Power Watchdog

[AllysonG-NY]

I have a Hughes 30AMP Power Watchdog and have it set to standard settings

I'm not a "electric person"

I have voltage set to 104 (low) 128 (high) and at current campsite it averages 107. Right now I'm having my AC ON continuously due to high temps.

Voltage is fluctuating as low as 90 and thus I keep getting notifications. If I turn off AC no issues ...

1) Am I causing any issues/damage with low voltage?
2) Can I set low to 90 on my Watchdog to avoid constant notifications? (I know park fluctuates!!)

Thanks...

Allyson

[crockettlarry]

You will possibly (probably?) damage electrical pieces in your camper if you run it below 104 volts. Pull your plug at the post and make sure your prongs are good and clean. That might get you a Volt or two.

Larry

[Route 66 Traveler]

My Progressive EMS has the settings built in with no way to change them. It would not allow my AC, or anything else for that matter, to run with 90 volts AC. I believe it shuts everything down at 104 volts.

What were the settings when it came from the factory??


*** Just checked my Specs and it says:


High/Low Voltage Protection:
Whenever A/C power falls below 104 volts, or rises above 132 volts, the EMS automatically shuts down power to the RV. The EMS will monitor the power and once the AC power rises above 104 volts, or below the 132 volt level, the time delay indicator flashes for the present time and then automatically restores power to the RV.

[AllysonG-NY]

Originally Posted by Route 66 Traveler

My Progressive EMS has the settings built in with no way to change them. It would not allow my AC, or anything else for that matter, to run with 90 volts AC. I believe it shuts everything down at 104 volts.

What were the settings when it came from the factory??


*** Just checked my Specs and it says:


High/Low Voltage Protection:
Whenever A/C power falls below 104 volts, or rises above 132 volts, the EMS automatically shuts down power to the RV. The EMS will monitor the power and once the AC power rises above 104 volts, or below the 132 volt level, the time delay indicator flashes for the present time and then automatically restores power to the RV.

Its set to 104 -132 and if I go to settings, it will allow me to change - + for minimum.

[crockettlarry]

Originally Posted by AllysonG-NY

Its set to 104 -132 and if I go to settings, it will allow me to change - + for minimum.

Will it allow you to go outside of 104 and 132? If it does, don't do it, is what we are saying.

[Jopopsy]

Sounds like you need a Hughes Autoformer.

[16WhiteColly]

Running the A/C especially below 104 sounds like it could damage the unit. I have never seen any voltages below about 114 in any campsite, so far. Sounds like it would be a good idea to have the park check inside the pedestal and see if all contacts and receptacle are clean. If you have not checked the tightness of the wires inside the breaker panel, for the shore cord, might be a good idea.

[16WhiteColly]

https://www.google.com/search?q=safe...ile-gws-wiz-hp

[Mlcharlestonsc]

Park seems to have Elec. issues.

My watch dog found reverse polarity at park plug and would not slow me to have power at all.

[Vicr]

At 104 volts and lower you will eventually burn up your AC compressor. 108v is about the lowest I (electrician) would run my AC on.

[craigav]

Originally Posted by Jopopsy

Sounds like you need a Hughes Autoformer.

I have one of them and rarely use it, however it is nice to have as I have been in older RV parks and at times when a lot of RV'rs where running their AC's and have expereinced voltages as low as 100v, the autoformer has a 10% boost so 100v in and 110v out to the RV which makes a big difference for the longevity of an RV A/C. I know a lot of people discourage using one, but it is and does what it is designed to do. ~CA

[67L48]

Motors and compressors will especially wear out with low voltage. Ohm's Law. P=VI. For a given power rating, if V goes down, then I must go up.

If you ran a 500 W motor at a nominal US outlet, then you'd be running 4.2 amps through it (500/120). If that voltage dropped to 90, then the same motor operates by pulling 5.6 amps. When you run higher current through devices, it wears them out faster.

When the voltage drops below 104, you're better off not using the power at all.

[GHen]

Do you have an extra long shore power cord? That can drop voltage also. Run as short of a power cord as possible.

[Jagiven]

Does the shore power post have a 50 amp plug option? If so, do you have a 50 amp to 30 amp dogbone? If so, give it a try. Often the 30 amp outlets have more issues, as they are used and abused more frequently.

I try not to use my dogbone unless absolutely necessary, but it is nice to have when needed.

[Vicr]

Originally Posted by Jagiven

Does the shore power post have a 50 amp plug option? If so, do you have a 50 amp to 30 amp dogbone? If so, give it a try. Often the 30 amp outlets have more issues, as they are used and abused more frequently.

I try not to use my dogbone unless absolutely necessary, but it is nice to have when needed.

I see what you're saying, wear contacts on the receptacle oxidized, "opened", loose connection on the breaker lug etc. BUT the voltage will be the same on both 50a and 30a receptacles.

[Capt. Bill]

The normally accepted range on 120 V is + or- 10% which is 108 to 132 volts. Anything out side this range can start doing damage to pc boards & sensitive equipment. Happy trails

[Weatherman1]

Most newer motors are rated for +/- 10% to be safe using 120volt as a base rating
Sounds like the wire size to the power pole may be undersized or the park may have a distribution problem
108 would be the lowest to run at but understand that this is not the best thing for motor longevity!
132 on the high. Its better than running low but still not good for motor longevity!
I would say that the park has a problem

[Johnynorthland]

Originally Posted by crockettlarry

You will possibly (probably?) damage electrical pieces in your camper if you run it below 104 volts. Pull your plug at the post and make sure your prongs are good and clean. That might get you a Volt or two.

Larry

X2, Yup, I have a plug in meter also! I gaze at it frequently. Low power or half power, (220 brownout), will destroy things!

[Jljohnny]

Utility power is standard 120v but can go +\-5%. So, 114 to 126v. Short story is… your a/c and other appliances are designed to run within these voltages. If that park is only giving you 90v and then when you shut your a/c off voltage goes up significantly. Then I suspect a neutral problem. Which is even harder on your electrical devices.