How to switch on and connect water supply?

[alphapets]

Hi,

On the site now. In a Avondale Dart 515-4. Filled the Aqua Roll and connected the Crystal Maxi Pump to the Carver Compact. Gone to the Zig MK103 control panel and switched pump to run. But nothing is happening, do I need a leisure battery in to complete the circuit?

Thanks

 

[BryanTheSnail]

If on a hookup the power unit will be supplying 12 volts for the van services (as well as charging the leisure battery). If not then yes you will need a leisure battery. An alternative is connect the grey plug into your car, and the caravan should power up from the car battery. That's the way my Argente worked. Careful you don't flatten it by overuse though.

 

[alphapets]

To clarify I need a leisure battery to complete the circuit, before the water pump will work? Thanks

 

[ProfJohnL]

Without knowing the exact specification of the Zig Mk3 I cannot tell you if you need a battery or not.. The reason is two fold, firstly depending on the design of the Zig unit, it may not produce a 'smooth' 12V supply, it could be a half or full wave rectifier output which is effectively switching off 50 or 100 times a second. which may not suit the pump or its control circuit. Secondly the Zig unit by itself may not have sufficient current capability to start the pump. In either case the system would need a battery to smooth the current and to provide the starting current.

If on the other hand the zig unit is a smoothed power supply, then it should have enough current to turn the pump, so the problem must lie elsewhere.

Sorry not much real help, but hopefully a better understanding.

 

[Raywood]

I assume that you are hooked up to the mains and if so the pump should run when switched on although as the Prof says it might need a battery for smoothing out the current.
I am assuming the lights and fridge are working which means you have power. If you are hooked up and the pump is not working I would check the fuse first and see if it has blown but if not you may need a new pump. The other thing I would check is the pressure valve. This should be in the caravan near to where the water comes in. It has a rotating top. if you turn that it may sort the problem by adjusting the pressure to the tap.
Hope this helps.

 

[Parksy]

Hi Alphapets
If the fuses are ok try using jump leads from your car battery to the caravan terminals (somebody will have a set if you haven't got them) to check if a leisure battery will be essential.
Click Here to see a short You Tube video that will outline the setting up of caravan water systems.
The late John Wickersham had also made a film which shows how to diagnose water system problems which might help.
Good Luck

 

[alphapets]

Hi,

Yes, I am connected to the mains power. All lights and fridge are working. The power panel is illuminated and the submersible pump is beneath the water line. But still no water. When you mention the fuse, are you referring to the fuse in the Zig control panel? I've connected a new battery and still no water?

Cheers

I will try and look for pressure valve...any ideas?

 

[Parksy]

Ususally incorporated into the pipe run underneath the front seat near to the water entry point.
Just a thought but the pump doesn't have a separate switch somewhere does it?
On some caravans which have submersible pumps the pump has been known to run on if the aquaroll runs dry, without the it being heard inside the caravan because of the tv or radio.
To counter the possibility of a pump running until the motor is burnt out some D-I-Y types have been known to fit a simple on/off switch into the circuit somewhere.
Try to find the wires from the 12v fuse board which run to the pump to check for a switch if the fuse is ok.

 

[Raywood]

Not sure what age your caravan is. There may be a fuse box under the front off side seat with the fuse in that, if not then follow the advice from Parksy.

 

[chrisn7]

If you have any spare wiring available, try connecting the pump briefly directly to the car battery, or via a live accessory socket to make sure the pump itself is ok.

 

[alphapets]

Thanks for all your tips. Popped into local dealer, who tested, and said it was working, but it had a poor connection. Purchased new ane all is fine. Thanks

 

[Parksy]

You're welcome, glad you got the problem resolved