pump blows fuse

[TomDickson]

Hi.

I am new to caravaning & I am trying to clean out my water pipes but every time I switch the pump on it blows the fuse & I loose all my power supply.

I have no idea what is causing this as nothing else is switched on. I am going on holiday on Monday. I would appreciate any advice.

Thanks

Tom.

 

[xtrailman]

Tom

i had this last year on holiday.

If was the pump that fits in the water barrel, i would go out and buy a new one complete, not cheap to buy, and they are junk.

Thats why you ought to have a spare.

I think i payed

 

[TomDickson]

Thanks Ray for your very Quick reply. It blew four fuses so I hope that is the problem.

Tom

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Tom,

Ray's advice is sound, but when you are using your pump be careful to make sure it is only turned on when there is water in the barrel.

If a submersible pump runs dry the water seals on the rotating shaft will quickly deteriorate and allow water into the motor compartment. That is almost certainly what has happened to your old pump, and blowing fuses is a typical symptom.

 

[sgtzara]

This keeps happening to me to.

Going through 10amp fuses like there's no tomorrow.

Unfortunately, there's no pattern as to when it will go, kitchen, bathroom or even simply turning on the pump switch in the van.

I have bought a new pump, but alas, the problem continues.

I've had the van down to the dealer twice and each time I've had it down, sure doesn't the water work properly, hence the dealer can't find anything wrong with it. Any suggestions?

 

[xtrailman]

SF

1/ is the system pressurised, or control from the tap switches?

2/ is the pump the only thing on the 10amp fuse that's blowing?

3/ is your pump the in the barrel type?

If its not the pump, it could be a short in the wiring to the pump.

Unfortunately an intermittent fault can be very time consuming.

And may only be found when it gets worse.

Ultimately it may be easier to rewire the circuit.

 

[sgtzara]

Hi Ray,

My caravan is a 2005 Elddis Crusader Typhoon.

1) The water system is pressurised.

2) The only thing blowing on the 10amp circuit is the slider fuse for the water pump

3) Our pump is just the ordinary Carver crystal submersible pump that goes into our Aqua Roll.

We've only had the caravan just over 2 months and we've had her out 3 times.

On the first occasion, the fuse blew just before the hot water tank had filled up. On that occasion, we where using the kitchen tap and it also took out the 5amp fuse for the caravan battery.

One trip to the dealer later, new fuses and the system checked, we were sent on our way.

On second outing, we got a full day out of the water system before the fuse blew again when using the bathroom tap. I bought some new fuses myself and replaced them but they kept on blowing within a short time. No pattern, kitchen, bathroom and once when simply turning the power button for the pump on took out the fuses.

At this, I thought it might have been a faulty pump so went ahead and bought a new one.

On third outing, again, got just over a day's use out of the water system before it blew. Again, replaced the fuse and it too blew within a short space of time.

Took van back to the dealer who tested electrics, went through numerous aqua rolls, tried all taps etc and did his best but alas, on this occasion, she behaved.

We're heading off soon for just over a week and I dread to think what it's going to be like if it decides to play about again.

The dealer advised me to keep a log next time it goes as to what I was doing when it went and what else was on etc.

 

[xtrailman]

sf

What is the 5amp battery fuse that blow originally, i find that odd.

The way your system works is as follows, you may know this already, but if you don't it helps if you understand how the system works, for when it breaks.

When the pump is switch is in the on position, the system is enabled.

A pressure switch placed near the water inlet pipe detects the water pressure in the pipe. If the water pressure is low the pump is energised through the pressure switch, the pump will run until the pressure switch breaks the circuit, the switch will make clicking sounds which signifies pressure has been reached, or is being approached.

When the pressure set by the switch is reached the pump will stop.

I assume that you have had this action work ok?

It makes no difference which tap you open, any tap will create a pressure drop and activate the switch.

Are you sure the pump is stopping, that is the system is up to pressure.

There should be a device close to the pressure switch that is shaped like a cylinder, this is a damper,has this been checked by the dealer.

The problem sounds like the pump may be overloading?

Try powering the system on with the pump removed, the fuse should not blow.

 

[TomDickson]

Thanks for your advice gents. New whale solved the problem.

Tom.