Ziggy Stuff

[aircured]

What is the safest / best leisure battery kit available.

Don't realy know much about them other than what I have read on tinternet, I have an electrical backround, so I have no issues fitting the kit myself.

I am looking to fit an additional battery for camping etc... and do not have a budget, I would prefer to get the best kit for the price... (value for money).

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[lard]

Hello,

I've gone down the router of putting in my own system rather than using a Zig unit as the general conscenus was that this was old (1980's) technology - when doing it this way, in using a seperate charger, invertor e.t.c., the sky's the limit almost with choosing the individual components,

I've started a thread on my build if that helps - though my van isn't due to be with me until September so the install will be documented at a later date:

http://forum.earlybay.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=17139&p=150367&hilit=leisure+battery#p150367

Hope that helps,

Larry

 

[Cali_bay]

I have just installed a 12V & 240V system to my bus, went the Zig unit route, but saved a bucket load buying one from a caravan breakers. I have also seen them on ebay, but at least you get some come back with the breakers.

With the 240V route, ensure that you get a consumer unit with a RCCD breaker, these trip faster than a standard household unit.



Like what your doing with your set-up though Larry.

 

[duzzied]

HI,
When my van comes back from being restored (I know its bad I'm not doing it myself but thats another story) I am looking at fitting the electrics to the van using a Zig CF 9.
Am I right in thinking that this will charge the battery etc whilst I'm connected to the mains and also allow me to run a standard 3 pin plug?
Also does your install have a consumer unit as well to handle the mains electrics?

Cheers
Duzzied

 

[lard]

HI,
When my van comes back from being restored (I know its bad I'm not doing it myself but thats another story) I am looking at fitting the electrics to the van using a Zig CF 9.
Am I right in thinking that this will charge the battery etc whilst I'm connected to the mains and also allow me to run a standard 3 pin plug?
Also does your install have a consumer unit as well to handle the mains electrics?

Cheers
Duzzied

Hi,

I based my component install on a Zig setup posted at thesamba.com - this one shows a consumer unit in front of the Zig:

My setup has a consumer unit aswell - my heater goes into this when on hookup as it would blow my 500W inverter:

HTH

Larry

 

[Cali_bay]

Best to use a consumer unit for the 240V and to feed the Zig as it gives good protection. The Zig will charge the leisure battery when the mains is connected and theres a manual switch to charge it when the engine is running.

 

[noddy]

the relay route for splitting the charge from the dynamo or alternator wont be the best way to charge a second battery.
The charge will primeraly go to the starter battery.
Personally I think this is one of the best products for charging multiple batteries.
http://www.sterling-power.com/products-altbatt.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[duzzied]

That makes it a bit clearer, I'll print those diagrams out and give to the person doing the install, (girlfriends dad) I'm not confident with electrics.
So am I right in thinking that once your on 240 volt hookup your not using your zig unit your 3 pin plugs are direct to the consumer unit?
Sorry if this sounds daft.
Cheers
Duzzied

 

[lard]

Hi

daft questions are fine - I ask loads

can't comment on the top zig diagram as I have components (charger, inverter) to do the same job - but I have one 3 pin sockets connected to the consumer unit that is live on hookup - the inverter gives me 240v all the time from the leisure battery but is limited to low power devices

the top zig diagram shows a consumer unit and plug socket connected which would be the same - in my link in an earlier post I've listed part numbers , prices and websites that I used

hope that helps

larry

 

[KTetley]

Im a complete electronics novice. I need to have a camping hook-up, sockets and leisure battery system fitted. Can anyone recommend a good installer near Bristol? Roughly what could i expect to pay?

Thanks

K