Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Montana Owners Club - Keystone Montana 5th Wheel Forum > GENERAL DISCUSSIONS > General Discussions about our Montanas
Click Here to Login

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 09-08-2010, 09:28 AM   #1
Andy
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Johnson City
Posts: 100
M.O.C. #5871
What are the differences EMS – Autoformer?

Would someone be kind enough to explain the differences between and EMS and an Autoformer? I feel that I want to do something to protect my rig but I’m clueless.
 
Andy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-08-2010, 09:36 AM   #2
bncinwv
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Winfield
Posts: 7,327
M.O.C. #6846
Andy,
An autoformer provides a voltage boost by lowering the amperage when there is a voltage drop coming in to the rig. Most autoformers are also equipped with a sacrificial surge suppressor. An EMS monitors the electrical feed to the rig and shuts down power if harmful conditions are detected, i.e. low voltage, high voltage, open grounds, surges, etc. An Autoformer will allow you to use your rig when there are low voltage conditions, and EMS will simply shut off the power supply to the rig until it is safe. The best solution is one of each (that is what I have installed). The most valuable asset I believe is the EMS, then the Autoformer. Hope this helps.
Bingo
__________________

Bingo and Cathy - Our adventures begin in the hills of WV. We are blessed by our 2014 3850FL Big Sky (previous 2011 3750FL and 2007 3400RL) that we pull with a 2007 Chevy Silverado Classic DRW CC dually.
bncinwv is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-08-2010, 09:49 AM   #3
RCN.Stoker
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Hamilton
Posts: 143
M.O.C. #9497
The EMS will also manage you load if connected to a 30 amp service. This prevents tripping park breakers.
RCN.Stoker is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-08-2010, 12:55 PM   #4
Jdrobone
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Wilsons
Posts: 404
M.O.C. #9833
Actually Bingo the autoformer raises the voltage, thereby lowering the amperage
Jdrobone is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-08-2010, 03:32 PM   #5
bncinwv
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Winfield
Posts: 7,327
M.O.C. #6846
Jerry, I think that is what I said isn't it???

"An autoformer provides a voltage boost by lowering the amperage when there is a voltage drop coming in to the rig"

It can be read either way I suppose, but one has to occur along with the other in order to stay in compliance with the basic current laws. I was trying to simplify it, sorry

Bingo
__________________

Bingo and Cathy - Our adventures begin in the hills of WV. We are blessed by our 2014 3850FL Big Sky (previous 2011 3750FL and 2007 3400RL) that we pull with a 2007 Chevy Silverado Classic DRW CC dually.
bncinwv is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-08-2010, 03:42 PM   #6
exav8tr
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Casa Grande
Posts: 5,369
M.O.C. #6333
AND, It's funny how some park managers think the autoformer "STEALS" voltage from the rest of the park. Bingo, I know we discussed this before but please refresh my memory. With both units, which one gets plugged into the park pedestal first? I have the portable ones....
exav8tr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-08-2010, 03:50 PM   #7
bncinwv
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Winfield
Posts: 7,327
M.O.C. #6846
I use the Autoformer before the EMS, simply so I can take the Autoformer out of the loop for whenever I use the generator. Autoformers do not like generators, and the EMS requires neutral and grouind to be bonded when used with a generator. Some believe the EMS should be before the Autoformer to protect it, but then in low voltage situations, the EMS cuts power before the Autoformer has the chance to boost the voltage. Hope that long-winded explanation helps!
Bingo
__________________

Bingo and Cathy - Our adventures begin in the hills of WV. We are blessed by our 2014 3850FL Big Sky (previous 2011 3750FL and 2007 3400RL) that we pull with a 2007 Chevy Silverado Classic DRW CC dually.
bncinwv is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-08-2010, 05:17 PM   #8
exav8tr
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Casa Grande
Posts: 5,369
M.O.C. #6333
Thanks Bingo!!
exav8tr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-09-2010, 05:15 AM   #9
Andy
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Johnson City
Posts: 100
M.O.C. #5871
Bingo, thanks for your response it's very helpful!

Andy
Andy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-09-2010, 07:16 AM   #10
firetrucker
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Gardnerville
Posts: 749
M.O.C. #2165
An autoformer is a transformer that mechanically or magnetically changes the transformer ratio to keep the output voltage constant.

Some devices, like the induction motor in your air conditioner, will draw more current when the voltage drops (which is why there are more problems during the summer), other devices, like heaters and lights, will draw less current when the voltage drops (and vice versa).

So, the autoformer works to keep the amperage from changing, which may be up or down depending on what you're running.

Bob
firetrucker is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
ford f250 fx4 or 4x4 pros /differences okierver Tow Vehicles & Towing 10 10-15-2012 04:31 AM
Differences in bed rail clearance 4x4 vs 4x2 KTManiac Tow Vehicles & Towing 6 12-29-2008 11:55 AM
new chevy or gmc any differences lwcdg Tow Vehicles & Towing 45 04-09-2007 04:09 PM
Specification Differences bdarr4014 General Discussions about our Montanas 7 12-19-2006 04:12 AM
3400 vs. 3475--pros, cons, and differences? David and Jo-Anna General Discussions about our Montanas 44 09-05-2006 04:58 AM

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Montana RV, Keystone RV Company or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 06:55 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.