Zig unit/battery problems

[aliblue]

Hi. Just wondered if anyone could suggest a competent electrical person in or near Derbyshire /Leicestershire who would be able to sort out our ongoing problem with our zig unit(brand new 2years ago- used once and now not working at all) battery problems - drains when standing and won't start if left for three days or more. Fitted alarm not working. Everyone we have used blames the previous person. We just need a competent person who could resolve our electrical problems without us being ripped off any more. Thanks for listening
Alison

[Simon Jones]

What model Zig unit have you got? I've got the CF8 and the split charge is very crude. If you leave it set on the Touring mode it just connects the two batteries in parallel so the will both discharge together. You either need to switch it back to Site mode when you stop, or do as I have and leave it permanently like that and use a conventional split charge relay under the bonnet.

[aliblue]

Sorry. I have no idea. It won't even work now when plugged into the mains. Am not in anyway techie with motors - just need someone to sort it for us

[Simon Jones]

Hopefully someone can recommend a suitable person near you to take a look. A company that specialising in caravans or motorhomes might be your best option.

Ask them to download a manual for you and explain how you need to use it correctly as it could be as simple as not following the appropriate procedure with setting the switches. Mine is wired correctly, but by leaving the 12v circuit on (which could include the fridge) and the other switch to Touring, I could easily flatten both batteries in a few days.

[aliblue]

Thank you. It's just finding someone is the problem. It was all working fine until someone put in the alarm and clearly messed up. Nothing wrong with how we were using the zig. Then the garage who prepped it before we bought it told us the zig unit had gone and so we had to pay for a new one. After that it was ok. Nothing wrong with the manner in which we were using the zig operation but had to switch the fridge and everything off. Then the alarm stopped working. Then we had problem with over heating so a manual fan was fitted. All went downhill from there. Cannot charge the leisure battery or at least the zig is as dead as a dodo. Have no idea now what is causing what. Need a very competent auto electrician. The van is awesome apart from the electrics.

[briwy]

Have you checked the fuses in the Zig unit?
If you can get at the back of it see if there are any inline fuses as well. Some converters fit them where they can't easily be got at.
The fridge normally isn't powered by the Zig even though it may be connected to a terminal on it which is connected direct to the leisure battery. I fitted a switch in the wire to make sure that the fridge was turned off completely.