ZIG UNIT or ???

[baz1875]

sorry to be such a dubass but how does a ZIG unit work and what are the advantages of installing one over say a small rcd consumer unit and a battery charger or something similar.

do you still run a split charge relay with a zig?

ive read alot of the other posts on here but just cant quite figure out which is the best route to go.

 

[animal]

Lots of thoughts over on the Brick Yard ...

http://www.brick-yard.co.uk/forum/zig-unit-pros-cons_topic21634.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[89Rallye]

It all depends which zig ( other makes are available ) unit you go for,

I've got the same dilemma at the moment and I think I've settled on a zig cf9 (or maybe cf8) as it does everything I want from it, only downsize is that it's quite a large unit. Split charging is done by the unit but what I like is that it's also a battery charger for when your on a mains hookup, which is good as I can hookup when it's parked in the garage at home too.

Spec for the cf9.

ZIG CF9 Distribution system

Battery charging and distribution system.

- Conforms to current EMC and Electrical safety regulations and is CE marked.

- 240v to 12v converter for battery charging.

- 3 x 10A switched fused outlets.

- Battery condition monitor.

- Easy to install (fitting instruction enclosed).

- Split charging facility from engine.

- Fits aperature size 275mm (W) x 85mm (H)

- Mains 240v and fridge supply

- Colour: Brown

I'm holding out for a decent second hand one though as there not cheap at £200 and its not high on my list of needs at the moment.

Basically all the zig units are different specs so just do your homework before you buy.

I've also been looking at a more modern digital units as there more compact but a lot more expensive.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CBE-PC100...BATTERY-CHARGER-SYSTEM-12V-240V-/330759811433

 

[baz1875]

Thanks for the quick responses ill have a look into it further

 

[sparkywig]

You don't need a split charge with a ZIG, it does it by itself, but you will still need to fit an RCD consumer unit to feed the ZIG and sockets.

I've got a CF-8 fitted, cost me £26 from eBay.

 

[baz1875]

You don't need a split charge with a ZIG, it does it by itself, but you will still need to fit an RCD consumer unit to feed the ZIG and sockets.

I've got a CF-8 fitted, cost me £26 from eBay.

So if I'm right the zig replaces the split charge really and the twelve volt fuse board ?

Does it charge the battery off hook up only or while driving aswell...

I apologise for the daft questions I understand the electrical side of things just can't way up what will work out best/cheapest for my bus

 

[sparkywig]

The ZIG unit replaces the split charge set-up and charges the leisure battery whilst driving when switched to "touring".
It also charges the leisure battery when connected to a mains hook up and switched to "on site".

I've also run a 12V feed from the ZIG unit to a fusebox under the rear seat to run the Propex, etc.

 

[baz1875]

That sounds exactly what I need to be honest just need to get one at the right price are there any models to avoid I've been watching cf8, cf9 and a cp2000

 

[sparkywig]

I went for the CF-8 as it was the smallest and neatest unit.
All depends what you want from it.

 

[baz1875]

Thanks alot for the help

 

[Anonymous]

Hi, I'm having my camper interior installed by Rock Salmon Vans this is what he uses,

 

[baz1875]

Hi, I'm having my camper interior installed by Rock Salmon Vans this is what he uses,

I do like the look of these, abit on the expensive side of my budget tho that's the only problem

 

[Tim S]

That sounds exactly what I need to be honest just need to get one at the right price are there any models to avoid I've been watching cf8, cf9 and a cp2000

You don't say what you want it for; I haven't any proper electrics in my van at all, when we camp we run the 240v off the campsite on a 25M reel I bought from eBay. I have a French adaptor I also got from eBay.

 

[baz1875]

im installing a leasure battery to propex, 12v socket, radio, cb, and maybe an invertor and some lights, so was looking for a neat way of doing it

 

[Bwuttonmoon]

I think zig unit is an easy and neat way of dealing with electrics, I have a CF9. Do an ebay search there are a few for around £80-£100 mark if you want to pay that.

 

[baz1875]

it does seem alot simpler way of doing just got to grab a bargain now

 

[fire3500]

Hi, I'm having my camper interior installed by Rock Salmon Vans this is what he uses,

Now you've opened a can of worms... that's the unit I have and I cannot find out how to charge as I'm driving along... consensus from the supplier seems to be that I need to have a split charging relay still

I'd love to learn that it's otherwise though!

For our viewers what like pictures... here's a picture of it, doing its thing hooked up to 240v in the garage.


IMG_2890 by iancleary, on Flickr

 

[Mr G]

Yes that is right, the unit won't charge your battery unless on hook up. To charge from the engine you need split charge setup.

 

[fire3500]

Yes that is right, the unit won't charge your battery unless on hook up. To charge from the engine you need split charge setup.

Thwarted!

Cheers dude, I've already got the relay... but the Type 4 engine has hidden the alternator so successfully that I get the vapours every time I even think about fitting it. Must persevere, am being weak.

Appreciate the advice! Sorry for minor hijackage...

 

[baz1875]

Yes that is right, the unit won't charge your battery unless on hook up. To charge from the engine you need split charge setup.

let me get this right the zig unit does charge the battery whilst moving but the PMS 3 doesn't :?