Autoformer installation

Here is how I installed mine.

I put both Autoformer and Surge Guard in the same cabinet as the charger/converter. The input of the Surge Guard is connected to the outside cord. The output of the Surge Guard is connected to the socket mounted on the back wall. I put a plug on the input cord to the charger/converter. If I want the Autoformer on-line, I plug the Autoformer into the socket and the charger/converter into the Autoformer. If I don't want the autoformer on-line, I simply plug the charger/converter into the socket. I modified the cabinet by removing the top; it was just stapled on. For now I am just setting it back in place; later on I may hinge it on the side or back. Note the small mirror on the back wall (next to last photo); this is so I can see the lights on the autoformer. I used a piece of steel strap to hold the Autoformer in place.

View with charger/converter still out







After installation with the converter/charger back in place


Photo showing mirror with light visible


After installation

Very nice work Scott, very nice!

That was a tight fit - nice job!

Well done :!:

One item I noticed in your pictures (my Surge Guard had a warning on it about mounting it parallel to the ground ....) not sure why but they did not recommend having both grounds at the same height. If you thought this was a problem you could put a small wooden wedge under one side to raise it an inch or so.


Great install though - looks very good!

When would you not want the Autoformer on-line?

Scott, Heat not a problem in that cabnet?
The BH bought me one for my birthday back in July, i havent tried an install yet.
I like your set up, but was wondering about the outside cord, how is it conected in to that outlet?.
Thanks

Scott,

Do you think it would help to cut down the brown swivle vent and install a small 12VDC fan in it to exhaust the heat? I was thinking of one of those fans that we install in the back of the reefer to exhaust heat buildup there.

A really, really sweet install. You've got me thinking about this as a project for next spring.







Thanks for the idea! Outta here .....

Scott,
Did you ever put a hinge on the top? If it stays put while you're traveling, you probably wouldn't need it. Scruffy says that if he gets an autoformer or surge protector he's going to use your idea. He said a couple magnetic cabinet latches might work just as well as a hinge.

Really nice, clean looking installation.

cooksvillewildcat wrote:When would you not want the Autoformer on-line?

The people at Hughs said not to have the Autoformer on-line when using a generator. I never got a satisfactory explanation and I think it is ok. I put the disconnect in anyway. I have since tested it using my generators (twin Honda 2k) with no problems.

bags24 wrote:Scott, Heat not a problem in that cabnet?
The BH bought me one for my birthday back in July, i havent tried an install yet.
I like your set up, but was wondering about the outside cord, how is it conected in to that outlet?.
Thanks

Do you think it would help to cut down the brown swivle vent and
install a small 12VDC fan in it to exhaust the heat? I was thinking of
one of those fans that we install in the back of the reefer to exhaust
heat buildup there.

Heat has not been a problem yet, but I have not used it much either (don't have hook ups very often). If I were to install a fan, I would probably use a computer style muffin fan; one that runs on AC so that it would only come on when plugged. I put one in a computer cabinet at work awhile back that also has a thermostat; only runs when it gets hot.

bags24 wrote:Scott, Heat not a problem in that cabnet?
The BH bought me one for my birthday back in July, i havent tried an install yet.
I like your set up, but was wondering about the outside cord, how is it conected in to that outlet?.
Thanks

It's not. The outside cord is connected to the input of the SurgeGuard. The output of the SurgeGuard is connect to the outlet. Having the Surgeguard inline first provides some protection to the Autoformer.

Scruffy and Tater wrote:Scott,
Did you ever put a hinge on the top? If it stays put while you're traveling, you probably wouldn't need it. Scruffy says that if he gets an autoformer or surge protector he's going to use your idea. He said a couple magnetic cabinet latches might work just as well as a hinge.

No, I never hinged the top. I moves very little when traveling. The most I have seen it move is about 1"; it stays in place very well. A couple strips of velcro would be all that is necessary. Installing hinges would be difficult; there is no clearance between the back of the top and the wall.

How is the top mounted to the cab from the factory, would not want to wreck something taking the top off?

f150k wrote:How is the top mounted to the cab from the factory, would not want to wreck something taking the top off?

Stapled. Just start gently working it off. The cabinet is also just stapled together; I reinforced mine with some corner brackets; see photos.

Scottz, Thank you, we are camping will work on that when I get home. Would like to do this mod before I put the Cat away for the winter. Ken

f150k wrote:Scottz, Thank you, we are camping will work on that when I get home. Would like to do this mod before I put the Cat away for the winter. Ken

I have not re-attached the lid to the cabinet. I just set it in place. Has not moved yet.

Scott - Great job young man. Lights in the wall are for what? Is that a telephone hook up to the left? The orange romex coming out of the plug box connects to what?

Yes, telephone connection to outside jack. The "lights on wall" are just a small mirror so I can see the lights on the back of the autoformer. No specific colors on the wiring; see schematic.

Thank you. I see the light. LMBO
Wiring diagram is where?

In my photo gallery. Link is in my signature.

Thank you.

Sorry, I looked and apparently never drew a schematic for the AC. I'll work on it.

scottz wrote:

cooksvillewildcat wrote:When would you not want the Autoformer on-line?

The people at Hughs said not to have the Autoformer on-line when using a generator. I never got a satisfactory explanation and I think it is ok. I put the disconnect in anyway. I have since tested it using my generators (twin Honda 2k) with no problems.

Update: I just used my generators several times during 6 day trip; no problems with the Autoformer on line.

scottz wrote:Sorry, I looked and apparently never drew a schematic for the AC. I'll work on it.

Thank you kind sir.