Think I've blown my variflow

[Rickadoo]

Hi guys, 

this morning I attached the croc clips from my pump controller on to the battery terminals the wrong way round. Loud crack and pump ran. Then changed to the correct way but the result is, the pump runs continuously at max speed even when you turn the controller off. Have to disconnect the battery to stop it. Have I fried the controller, or the pressure switch in the pump? I think it is the controller as when I undid the cover I could smell burning (although I could not see any burned components. It's a liquid logic analogue controller. Any advice ? Having to use the backpack for my work till I decide what to do. 

 

[Dave Shaw]

I did a similar thing when I was wiring up my van system. I crossed the wires but luckily I just blew the fuse between my battery and the controller.


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[spruce]

Hi guys, 

this morning I attached the croc clips from my pump controller on to the battery terminals the wrong way round. Loud crack and pump ran. Then changed to the correct way but the result is, the pump runs continuously at max speed even when you turn the controller off. Have to disconnect the battery to stop it. Have I fried the controller, or the pressure switch in the pump? I think it is the controller as when I undid the cover I could smell burning (although I could not see any burned components. It's a liquid logic analogue controller. Any advice ? Having to use the backpack for my work till I decide what to do. 

Sounds like you have destroyed the controller.

Your best bet is to replace it and try to find a way of not getting the crocodile clamps mixed up in future. I have my battery permanently fix in place with battery clamps on the terminals. I have a separate coupler and plug my charger into the coupler so its impossible for me to get them incorrect. If this is something you can't do then it might be an idea to source a simple reverse polarity circuit protector as per this website .

https://www.edn.com/design/analog/4368527/Simple-reverse-polarity-protection-circuit-has-no-voltage-drop

see figure 3





On the positive side, it is something most of us do at some point in our wfp life. Its like putting in diesel to a petrol car. Some are just fortunate that they get away with minimal damage - blown fuse.

On other posts Spring Europe have offered to look at controllers that have been damaged but I can't believe the cost is worth the trouble.

 

[Rickadoo]

Thanks Gents,

when I got home tonight I took the pcb out of the unit and found a burned out ribbon on the back. Re soldered and voila. Working again. Lesson learned tho. In-line fuse essential. 

Cheers

 

[Marko067]

Well done! It's great when you can effect a good repair isn't it.

I made the same split second mistake with my Pure Freedom controller, but it was totally blown. No home repair possible. I use a plain PWM controller now with a 40amp automotive relay wired in to protect the pressure switch on the pump. Works a treat.