Ultimate RV Electrical System Protection – Hughes Autoformer & Power Watchdog

Hi Steve,

Sorry for the delayed reply, we were confirming some things with Hughes before answering (and thanks for the heads-up on the manual... we've passed that info along).

As for our process with the Autoformer & Watchdog... we don't re-arrange anything when we connect to power. We leave the Autoformer in place, first in line. Then the Watchdog. The Autoformer has most (though not all) of the protections that the Watchdog has. And the ones it doesn't have, the Watchdog should pick up on, even with the Autoformer between it and the pedestal. So our Autoformer IS at greater risk of damage than if the arrangement were reversed (pedestal --> Watchdog --> Autoformer --> RV), but as you mentioned, our arrangement (pedestal --> Autoformer --> Watchdog --> RV) ensures that the Autoformer can boost low power that the Watchdog would have just shut off.

Of the wiring issues that the Autoformer could be exposed to (that it doesn't check for itself: reverse polarity, open circuit and mis-wiring), mis-wiring is the biggest potential hazard, but mostly for a 50-Amp connection that was wired as 1 x 240V instead of 2 x 120V legs. For reverse polarity/open circuit, the Watchdog would throw an alert and we should be able to turn off the pedestal power before any damage was done to the Autoformer. The 240V? THAT would likely damage the Autoformer... but it's a risk we're willing to take... especially since we have the components wired in in a way that would allow us to remove the now-fried Autoformer from the circuit so we could still function (in a different site that was tested first, of course)!

Unfortunately, there's no easy way to protect yourself 100%. If you're concerned about the risk to the Autoformer, you could try reversing its position in the circuit so the Watchdog protected it... and see if you run into any/many situations where the Watchdog shut off for low/high voltage that could have been boosted by the Autoformer.

I found a switch in one of my storage compartments and I have no idea what it is. I have looked everywhere, it’s not in the useless owners manual and the dealer pretty much dropped my 1st RV off and just left after a hasty walk through. I can send a picture but don’t know how to do that in this forum! Help! Thank you! Kimberly

Hi Dave. Thanks for the note. We’re well aware of this, but need to stress a critical part of this story that certain component manufacturers and retailers are eager to gloss over: this is a PROPOSED rule change. They continue to talk about it as though it’s a done deal, largely because it was spearheaded by, and would benefit, those very companies if it passed. We happen to know that the odds of it passing are anything but assured, and quite likely very low, despite lobbying by those same companies. We will of course stay on top of the situation as it evolves.

Hi Guys- and thank for both a quick and through response. My comment on Hughes being a sponsor was meant as a joke but I guess that did not come across in writing. I always have the greatest respect for your integrity. Your points are very though provoking. Having a short term limit budget (still need to replace 6 tires before using this RV) in order of priority would you suggest buying the Autoformer or Bulldog as the first move with the other in about 6 months?

If I might pass you a tip, using dialectic grease on the plugs makes for better contact, ease of removal and prevents against corrosion for all electrical contacts, especially those that are exposed to the elements. We live currently on the water and every contact, including light bulbs, switches and outlets, etc get a coat of DEG to ensure the best contacts.

If I may ask one more related question; The current Hughes Autoformer has built-in surge protection but not BT (as I understand it. If you have the current model autoformer the addition of the Bulldog EMS only adds BT app capability. Is this correct?

Sorry about that, Steve! We've been told we have a habit of spending other people's money before! ?