Plug into shore power, turn on all of your AC units, all TV’s, and a few other things. Get ampere readings on L1, L2, and neutral. If you were tripping breakers in 100F interior ambient that much, I’m thinking you have a very unbalanced load. With everything being utilized at 120 volts off your 240 volt panel, it is very easy to have imbalance. You would have to be in excess of 45 amps for it to trip in approx. 1.5 hours one one leg. I can’t believe you have that much load. Maybe you do. Please let me know what loads you find. Respectfully, Kevin
I was wondering why use inverter(s) for all loads? Use shore power just to charge batteries. My guess is autoformer are pretty cheap in comparison to multiple inverters?