Markfoto
On the Colorado River, Arizona
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Joined: 05/10/2006
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We use an external protector, but have frequently seen high voltages in Mexico. Would love an autoformer that drops voltage to a safe level
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Eric S
Boston
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Joined: 05/29/2008
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Wow! Thanks all for the great replies from an RV novice. I never knew that there was so much to worry about!
- Eric S.
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smkettner
Southern California
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Joined: 03/21/2005
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Another alternative is to carry a battery charger that will work on a wide range of voltages such as Promariner. This charger will take any AC input worldwide (95-250V, 50/60Hz). Then you will need an inverter to run any 120 volt items. With a decent amount of battery the 10 amp should be plenty unless you want to run the air conditioner.
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2oldman
WA
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Ask the church.
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Turtle-Toad
Wherever I park (orig Kingston, WA. USA)
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almcc wrote:Thanks for the information smkettner.
In terms of voltage correction, I'm looking for something that will be "plug and play" and handle 30 amps, some of the campgrounds down there that have 30 amp service also have 130 + volts.
I will wait for an autoformer that reduces voltage. I have a Tripp Lite surge guard that protects our electronics, it works well, but it doesn't reduce the voltage. I also run the electronics off an inverter running off the batteries in cases where the voltage is high.
Turtle Toad, I would be interested in knowing if you found an autoformer that reduces voltage!
What you are looking for is a "Buck/Boost" power conditioning unit. Unfortunately I'm not aware of anyone that builds them for RV/portable use; probably because of large size of the unit and the small market. Although with all the advances in solid state electronics, it may now be possible to make a truly portable unit that can handle at least 30 amperes.
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Eric S
Boston
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Hi folks,
One more question about electrical stuff. I've been seeing in the Church book that many RV parks in Mexico have 15 amp service. Besides checking for the voltage being in a safe range, do we need a minimum number of amps to run the A/C? Should we not use it unless there is at least 30 amp service?
Thanks a lot.
- Eric S.
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crandle
Campbell River, BC, Canada
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Joined: 08/09/2002
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We ran the A/C in 15 amp parks. Just keep it on low and remember to turn it off before you use any other appliances like the microwave or toaster.
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moisheh
North America
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Joined: 05/04/2002
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Amp service has no meaning in Mexico. You will find 15/20 amp outlets on a 50 amp breaker. You will also find some where the service is being shared by 10 other campers. I guess you could call that a 1 amp service! We have had some 30 amp services that were very good. But they are not plentifull. In some of the older parks we unplug as the low voltage can be hard on your inverter or converter.
Moisheh
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