Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Sir Squeaky on October 17, 2007, 03:59:19 pm
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I was busy working today (no, that's not the news), when suddenly my water stopped.
I went back to the van and the pump was off. ???
What it was, was my inline fuse between the battery and pump had burnt out.
Now I checked on the pump, and it says 7 amps.
I had a 10 amp fuse in there.
It had melted half of the metal ends! :o
Any reason for this, or had it just had enough after 6 months? ???
Rog.
(ps. I've just had a text off Gilesy, and he reckons i may need thicker wiring)
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What battery are you using?
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Just to confirm thatI did indeed send Squeaks a text ;D
I told him that my original fuse holder melted (the fuse didn't though) on my original setup, ever since then I've not bothered with a fuse :o Yeah I know, I know, pretty dumb, but I've never had a problem in 3 years. To me it seems that you need quite heavy duty wiring for these pumps, they are real hard work on fuses.
I'm sure some 'lecky' wallah will but Roger straight on what he should do though.
Ian
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try a lower fuse rating squeaks
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Ian
Yours and Rogers are the third and fourth ones i have heard of , perhaps a manufacturer can comment.
One thing you can check is that the wires in the fuse holder are sound, i usually redo my wires every couple of months.
Dave
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What battery are you using?
a 90amp/hr leisure job.
try a lower fuse rating squeaks
Surely that would make it more likely. ???
I was given a 13a fuse by a customer so I could carry on.
I told him that my original fuse holder melted (the fuse didn't though)...etc
I'm not sure if it was the holder or fuse.
The metal contact on the holder's spring had melted, but the fuse was black too.
Not sure which failed... ???
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Rog
What pump is it and do you use a controller ?
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What battery are you using?
a 90amp/hr leisure job.
I only asked that in a feeble attempt to look clever.
Can you just stick another fuse in there and 'off you go'?
I've done that with the backpack; though I realise that's 'small cheese' compared to your set up.
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Yep mine melted too.
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Rog
What pump is it and do you use a controller ?
It's a 60psi Flojet. No, don't use a controller.
Got an inline tap, don't need one.
I can adjust it without going back to the van.
Can you just stick another fuse in there and 'off you go'?
Doh!
I already said a customer gave me a fuse! ;D
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This certainly sounds like a wiring problem? I helped a fellow W/C out on the cleaning pros forum, and the eventual problem was traced to a trapped wire under a metal lid, with the vibration of the van it caused chaffing of the insulation and eventualy caused the fuse to melt along with the wiring, like dave said, this isn't the first I have seen and helped with but it seems to becoming more and more regular.
Squeeks, when your pump is running just take hold of the insulated wire and see if its getting warm, if it is getting warm, then the wire is to thin, for the job and will eventually break down and melt.
Keep your 10amp fuse in there, there put there for a purpose? if it wasn't for your fuse melting the next thing to burn out would be your pump, 10p against £80 take your pick.
If the problem persists get back to me and I'll run you through a check list.
Here are a couple of photo's of a felow W/C wiring and fuse.
(http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k23/jeffo_01/meltedfuseSmall.jpg)
(http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k23/jeffo_01/frayedwiresSmall.jpg)
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Cheers Jeff.
I'll have a look in the morning.
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I only asked that in a feeble attempt to look clever.
Feeble is the right word. ;D
Rog.
I've had a fuse & holder melt, my mate said it's because Tucker used a crap fuse holder & it was not connecting proper. It was one off them cheap wrap round the wire jods.
Macc
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Rog
A controller would help take the load off the wiring, It will shut the pump off when you disconnect or turn your valve off instead of your pump constantly cycling, also it will reduce the current going through the wire on lower speeds.
all the manufacturers use some kind of electronic control advice, the only ones i know who dont is Gardeners, I for one certainly wouldnt be without mine.
Dave