1 - What kind of pump do you have?

Check the amp rating on your pump to ensure the new controller is compatible.  For example, one of the pumps commonly used for window cleaning is a Shurflo 100 PSI/5.3 LPM, this draws 8 amps which means if you are using this pump you would need to ensure your controller has a similar amp rating or higher.  Either our ABC controller or our 12 volt controller for window cleaning will be compatible.

I often see window cleaners using controllers which have an amp rating well below the amp rating on the pump and whilst these controllers may work ok to begin with they are unlikely to be reliable or last beyond 12 months.


2 - Position

It is advisable to install the controller away from hose reels.  This is good practice as it avoids the possibility of any water dripping onto the controller.


3 - Connections

I cannot stress the importance of this enough – make sure you have good, clean, dry, terminal connections.  I see so many systems which aren’t working correctly that have bits of bare copper wire, corroded connectors, or connections held together with electrical tape and I can honestly say 9 times out if 10 if the controller or pump isn’t working it will be down to a bad connection.

My advice is to use female and male bullet connectors.  Invest in a good quality crimping tool to crimp the connector onto the copper cable.  This creates a good strong dry connection.  Be careful not to push the wire too far into the connector as you want to get a connection on the copper wire not the plastic.


4 - Fuses

Please fit the correct size fuse, this is another one that I can’t stress the importance of enough. In the event of the system developing a fault the fuse will blow before any damage is caused to your controller, pump and battery.  It will also alert you to the fact that there is a fault on the system which needs to be addressed.  We recommend a 7.5 amp fuse is fitted with our ABC controller or our 12 volt controller for window cleaning.  This ensures that in the event of a fault the fuse will blow before the current builds up too much.  If a fuse blows, please don’t just take it out or replace it with a bigger one as this will allow the current to exceed safe levels.

The fuse should be fitted as close to the battery as possible.  The reason for this is in the event of a fault there will only be a short distance for the current to travel from the battery to the fuse and so this will reduce the amount of damage that could be caused by a fault.


5 - Wiring

Please use cable which is has a compatible amp rating i.e. 10 amps or more, burglar alarm cable etc isn’t going to cut the mustard!

It is very important to double check all the wires are the correct way round before connecting to the battery, i.e. positive and negative, if you get these the wrong way round you may hear a loud bang and discover your new controller is broken.  Some controllers will have built in protection against this but not all of them so it is best to double check.

 

Hope this helps.