Autoformer Install wiring

[Diemaster]

So I got a Autoformer years ago when I first got the coach but I decided I want to "permanently" mount it on the coach. This is mostly b/c I dont want it stolen and so I dont have to lug it around. This one: https://hughesautoformers.com/produc...er-with-surge/

I have an idea to mount it behind one of the basement compartments and cut out a small window inside it so I can see the lights from inside the compartment. It sounds confusing i know.... maybe i'll post a pic of the idea later.

My question is this....
Since I have a server running virtualization, a NAS, laptop, and other electric-sensitive devices, I dont really trust the generator power; I need "cleaner" power than normal. Should I wire up the autoformer to:
1. Just the shore plug (shore-autoformer-transfer switch-breaker panel.)?
2: In between the common of the transfer switch so it's doing it's thing to the generator power also (shore OR generator-transfer switch-autoformer-breaker panel)?

[paulwadley]

I believe that normally the surge protector is for spikes and lows from shore power pedestals. It is to protect the motor home from issues coming into it in the event the campground shore power is hit from a storm or the pedestal has an electrical issue. I would think that generator produced power from your generator is a safe source on a constant level. I never gave it a thought that the on board generator could be an issue.

Paul

[Edensob]

Put it just ahead of your power distribution panel so regardless where the power is coming from it runs through the auto-transformer. Your other option would be to determine the circuits powering your electronics and then separating those through the auto-transformer. Both options will require some electrical wiring to do it correctly.

[cavie]

Originally Posted by Diemaster

So I got a Autoformer years ago when I first got the coach but I decided I want to "permanently" mount it on the coach. This is mostly b/c I dont want it stolen and so I dont have to lug it around. This one: https://hughesautoformers.com/produc...er-with-surge/

I have an idea to mount it behind one of the basement compartments and cut out a small window inside it so I can see the lights from inside the compartment. It sounds confusing i know.... maybe i'll post a pic of the idea later.

My question is this....
Since I have a server running virtualization, a NAS, laptop, and other electric-sensitive devices, I dont really trust the generator power; I need "cleaner" power than normal. Should I wire up the autoformer to:
1. Just the shore plug (shore-autoformer-transfer switch-breaker panel.)?
2: In between the common of the transfer switch so it's doing it's thing to the generator power also (shore OR generator-transfer switch-autoformer-breaker panel)?

This is a very good piece of equipment. A must-have as far as I am concerned. But understand it is a voltage booster. NOT a voltage conditioner. that is a different piece of equipment. You need to buy the interior terminate wiring kit to install it inside. Install it before the ATS.

[16ACE27]

Your generator produces a pure sine wave just as generators have done for almost 2 centuries. If you are running that type of computer equipment in your RV then you need a good UPS regardless of your autoformer installation.

[Beau388]

Originally Posted by cavie

This is a very good piece of equipment. A must-have as far as I am concerned. But understand it is a voltage booster. NOT a voltage conditioner. that is a different piece of equipment. You need to buy the interior terminate wiring kit to install it inside. Install it before the ATS.

[vanvleet]

Good advice. A common issue for servers and related gear would be a cheap (think RV) transfer switch, A/C or microwave kicking in/out and lord knows what is coming from shore power. If your servers and other electronics are critical make sure you get not just a UPS but one that has "always on" or "full sine wave" output. The inexpensive ones just go to battery on power loss - the more serious ones produce their own output from whatever garbage comes in.

All that said nowadays if possible I would run all of that in AWS or another cloud provider and instead spend the same cash on connectivity upgrades. I will be going the way of MIMO cell antennas on the TV mast and a high end cell router like a Pepwave.

Originally Posted by 16ACE27

Your generator produces a pure sine wave just as generators have done for almost 2 centuries. If you are running that type of computer equipment in your RV then you need a good UPS regardless of your autoformer installation.

[Pete'sMH]

I installed my autoformer on the shore power input only as I find my generator is adequate in all respects. It would be no more difficult to install it downstream of the ATS if you felt the need. The hardwire kit you can buy from Hughes runs about $50 but you can buy the same parts at a big box store for less than half of that. It doesn’t actually hardwire the thing, it is just a set of plugs and outlets that you wire into the coach so that the portable autoformer can plug in. I don’t always use mine, typically only plug it I. If I’m seeing low voltage. Which I check with a digital voltmeter plugged into my bathroom outlet. (It also is a perfect night light). BTW, as noted above the autoformer is only a voltage booster although he modern ones do include a basic surge suppressor. I added a hardwired Progressive EMS on the advice of the Hughes folks as well.